Why We Love New Orleans
New Orleans is a great city, but as a local it’s easy to forget what makes this city so unique. We tried to capture a little bit of the city’s charm in the YouTube video. Find below a couple of reason why New Orleans is such a great city.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré (Old Square) was established by the French in 1718. The site was selected because the riverfront is relatively high compared to the low-lying swampland, and because of its proximity to Lake Pontchartrain.
The lake, via Bayou St. John, provided a safer shortcut than the Mississippi for shipping.
In the late 1700s, two major fires almost wiped out the French Quarter. The fires led officials to implement building codes that impacted the area. Baked tile and quarried slate replaced the roofs of cypress shingles. Creole cottage and townhouse styles were introduced to the area. Creole houses featured secluded courtyards in the back which can be found all over the French Quarter to this day.
In the late 18th century substantial buildings like the Cabildo, Presbytere and St. Louis Cathedral were erected.
Today, the Quarter has become a tourist attraction. Not only its history and unique architecture, but also the music, great drinks and fine dining make for an unforgettable experience…..not just for tourists.
St Louis Cathedral
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedrals in the United States. It is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. The city is instantly recognized by the cathedral and its position overlooking Jackson Square. It has been the city’s center of worship for more than 280 years.
For more information and Mass schedules visit: http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second largest river in the US. The brown muddy water separate the east bank from the west bank.
The French Quarter was built at a sharp bend in the Mississippi river, that’s why the city is also called the Crescent city. Ultimately the rest of the city followed that pattern. To this day, most of the streets follow the bend of the Mississippi river.
The river which begins in Minnesota flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Riverboats were developed to navigate its currents and at some point the Mississippi was the most important vein of transportation in North America. Today the port of New Orleans is one of the busiest in the nation.
The Streetcars
Streetcars in New Orleans have been an important part of the city’s public transportation network since the first half of the 19th century. The New Orleans streetcars are one of the first passenger railroads in the United States and one of the oldest continuously operating street railway in the entire world.
The oldest component of the New Orleans public transport system is the St Charles streetcar line which began in 1835 as a passenger railway between New Orleans and and a suburb called Carrollton. That suburb has since become part of the city.
Food
New Orleans is known for it’s great food. But do you remember when you had beignets and chicory coffee the last time? The area is famous for Cajun and Creole food. Among the most popular dishes are gumbo, shrimp and grits, Andouille sausage… there is really too much to name it here. For some great authentic Cajun Cuisine visit Mulate’s. Also keep in mind crawfish season is about to start!
