New Orleans Cotton Exchange

Established in 1871, the New Orleans Cotton Exchange was a pivotal institution in the cotton trade, centralizing operations in a city that handled one-third of U.S. cotton production. It introduced innovative practices like futures trading and telegraphic reporting, helping New Orleans regain its status as a leading global cotton market. The Exchange operated until 1964, with its final building becoming a National Historic Landmark. Today, the historic site is undergoing renovations for new retail and restaurant spaces, making it a point of interest for tourists and researchers alike.