LaLaurie mansion fire and Delphine LaLaurie's flight from New Orleans

Background. Delphine LaLaurie established a two-story mansion on Royal Street in 1832, which included attached slave quarters. Her marriage to LaLaurie showed signs of strain, leading to a petition for separation in November 1832. Despite these domestic issues, she maintained her position in New Orleans society until the fire occurred in April 1834.

Fire and Immediate Response. On April 10, 1834, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Royal Street mansion. Bystanders responding to the fire attempted to enter the slave quarters to ensure evacuation. One account states the house was burned by the mob in 1834, though the mob's role in the fire's origin is not specified in that account. The mansion remained in a ruined state for at least four years, as noted by Harriet Martineau's 1836 visit.

Post-Fire Status. LaLaurie was present at the Royal Street house on the day of the fire. Her life after the 1834 fire is not well documented. Funeral registers between 1830 and 1834 document the deaths of 12 slaves at the mansion, though causes are not mentioned. Accounts of her treatment of the people she owned between 1831 and 1834 vary.