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| City Guide - New Orleans - City Overview | ||
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City Overview 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 (eight-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'. New Orleans was founded in 1718, at the swampy foot of France's huge Louisiana territory, and named after the Duc d'Orleans. Despite hurricanes, mosquitoes, disease and floods, settlers came and the city prospered. In 1762, the territory was secretly ceded to Spain. France regained it in 1800, only to sell it to the United States three years later in the Louisiana Purchase. Drawn by the rich plantations and thriving port, the Americans came seeking their fortunes. During the nineteenth 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. Today, the Port of New Orleans, the second largest in the country, is the mainstay of the city's economy, along with the petrochemical and aerospace industries, and tourism. New Orleans, with its unique atmosphere, is one of the most popular US destinations, particularly during its magnificent Mardi Gras celebration in late February/March. Its oldest district, the French Quarter (Vieux Carré), has a wealth of architecture that portrays its colourful 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. The easiest way to get orientated in New Orleans is to divide it into two main sections, uptown and downtown, with Lee Circle as the boundary. Below Lee Circle are the French Quarter, Warehouse Arts District, Faubourg Marigny and the Central Business District (CBD). Above are Uptown, the Garden District and Audubon Park. When asking directions, river, not the compass, should be the guide. Locals seldom refer to north or east, but rather to uptown (upriver) or downtown (downriver), lakeside or riverside. New Orleans is also called 'The Big Easy', a clue to its laid-back, genial atmosphere. The subtropical weather is generally hot and humid from mid-March to October, although winter can be chilly and damp. The city can get a lot of rain, climaxing in intense summer afternoon thunderstorms. This is the time to indulge in New Orleans' famous gastronomy, with such local specialities as gumbo, crawfish, red beans and rice, oysters, or simply a beignet (square doughnuts sprinkled with powdered sugar) and a cup of strong chicory-flavoured coffee. 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. As they say in New Orleans, 'Laissez les bons temps rouler' - Let the good times roll! |
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