History And Culture Of New Orleans

New Orleans was founded in 1718 and grew into one of North America's most culturally layered cities, blending French, Spanish, African, and Creole roots along the Mississippi River. The French Quarter alone covers about 78 square blocks of that history. The Bayou Swamp Tours team put together this guide to the people, food, music, and events that shaped the city.

Table of Contents

Who Were the First Inhabitants of New Orleans?

The original inhabitants of New Orleans were a mixture of Canadian, Woodlands, and Mississippi cultures. The city of New Orleans was named the capital of Louisiana in 1722. The French colony took control of the city in 1723, transforming it into a vibrant hub of trading and commerce.

The signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 saw Spain taking control of the city. It is during Spain’s 37-year rule that the city saw massive growth in trade and culture. During this period, the Great Fires of New Orleans in 1788 devastated most of the French architecture.

It took over six years to rebuild, though shortly after another fire brought down a third of the city. The Spanish colony later relinquished Louisiana back to France. Then Napoleon sold the city to the United States in what was known as the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

How Did Hurricane Katrina Affect New Orleans?

Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst storms to hit New Orleans. It swept across the city, displacing and killing many people. The date August 29th, 2005, when the category 5 hurricane made landfall remains one of the darkest days for the city of New Orleans. According to the National Weather Service, storm surge reached more than 25 feet along parts of the Gulf Coast, and roughly 80 percent of New Orleans flooded after the levees failed.

What Food Is New Orleans Known For?

A common meal here is the Po’Boys sandwich which is made on a baguette-like French bread. The locals love it covered in vegetables and condiments.

Another popular food is red beans and rice. This dish was historically served on Mondays. In the past, Mondays were traditionally laundry day when women of the household would be preoccupied with washing. They preferred to cook rice and beans on this day because it required minimal preparation.

What Music and Dance Define New Orleans?

There is no better sound than New Orleans Jazz. The style is a bit faster than jazz found on the east coast. The earliest form of jazz was the Dixieland. It has since evolved into brass bands consisting of five to ten members that perform in the local streets and bars of New Orleans. The city is widely recognized as the birthplace of jazz around the turn of the 20th century.

What Architecture Is New Orleans Known For?

Creole Townhouses are a common architectural style found in the French Quarter. They are made of bricks and have two or three-story balconies. Many of these buildings were destroyed by the fires in the 1700s, however, were later rebuilt by the Spanish.

Shotgun Houses have an open concept with one room leading to other rooms without hallways. This style is great for hot climates because the space can be easily cooled down by opening both the front and back doors to allow a breeze through the entire house.

Who Are the People of New Orleans?

New Orleans has a rich and diverse culture consisting of people from all walks of life. Some of these cultures include the Creole people who speak both French and Spanish and the Cajuns who are of French Canadian origin.

To this day, New Orleans remains a place rich in culture and people who take pride in their city. Since the very first inhabitants, the people of New Orleans have continued to hold true to their traditions and remain strong when faced with challenges.

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Orleans?

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. January highs average about 62 degrees, while July highs climb to about 92 degrees with high humidity, according to the National Weather Service. The city drew roughly 18 million visitors in a recent year, per New Orleans & Company, so booking hotels and tours early pays off around festivals like Jazz Fest.

What Natural Areas Surround New Orleans?

The city sits amid Louisiana's roughly 3 million acres of coastal wetlands, about 40 percent of the continental U.S. total, according to the USGS. These bayous shelter alligators and around 400 bird species along the Mississippi Flyway, per Audubon. Seeing them up close is easy on an airboat tour with Bayou Swamp Tours, just 30 minutes from downtown.