With such a rich and diverse culture, New Orleans has a large amount of history that made the city what it is today. Founded on French terms and diving deep into the French culture is what New Orleans is primarily known for, however New Orleans has an extensive history outside of its French heritage. Understanding a few historical facts will help you understand and appreciate the unique city of New Orleans.
Named After a French Ruler
New Orleans is famously known for its heavy French and Creole culture and cuisine. Named after the French ruler, the Duke of Orléans, is one of the main reasons why New Orleans adapted this culture. The Duke of Orléans ruled as Regent from 1715 to 1723 on behalf of Louis XV. Thanks to governor Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, in 1717 he decided to name the now land of New Orleans after the noble Duke.
The Civil War
In May of 1862, Confederate New Orleans was captured by Union troops. After the conclusion of the Civil War, the Reconstruction era evolved and focused on establishing civil rights for emancipated slaves. White supremacy eventually regained control leading to racial subjugation and segregation for more than a century. In 1896, a case called Plessy versus Ferguson was derived from a local New Orleans’ case and led to a legal sanction in the Supreme Court with policies regarding separate but equal rights.
Hurricane Katrina
Landing to the east of New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina was a category 5 hurricane that wreaked havoc in August of 2005. With more than 1,800 deaths and more than $125 billion in damages, the city of New Orleans never fully recovered from that devastating storm. However, the recovery efforts and comeback of New Orleans was no small feat. The flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina caused levees to fail and 80% of the city to parish. With the lack of response from government agencies during this difficult time, the failures of response lead to a series of reforms and improved efforts of preparedness for future storms.
The city of New Orleans is one of the most historical places in the United States. Like many historical places, people of New Orleans treasure their past but are focused on their present and future. New Orleans is a fascinating city waiting for you to stop by. New Orleans houses for sale are also plentiful if you are looking to make this a more permanent visit.