1113 Chartres Street

The house was purchased in 1909 by the Giacona family. This family was headed by Corrado Giacona, but the house was in Pietro Giacona's name. The family ostensibly posed as wine importers when in fact they were running a wholesale (tax-free) liquor business out of the house on Chartres Street. They were making plenty of money and enjoying a lavish lifestyle. But one evening in 1909 their neighbors reported to the police that they had heard the sounds of an argument and, soon after, the sounds of gunshots. The police investigated and found the results of a killing spree. The story goes that a group, referred to as the Sicilian Black Hand, had been making threats to the Giacona family members, possibly stemming from a territorial dispute. Pietro Giacona had invited them to his house for a dinner party obstensibly to settle the dispute. The Black Hand wanted money for previous infringements and for further protection. Pietro balked at paying this extortion. Rather than capitulate, the Giacona's struck first, killing three and severely wounding the fourth guest. Corrado and Pietro were both arrested and indicted for murder but the charges were dropped (on May 10, 1920). After that incident, though the Giacona family turned the house into a virtual fortress, the Italian community felt more secure. It's said that many wanted to present Corrado and Pietro with medals in appreciation. Although they abandoned the house in the early 1920's, Corrado Giacona remained a powerful force in New Orleans crime until his death in 1944. After his death the power passed first to the Carollo family and then to Carlos Marcello.
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