New Orleans is America's most "European" city. Founded by the French, it was ruled by the Spanish for several decades. The city of New Orleans boasts local Creole cuisine and national culture. Many houses in Spanish and French styles create a unique charm.
History
New Orleans, due to its favorable location, quickly became a major center of trade. The Mississippi River has been an important transportation stream for the country for several centuries. The port of New Orleans 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 of the city's residents are descendants of Spanish and French settlers. But during its rapid growth, New Orleans was flooded with Italians, Irish, Germans, Greeks. In the last century, the population was replenished by thousands of immigrants from Haiti.
French and Spaniards
At the end of the 17th century, the first settlers appeared at the mouth of the Mississippi. Robert Cavelier de la Salle, who led the French group, announced thisThe territory was 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 the founding of New Orleans is May 7, 1718. The founder of the city is Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, a Canadian. The name New Orleans is given in honor of Philip II, Prince of Orleans - the French regent.
The main part of the first settlers were convicts exiled to Louisiana to develop new lands and did not differ in high moral and moral qualities. In addition, the slave trade flourished here for many years, but the blacks living in the city were mostly free.
The French were dissatisfied with the profits from these lands. In 1762, they handed them over to their ally in the war with England. The Spanish held Louisiana until 1800. Then the French became the owners again, 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 side of the Confederates, but a year later it already belonged to the supporters of Lincoln.
The beginning of the 20th 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 20th 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 picturesque areascities. New Orleans is today called the "Paris of the New World". In the old part of the city, many old buildings have been preserved. It was called the "French Quarter". New Orleans is shrouded in legends and traditions, especially the St. Louis Cemetery, which is an architectural monument. According to one of them, the queen of the Voodoo tribe Marie Laveau is buried here, so it is strongly not recommended to walk along it alone.
New Orleans today has a central Bourbon Street located in the French Quarter. It has the best restaurants and cafes, numerous shops and souvenir shops.
Of the modern buildings, the most famous is the 38.5 km long bridge over Lake Pontchartrain. The new city also has something to see: the zoo, Audubon Park, the Picturesque quarters of St. Charles and Warehouse, business districts with unique glass buildings for offices. You can also visit the Museum of Art and the Louisiana State Museum, where interesting exhibitions are always held.
Attractions
Each quarter of the city is a kind of island with a unique culture and the focus of important historical monuments.
For example, Jackson Square. Next to it is the Saint-Louis Cathedral - an impressive religious object in the original architectural style, with an interesting interior decor. Nearby is the French market, where you can buy anything you want. New Orleans landmarks such as the Mint Museum and the Museum of the Secondworld war will present interesting collections of artifacts.
Art connoisseurs will be able to enjoy the works of young sculptors, artists, photographers at the Contemporary Art Center.
Sights of New Orleans, located in the town of Chalmitte, are also very interesting. Here General Andrew Jackson fought for the city in 1815. In addition, many gardens and parks, nature reserves attract tourists.
Trials of Novy Orlan
Nature regularly tests the strength of the spirit 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. Flooding as a result of a dam break due to Hurricane Katrina flooded the city, power supply and telephone communications were disrupted. Residents were evacuated by the thousands to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.
The city was hard hit by the consequences of the flood and the devastating hurricane. The Americans helped restore buildings and infrastructure by transferring funds and directly working on the sites. Thanks to the help of the people of the country, the history of New Orleans continues, and the city can once again appear in all its glory to tourists.
Interesting facts
- The New Orleans streetcar is the oldest in the country.
- The city's bars are open 24/7.
- New Orleans on the map is located in the bend of the Mississippi,hence the nickname "Crescent City".
- The popular American actress Reese Witherspoon was born here.
- New Orleans is the hometown of Louis Armstrong. In the middle of the twentieth century, the musician was elected king of Mardi Gras. Today, the city's international airport is named after him.
Music in New Orleans
In the city of jazz, melodies flow always and everywhere. In the past, music in New Orleans brought whites and blacks very close together. Different styles and directions are widespread here, including blues, zydeco with a touch of French melodies.
Every spring, New Orleans hosts a multi-day Jazz Festival that provides the opportunity for numerous musicians to perform on stage. Since its inception (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 draws visitors 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
It's more like a parade of decorated platforms on horse-drawn carts. Each element of this picturesque procession is devoted to entertainment: cards, booze, women, etc. The parade looks very colorful, and the procession participants throw small trinkets into the jubilant crowd of spectators - such as beads, coins, plastic rosaries, soft toys, aluminum medallions with holiday symbols. These little things are oftenbecome collectibles.
The participant's costume must include three colors: gold - a symbol of strength, red - a symbol of justice, green - a symbol of faith. These shades have accompanied the festival for more than a hundred years.
Spectators, in order to receive a gift, attract the attention of the parade participants in all possible ways - lift up skirts, T-shirts, showing off their bodies. 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. Rejoicing, reinforced by alcohol and universal accessibility, reigns all evening and night. On other days, drinking alcohol and sexual activities are strictly punishable. But a friendly attitude reigns at the parade, 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 show ID, especially in bars.
Kitchen, restaurants and cafes
New Orleans is a godsend for tourists with gastronomic passions. More than a thousand cafes, restaurants and bars operate in the city. The most visited restaurant is the GW Fins restaurant with seafood cuisine. The menu changes daily and depends on the morning shopping done by the chef at the market. Speci alties include oven-baked crab fillet and oyster cutlets.
Families with children gather at the budget restaurant Southern Candymakers, for whom a separate menu has been created. The institution is distinguished by the friendliness of the staff and the mostdelicious pralines in town.
There is no better place to organize a celebration than the luxurious Commander's Palace restaurant, located in a beautiful palace. The main part of the menu is represented by national cuisine and gourmet delicacies.
The Boucherie restaurant offers a large assortment to visitors. Its menu includes meat dishes, traditional French fries, fresh sandwiches, as well as many desserts.
Vincent's Italian Cuisine surprises its guests with huge portion sizes, so it's appropriate to order one dish for two. The signature treat is 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. The cozy cafe attracts guests with fresh buns and croissants, refreshing popsicles, ice cream with various toppings.
Tourist Tips
- Tourists are advised to travel on foot, as tourist sites are located within walking distance from one another. The quality of the roads is not always ideal, so it is better to refuse heels.
- The local tram will help travelers with limited time to see the sights and the most significant streets of the city. The trip will cost $1.3.
- Besides the tram, an almost round-the-clock bus is an inexpensive means of transport. On weekends, he goes a little less often. Tickets are purchased from the driveror in kiosks.
- At the rental center you can rent a car, the cost of which depends on the brand. For registration, you will need a passport, international driving license, a credit card with the amount of the required deposit.
- Tourists should not forget to be careful. In the evening, you can only walk along the central streets of the city. It is better to wander into remote areas accompanied by 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. Those who intend to visit markets, small shops on the outskirts and budget restaurants will need cash.
- Motorists in the daytime are likely to get stuck in traffic. It is better to use the tram or ferry that runs every 15 minutes.
