Algiers, Louisiana (Hayward)

Algiers, La., Orleans parish. On the right bank of the Mississippi River, opposite New Orleans. The river here is rather less than half a mile wide, and curves in such a manner that much the greatest force and rapidity of the current is thrown upon the New Orleans side. From this circumstance, as well as from the greater elevation of the ground on which Algiers is built, rendering it secure from the overflow of this river, even at the highest stages of the water, it has some natural advantages over New Orleans for commercial purposes. I n 1844, Thayer and Company commenced the erection of warehouses of the first class at this place, for the reception and transmission of merchandise, which now e£- tend about 2000 feet on the river, and are doing a heavy amount of business. Commodious wharves have been built, and floating docks for repairing vessels, and this port is now connected with the port of New Orleans as a port of entry and delivery. This place is rapidly building up, and is destined to become an important mart of commerce.  Among other establishments for manufacturing purposes is an extensive iron foundery, covering more than 300 square feet of ground. It is in contemplation by the government to establish a navy yard and a naval depot at Algiers. This is the southern terminus of the Opelousas Railroad, which extends through Attakappas to Opelousas. The favorable position of Algiers, in reference to this great line of internal communication, in connection with its fine facilities for navigation and commerce, on the Mississippi River, cannot fail of making it, at no distant day, one of the most prosperous and important places on the banks of the " Father of Waters."