James Pitot

Who was James Pitot?

James Pitot was the second Mayor of New Orleans.

Born Jacques-François Pitot in Normandy and educated in Paris, Pitot's family was of the nobility of France, and fled that nation for the New World with the French Revolution. At first he settled in Philadelphia, where he became a USA citizen. After his arrival in New Orleans in 1796 he prospered as a merchant and became a member of the city council.

After the resignation of Etienne de Boré, Pitot was appointed Mayor by Governor William C. C. Claiborne. He served as mayor from 2 June 1804 to 26 July 1805. During his administration the first city charter of New Orleans was enacted.

He later served as a judge. He was President of the New Orleans Navigation Company, which was granted the right to operate a toll canal extending from Bayou St. John into the Tremé neighborhood,terminating in the 'turning basin' which eventually gave its name to Basin Street. This route saved shippers many expensive days and risks of navigating the winding Mississippi River, in the days of sail. Pitot's home along Bayou St. John still stands, now a museum, the Pitot House.