New Orleans History, Louisiana

New Orleans is a historical city of Louisiana. It was founded by the French as Nouvelle-Orléans in 1718. The city was named in honor of Philip II, Duke of Orléans. The history of New Orleans finds its traces in the French and Spanish Control. New Orleans has magnificent history, which makes it one of the most important cities in the Southern United States. The area of New Orleans was inhabited by the Native Americans a long time ago. French explorers and traders arrived in this region in 1690s.

Some of the traders made their settlements in the Native Americans village thatched huts. These were the earlier European Settlements in this area. The site was the ideal place for the trading routes and portage between a Lake and Mississippi. In 1722, a deadly hurricane struck the city and damaged it badly. The administrators of that time insisted on making the city on a grid pattern. This grid pattern can still be viewed in this city.

The population in the earlier days was based on deported slaves, gold-hunters and of undesirable character. In 1763, New Orleans came in the control of the Spanish Empire. The Spanish governor came in 1766 to take control of this area. The local settlers were hoping to restore New Orleans to French Control. The settlers of this area decided to exile the Spanish Governor.

A year later Spain took control of this area again and executed five top leaders. In the Spanish period huge fires burned the majority of the buildings in this city. The fire of 1788 burned more than 800 buildings on Good Friday. After the fires, the city was rebuilt in Spanish style. The 18th century architecture can still be seen in the French quarter of this city. The most impressive structures in New Orleans are St. Louis Cathedral, Presbytere and the Cabildo.

In 1800 France and Spain signed a secret treaty and stipulating Spain gave the control of Louisiana back to France. It was also decided that the area would be in Spain’s control until France decided to take over.

The city was the capital of Louisiana from 1865 to 1880.

In the 19th century, New Orleans became the commercial and economical center of the United States.  During World War II, Higgins boats were developed in New Orleans.

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