However local pronunciation came to call it "Mill-en-burg" or "Mil-lan-burg" instead of "Miln-burg", and the name has often been seen in print misspelled Milenberg and variations.
In the early 19th century Milneburg was connected to the city of New Orleans, which was then limited to the riverfront area, by Elysian Fields Avenue.
A long pier was built into the shallows of the lake, with a portion of the rail line running atop it, enabling ocean-going ships to dock at Milneburg.
A series of "camps" (houses on piers in the shallows of the lake) were regularly rented out for parties, with fishing, picnics, and dancing to live bands.
Musician Sharkey Bonano grew up in Milneburg, and the area is commemorated in the New Orleans Rhythm Kings tune "Milenburg Joys" which has remained a jazz standard.