Watchman James Norton

James Norton

Watchman James Norton was assaulted and suffered a fatal stab wound as he and another watchman attempted to serve a warrant on a man at the Eclipse Racecourse in Carrollton.

He and another officer had gone to the racecourse, bounded by the modern-day Lowerline Street, Pine Street, and Levee Street, to arrest the man who had recently been released from jail. As the other officer arrested the man, a second subject struck Watchman Norton on the back of the head with a club. One of the men then stabbed Watchman Norton, killing him. The other officer was severely injured.

The man was arrested and charged with Watchman Norton's murder. He was convicted and sentenced to death in June 1841.

Watchman Norton served the First Municipality during the period when New Orleans was divided into three municipalities.