New Orleans is America’s most “European” city. Founded by the French, it was ruled by the Spaniards for several decades. The city of New Orleans boasts local Creole cuisine and national culture. Many houses in the Spanish and French styles create a unique charm.
History
New Orleans, due to its good location, quickly became a major trading center. The Mississippi River for several centuries has been an important traffic flow of the country. New Orleans Port is one of the largest in the United States. New Orleans is the first thing that black slaves brought from the African continent saw in the new country.
Most residents are descendants of Spanish and French settlers. But during its rapid growth New Orleans was overrun by Italians, Irish, Germans, Greeks. In the last century, thousands of immigrants from Haiti joined the population.
French and Spaniards
At the end of the XVII century, the first settlers appeared at the mouth of the Mississippi. The head of the French group, Robert Cavelier de la Salle, declared this territory the property of his country and named it Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV. The first French colony settled here at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, and the date of founding of New Orleans is recognized as the date of May 7, 1718. The founder of the city is Jean Battist Le Moines, a Canadian. The name New Orleans is given in honor of Philip II, Prince of Orleans - French regent.
The bulk of the first settlers were convicts sent to Louisiana for the development of new lands and not distinguished by high moral and moral qualities. In addition, for many years, the slave trade flourished here, but the blacks living in the city were mostly free.
The French were unhappy with the profits from these lands. In 1762, they transferred them to their ally in the war with England. The Spaniards owned Louisiana until 1800. Then again the French became the owners, and in 1803 they sold it to the United States for $ 15 million.
American New Orleans
In the middle of the XIX century, the city had a population of 100 thousand people and was one of the largest in the country. In the Civil War, Louisiana took the Confederate side, but a year later it already belonged to Lincoln supporters.
The beginning of the twentieth century was marked by the discovery of oil reserves, which together with the development of transport roads gave a new impetus to the rapid development of New Orleans.
By the end of the twentieth century, the city achieved great success in shipbuilding and the aerospace industry, and became a major tourist center.
Modern New Orleans
The spirit of France still hovers over the picturesque areas of the city. New Orleans today is called the "Paris of the New World." In the old part of the city many old buildings have been preserved. It is called the French Quarter. New Orleans is shrouded in legends and traditions, especially the Saint Louis Cemetery, which is an architectural monument. According to one of them, the Queen of the Voodoo tribe Marie Lavo is buried here, so it is strongly not recommended to walk on it alone.
New Orleans today has central Bourbon Street, located in the French Quarter. It houses the best restaurants and cafes, numerous shops and souvenir shops.
Of the modern buildings, the most famous is the 38.5 km long bridge across Lake Ponchartren. The new city also has something to see: a zoo, Audubon Park, the picturesque neighborhoods of Saint Charles and Wayhouse, business districts with unique glass buildings for offices. You can also visit the Museum of Art and the Museum of the State of Louisiana, where interesting exhibitions are always held.
sights
Each quarter of the city is a kind of island with a unique culture and the center of important historical monuments.
For example, Jackson Square. Next to it is the Cathedral of Saint-Louis - an impressive religious site in the original architectural style, with an interesting decor of the interior. Nearby is the French market, where you can buy anything. New Orleans attractions such as the Mint Museum and World War II Museum present interesting collections of artifacts.
Art lovers will be able to enjoy the works of young sculptors, artists, photographers in the Contemporary Center for the Arts.
The attractions of New Orleans, located in the town of Chalmitt, are also very interesting. Here, General Andrew Jackson fought for the city in 1815. In addition, many gardens and parks, nature reserves attract tourists.
Tests of New Orlan
Nature regularly tests the fortitude of the inhabitants of the city. In the 18th century, fires, in the 19th century, cholera, leprosy, smallpox and yellow fever, in the 20th century, hurricanes claimed many lives and caused serious damage. But what happened in 2005 brought immeasurably more grief to New Orleans. The flood as a result of the dam breaking due to Hurricane Katrina flooded the city, power supply and telephone communications were interrupted. Thousands of residents were evacuated to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.
The city was struggling with the effects of flooding and a devastating hurricane. The Americans helped rebuild buildings and infrastructure, and transfer funds, and directly working on sites. Thanks to the help of the country's population, the history of New Orleans continues, and the city can again appear in all its glory to tourists.
Interesting Facts
- Tram in New Orleans is the oldest in the country.
- City bars are open around the clock.
- New Orleans on the map is located in the bend of the Mississippi, so it received the nickname "City of the Crescent."
