In the early 20th century, weary New Orleanians sought refuge from the city's sweltering summers and health epidemics by crossing Lake Pontchartrain to Mandeville. This lakeside haven, with its sandy beaches and cool breezes, became the lungs of New Orleans—a paradise for those seeking relief from respiratory ailments. Advertisements from the era touted Mandeville as a place where one could escape "Bronze John"—the dreaded yellow fever—and other maladies plaguing New Orleans.
By the Roaring ‘20s, Mandeville had earned its reputation as the center of the “Ozone Belt”—a resort town rich in ozone, a compound believed to contain extraordinary health benefits. The true benefactors were actually the pine trees. The same longleaf pines used in the construction of New Orleans’ homes also released "terpene" gas (what we now know as pine fragrance). These aromatic hydrocarbons transformed Mandeville into a place where you could breathe freely, find respite, and experience a less-stressed life. The combination of the crisp lake breezes and pine-scented air created an environment that felt almost magical, drawing thousands seeking both relaxation and recovery.
We are not the first to call Mandeville home. Archaeological evidence indicates that Native Americans inhabited the Northshore region, including what is now Mandeville, for at least 5,000 to 6,000 years, predating European settlement. In fact, because of the 1543 Spanish expeditions, the Tchefuncte River appears on the earliest maps of North America—long before New Orleans was established in 1718. One map from 1786 rightly described the lakefront as “A Bold Shore.”
A turning point came in 1834 when Mandeville's charm was meticulously crafted by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, who founded the town as a resort destination. By the late 19th century, Mandeville had blossomed into a retreat for those seeking relief from urban life. A three-hour steamboat ride ferried visitors across the lake, where they indulged in swimming, boating, and leisurely strolls under the shade of ancient oaks. The town's design, with its wide streets and public spaces, encouraged outdoor activities. Almost overnight, Mandeville became a highly-coveted community of quaint neighborhoods.
Fast forward to today, and Mandeville continues to be a beacon of wellness. The historic lakefront remains a gathering place where families picnic, joggers tread the paved paths, and children play beneath the Spanish moss that hangs like beards from wise, whispering oaks. The Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rails-to-trails path, invites cyclists and walkers to explore the scenic Northshore, as do local businesses that offer a plethora of activities, from yoga to kayaking to pickleball. Farmers' markets provide fresh, locally sourced produce, and the city's parks and recreational facilities continue to draw those seeking a laissez-faire lifestyle.
As you stroll along the lakefront today, it’s easy to lose sight of the rich history that shaped Mandeville into the miracle it is—a sanctuary for the soul and the sole. However, in order to know where we’re going, we must remember where we came from.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and step into the promise of a new year, take a moment to celebrate our “Bold Shore,” our cherished slice of paradise. Let’s make 2025 our boldest year yet, ensuring that our own Roaring ’20s are every bit as daring and transformative as the spirit that first made Mandeville so extraordinary.
"In order to know where we’re going, we must remember where we came from."