New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and one of the most culturally distinctive cities in the United States. Known for its music, cuisine, festivals, and French heritage, it sits near the mouth of the Mississippi River and plays a vital role in American history and culture.
Overview
- Population: ~375,000 (metro area over 1.2 million)
- Founded: 1718 by French colonists
- Nicknames: The Big Easy, NOLA, Crescent City
- Geography: Located in southeastern Louisiana near the Gulf of Mexico
Landmarks and Attractions
- French Quarter and Bourbon Street
- St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square
- Garden District
- National WWII Museum
- Mardi Gras World
- Preservation Hall
Culture and Identity
- World-famous for its jazz, blues, and brass band music
- Birthplace of Louis Armstrong and many musical legends
- Rich Creole and Cajun heritage
- Home to Mardi Gras, one of the largest and most colorful festivals in the world
- Famous for food: gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, beignets
Economy
- Tourism and hospitality
- Port of New Orleans – a key hub for global trade
- Oil, gas, and maritime industries
- Higher education and healthcare also contribute
Education and Research
- Home to Tulane University, Xavier University, and Loyola University New Orleans
- Active arts and humanities scene
Transportation
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Streetcars and buses (historic St. Charles Avenue line)
- Port and ferry systems
- Interstate highways connect to Gulf Coast and southern U.S.
Fun Facts
- Built mostly below sea level and protected by levees
- Home of the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world
- The first opera in America was performed in New Orleans in 1796