- Here was born the popular American actress Reese Witherspoon.
- New Orleans is Louis Armstrong's hometown. In the mid-twentieth century, the musician was elected king of Mardi Gras. And today, the international airport of the city is named after him.
Music in New Orleans
In the city of jazz, tunes flow always and everywhere. Earlier, music in New Orleans was very close to black and white. Different styles and trends are widespread here, including blues, come with a touch of French melodies.
Every spring in New Orleans, a jazz festival takes place that lasts several days and provides an opportunity for many musicians to perform from the stage. Since its founding (1970), this musical event has attracted thousands of music lovers.
You can learn about the history of jazz and listen to it in the National Park.
The famous parade attracts guests from all over the world to New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a grandiose spectacle that lasts two weeks and is the oldest tradition and hallmark of the city.
Carnival
Rather, it is a parade of decorated platforms on horse-drawn carts. Each element of this picturesque motorcade is dedicated to entertainment: cards, booze, women, etc. The parade looks very colorful, and the participants in the procession throw small trinkets into the jubilant crowd - such as beads, coins, plastic beads, soft toys, aluminum medallions with holiday symbols. These little things often become collectibles.
The participant's costume should include three colors: gold - a symbol of strength, red - a symbol of justice, green - a symbol of faith. These shades accompany the festival for over a hundred years.
Spectators, to receive a gift, attract the attention of the parade participants in all possible ways - they lift up their skirts, T-shirts, showing off their body. These days, New Orleans is called the city gone crazy - “Crazy Town”.
The final stage of the procession is the election of the royal couple of the carnival. The glee, backed by alcohol and universal access, reigns all evening and night. On other days, drinking alcohol and sexual activities are strictly punishable. But the parade has a friendly attitude, without obscenities and fights. Smoking, drinking and participating at night in the carnival is allowed from the age of 21. Therefore, young people are often asked to provide ID, especially in bars.
Cuisine, restaurants and cafes
New Orleans is a godsend for tourists with gastronomic addictions. More than a thousand cafes, restaurants and bars operate in the city. The most visited establishment is the GW Fins restaurant with seafood cuisine. The menu is updated daily and depends on the morning purchases made by the chef in the market. The specialties include crab fillet cutlets and oysters baked in the oven.
The Southern Candymakers Budget Restaurant is a family venue for children with a separate menu. The establishment is distinguished by the friendly staff and the most delicious pralines in the city.
For the organization of the celebration could not be better than the luxurious restaurant Commander's Palace, located in a beautiful palace. The main part of the menu is represented by dishes of national cuisine and exquisite delicacies.
A large assortment is offered to visitors by the Boucherie restaurant. Its menu includes meat dishes, traditional french fries, fresh sandwiches, as well as many desserts.
Italian restaurant Vincent's Italian Cuisine shocking its guests with a huge portion size, so it is appropriate to order one dish for two. Specialties include spaghetti with various sauces and crab soup.
Angelo Brocato Ice Cream is a colorful cafe for ice cream and pastry lovers. A delicious Italian dessert for every taste is able to satisfy the most demanding sweet tooth. A cozy cafe attracts guests with fresh buns and croissants, refreshing fruit ice, and ice cream with various fillings.
Travel Tips
- Tourists are recommended to walk, as tourist sites are located within walking distance from one another. The quality of the roads is not always perfect, so it is better to refuse heels.
- A local tram will help time limited travelers see the sights and the most significant streets of the city. The trip will cost $ 1.3.
- In addition to the tram, inexpensive transport is an almost round-the-clock bus. On weekends, he walks a little less. Tickets are purchased from the driver or at kiosks.
- In the rental center you can rent a car, the cost of which depends on the brand. For registration you will need a passport, international law, a credit card with the amount of the required deposit.
- Tourists should not forget about caution. In the evening, you can only walk along the main streets of the city. In remote areas it is better to wander along with a guide. Large cash and valuables should not be taken with you for a walk without special need.
- All payments are made by credit card, it is accepted by all shopping centers, supermarkets, boutiques, hotels, large restaurants and gas stations. Cash will be needed for those who intend to visit the markets, small shops on the outskirts and budget restaurants.
- Car enthusiasts in the daytime are likely to get stuck in traffic. It is better to use a tram or ferry that runs every 15 minutes.
- The most profitable way to pay for services and purchases is the national currency, which can be exchanged at any banks or private exchange points. When making a transaction, you need to clarify the exchange rate and the amount of the commission charged. At different exchange points, it can vary greatly.