Martin Behrman

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Martin Behrman (14 October 1864–12 January 1926), an American Democratic politician, was the longest-serving mayor in New Orleans history.

Martin Behrman was born in New York City. His parents brought him to New Orleans as an infant. He lived most of his life in the Algiers neighborhood, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. As a young man he became affiliated with the Regular Democratic Organization, a powerful political faction in New Orleans, during the 1888 campaign of Francis T. Nicholls for governor of Louisiana.^[1] Behrman served as a delegate to the Louisiana state constitutional convention in 1898.^[2]

Behrman eventually served as mayor for just under 17 years, first from 1904 to 1920. After four consecutive terms he was defeated by reform candidate Andrew J. McShane. Behrman ran again in 1925 and won, serving from 1925 to 1926. He died in New Orleans less than a year into his fifth term.^[3]

Contents 1 Books by or about Martin Behrman 2 Quotes 3 Places/things named after Martin Behrman 4 Notes

[edit] Books by or about Martin Behrman

• Behrman, Martin (1977). Martin Behrman of New Orleans: memoirs of a city boss. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press. LCCN 77006781.

• Kendall, John Smith (1922). “Chapter XXXV, Sixteen Years of Martin Behrman”, History of New Orleans. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company. LCCN 22022725.

• Reynolds, George M. (George Millar) (1936). Machine politics in New Orleans, 1897-1926: Studies in history, economics, and public law, no. 421. New York: AMS Press. LCCN 37016676.

[edit] Quotes

• "You can make it illegal, but you can't make it unpopular." (referring to the closing of the Storyville district)

[edit] Places/things named after Martin Behrman

• Behrman Avenue, New Orleans
• Behrman Highway, New Orleans
• Behrman Memorial Park, including Behrman Gym & Stadium, 2529 General Meyer Avenue, New Orleans^[4]
• Behrman neighborhood in Algiers^[1]
• Martin Behrman Avenue, Metairie, Louisiana
• Martin Behrman Sr. High School, later Martin Behrman Middle School, later Martin Behrman Elementary School; 715 Opelousas Avenue, New Orleans^[5]
• SS Martin Behrman, a World War II Liberty ship

[edit] Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} Behrman Neighborhood. Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. Retrieved on 2006-03-05.
2. ^ Index to Politicians: Beetie to Belch. The Political Graveyard. Retrieved on 2006-03-05.
3. ^ Mayor Martin Behrman Records. City Archives, New Orleans Public Library. Retrieved on 2006-03-05.
4. ^ New Orleans Parks and Squares. City Archives, New Orleans Public Library. Retrieved on 2006-03-05.
5. ^ Our Schools. Algiers Charter Schools Association. Retrieved on 2006-03-05.

Preceded by Paul Capdevielle	Mayor of New Orleans 1904–1920	Succeeded by Andrew J. McShane
Preceded by Andrew J. McShane	Mayor of New Orleans 1925–1926	Succeeded by Arthur J. O'Keefe