Victor H. Schiro: The Mayor Who Led New Orleans Through Transition
Victor Hugo "Vic" Schiro served as the 55th Mayor of New Orleans from 1961 to 1970, a decade defined by profound social upheaval and rapid urban growth. A man of diverse early experiences—ranging from working as a movie extra to managing a gold mine—Schiro brought a pragmatic, if complicated, approach to the leadership of the Crescent City during the height of the American Civil Rights movement.
Before ascending to the mayor's office, Schiro established himself as a civic leader and businessman in the insurance industry. His political rise began in 1950 when he was elected commissioner of public buildings and parks, followed by a role as councilman-at-large under the city's 1954 charter. He first became mayor in 1961 as an interim appointment following the resignation of DeLesseps Story Morrison, who left to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Tenure: Served as Mayor of New Orleans from July 17, 1961, to May 2, 1970.
- Political Affiliation: Democratic Party.
- Major Infrastructure: Oversaw the widening of Poydras Street and the development of Algiers and New Orleans East.
- Sports Legacy: Instrumental in bringing the New Orleans Saints to the city and planning the Louisiana Superdome.
- Crisis Management: Led the city through the devastation of Hurricane Betsy in 1965.
- Posthumous Honor: Inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in 2001.
Navigating the Civil Rights Era
Schiro's mayoralty was marked by the tension between his personal beliefs and the shifting social landscape of the 1960s. An avowed segregationist (a proponent of racial separation), Schiro won the 1962 primary by emphasizing these credentials. However, he quickly realized that total segregation was unsustainable for the city's business climate.
While he maintained an "open door" policy at City Hall for civil rights leaders, his actions were often contradictory. He ensured the peaceful integration of schools in 1961 using police and U.S. Marshals, yet he closed public swimming pools to avoid desegregating them and ordered the arrest of civil rights leader Reverend A. L. Davis during a meeting attempt.
Urban Development and Economic Growth
Governing with the philosophy that "if it’s good for New Orleans, I’m for it," Schiro focused heavily on modernization and urban planning. He established the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) and the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission to better manage federal assistance.
His administration saw significant expansion in the Algiers and New Orleans East districts, including the construction of new roads, fire stations, and regional libraries. Additionally, the reopening of the Michoud Assembly Facility for NASA's Saturn V and Saturn IB rockets brought a surge of high-skilled jobs to the region, though these declined as Apollo program funding waned.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Crisis and Legacy
One of the most defining moments of Schiro's career was Hurricane Betsy in 1965. The storm caused catastrophic flooding in the Lower Ninth Ward and New Orleans East. Schiro is remembered for his blunt communication style during the crisis and his successful effort to secure a $5,000 loan forgiveness package for victims from the U.S. Congress.
In the realm of sports and culture, Schiro's legacy is tied to the acquisition of the New Orleans Saints professional football team and the initial planning for the Louisiana Superdome, achievements supported by local businessmen and a powerful congressional delegation.
Schiro's final act in office was controversial: the reinstallation of the Battle of Liberty Place Monument. The monument celebrated the return of "white supremacy in the South," a move seen by many as a symbolic gesture against the rising political power of the Black community just before he left office in 1970.
Summary of Victor H. Schiro's Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | May 6, 1904 (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Died | August 29, 1992 (New Orleans, Louisiana) |
| Mayoral Terms | 1961–1970 (Interim and two full terms) |
| Military Service | United States Coast Guard (World War II) |
| Profession | Insurance Agency Owner |
| Successor | Moon Landrieu |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Victor Schiro handle school integration?
Unlike the turmoil of previous years, the opening of integrated schools in the fall of 1961 was peaceful under Schiro, as he utilized the New Orleans Police Department and U.S. Marshals to prevent disturbances.
What was Schiro's role in the arrival of the New Orleans Saints?
Mayor Schiro, alongside Governor John McKeithen and support from the Louisiana congressional delegation, was instrumental in the quest to bring the professional football team to New Orleans.
How did Hurricane Betsy affect Schiro's political career?
The hurricane hit during his 1965 re-election campaign. Despite accusations of politicizing the disaster, Schiro won re-election, notably seeing his share of the African American vote increase to 40 percent.
Why was Schiro unable to run for a third term as mayor?
He was ineligible for a third term due to a clause in the 1954 city charter that limited mayors to two consecutive elected terms.
What was the significance of the Battle of Liberty Place Monument?
Reinstalled by Schiro at the end of his tenure, the monument honored a failed coup by the White League and celebrated "white supremacy," which many viewed as a symbolic reassertion of white authority.