At the time, Canal Street was the dividing line between the French Quarter's Creoles and the Anglo-Americans on the CBD (Central Business District)/ Uptown Side.

The path was home to some of the most famous fencing instructors, such as Don Jose "Pepe Lulla, Armant Robert Severin, and Basile Croquere.

[6] Young wealthy Creole men would gather to exchange Passage to study under the masters who worked along and near the street.

Commerce along the Exchange had diminished due to the restrictions placed during the Civil War and the fall of the slave-based economy previously established in the South.

The Exchange Alley's neutral ground began to shift as power in New Orleans transferred from Creole to American.

[7][8] In 1910, the Louisiana Supreme Court Building was built on top of Exchange Alley's block, extending to Conti Street.

Some notable occupants along the Exchange Place include Longshoremen's Hall and the Sheet Metal Workers Union.

The street is also home to convenient and souvenir stores like Walgreens, Logo Gift Shop, and Infrared Sauna Wholesaler.