Also referred to as Ville de L Nouvelle-Orleans, Orleans Parish and City of New Orleans, New Orleans has an aggregate area of 350.2 square miles. It has an estimated population of 343,829. Christianity is the major religion but Judaism is practiced as well. English and Spanish are the major languages. The median family income in New Orleans is approximately $35,878.
The French Mississippi Company founded New Orleans on 7th May 1718 under Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville's guidance. Chitmacha were the earlier inhabitants of the region. It was named after the then Regent of France and Duke of Orleans, Philippe d'Orleans. This French colony was surrendered to the Spanish as per Treaty of Paris of 1763. It served as a port for smuggling aid to rebels during the American Revolutionary War. It was sold to USA as per Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It was captured early on during the American Civil War by Union. The city was hit hard in 2005 by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and efforts to rebuild it are presently on.
Area & Location: New Orleans is a city in the U.S state of Louisiana. It was founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company. Named after Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, it is one of the oldest cities in the United States. In 1723, it became the third capital of French colonial Louisiana. In 1763, the French colony was ceded to the Spanish Empire and British tried to conquer it during the war of 1812, but were defeated by American forces. By 1840, the city became the wealthiest city in the nation and was ranked as the third most populous city in the state. Till 1960, the city was considered as the top fifteen largest cities in the U.S. But later, its position plunged to 35. Known as the "most unique city" in America, it is a major U.S. port city and the largest city in the state.
Tourist Attractions: The historical as well as recreational centers in the city attract tourists from the entire globe.
Transportation: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the main airport that serves the city. Lakefront Airport- a small, general aviation airport and New Orleans Downtown Heliport also serve the city. The New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, the main railroad provides access to the city. New Orleans Regional Transit Authority that provides bus service is the other public transportation in the city. Streetcars, light rail routes include the other transportation in the city. The intercity expressways, highways and bridges constitute the wide road network in the city.
Places of Interest: The city has many major tourist attractions. French Quarter with many popular hotels and bars, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market, New Orleans Mint-a museum, National D-Day Museum, Natchez -an authentic steamboat, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Audubon Park, the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas Saint Louis Cemetery, Metairie Cemetery, Longue Vue House and Gardens, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park -one of the largest oak trees in the world and Audubon Park are the interesting sites to be visited in the city. A ride on St. Charles Streetcar gives an excellent sightseeing opportunity.
Maps of New Orleans: New Orleans is situated in southeastern part of Louisiana beside Mississippi River.
Administrative Regions: The city council is at the top of New Orlean's administrative set up where the districts also play important roles.
Hotels: Apart from the top hotels at the Central Business District and French Quarter tourists to New Orleans can also head for guest houses and smaller hotels at Mid City and Marigny.
Travel: The cemeteries and distinctive architecture of New Orleans fill tourists with a sense of this city's historic importance.
Business and Economy: Tulane University and Ochsner Health System are major employers in New Orleans.
Education: The various schools and colleges at New Orleans are well supported by the libraries that assist students to build up their knowledge base.
Events and Festivals: Well known festivals like Mardi Gras and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival have put New Orleans on the world map.
History and Culture: New Orleans has a diverse culture made up of rich traditions in entertainment and performing arts and food and sports.
