New Orleans is the jewel of the southern US state of
Louisiana, sparkling just above the mouth of the mighty
Mississippi River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico.
The heart of the city lies between the river and
Lake Pontchartrain and, from this approximately 13km (8-mile) core, the suburbs of Greater New Orleans spread out into the surrounding expanse of
drained swampland.
The river’s shape, as it curves around the central district, gave rise to the city’s nickname, ‘Crescent City’, although, New Orleans is more likely to be known
as the
‘Big Easy’, a clue to the city’s
laid-back and genial
atmosphere.
The
subtropical weather is generally
hot and
humid from mid March to October,
with summer bringing intense afternoon thunderstorms, although winter can be
chilly and
damp.
On 29 August 2005,
Hurricane Katrina came roaring through the Crescent City, with devastating flooding the result. Though tourist areas like the
French Quarter remain i
ntact, some mimes, musicians, jugglers and other
street performers (those that lent so much charm to the area)
have not returned. The lovely Garden District has recovered nicely, but signs of destruction remain visible in many other areas and the healing process is very, very slow. In conversations heard around town, terms like ‘pre-K’ and ‘post-K’ have become part of the vernacular.
New Orleans was founded in 1718, at the swampy foot of France’s huge
Louisiana territory, and named after the
Duc d’Orléans. Despite hurricanes, mosquitoes, disease and floods, settlers came and the city prospered. In 1762, the territory was secretly ceded to Spain.
Drawn by the
rich plantations and
thriving port, the Americans came seeking their fortunes. During the 19th century, New Orleans boomed with trade from the
cotton and
sugar plantations and, by 1860, was the
wealthiest city in the country. After the Civil War (1861-65), the region’s slave-based agricultural economy declined.
New Orleans, with its
unique atmosphere, is one of the most popular US destinations, particularly during its magnificent
Mardi Gras celebration in late February or early March.
The mixing of French, Spanish, African and American cultures over the centuries has created a unique environment, blending the genteel elegance of the colonial
Creoles, the music and cuisine of the peasant
Cajuns, the exuberance of Mardi Gras, a touch of
voodoo and a big dollop of
Dixieland jazz.
The
timelessness of New Orleans can be heard in the clattering of the
streetcars, the distant
whistles of the
riverboats, a
busker playing a
saxophone or the soft sounds of
jazz through an open window.
Its oldest district, the
French Quarter (Vieux Carré), has a
wealth of architecture that portrays its
colorful history. Most of the original buildings were destroyed in the fire of 1788 and the graceful houses with ornate
wrought-iron balconies are actually Spanish in style. In fact, New Orleans has
17 National Historic Districts, with more than
35,000 listed buildings.
Music and the city’s famous
gastronomy attract visitors from all over the world. Many venues have reopened and most have returned to regular operating hours. As they say in New Orleans, ‘Laissez les bons temps rouler’ -
let the good times roll!
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related New Orleans Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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