New Orleans

by The Linguist

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana with an estimated population of 390,144 as of 2019 according to Wikipedia. Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” New Orleans is known for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture, multicultural heritage, and famous cuisine. Music and festivities are an integral part of the city’s culture.

History

New Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French as Nouvelle-Orléans, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The city was named after Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who was regent at the time. New Orleans was ceded to the Spanish Empire in the 1763 Treaty of Fontainebleau and remained under Spanish control for 40 years.

In the late 18th century, New Orleans was the largest port in the South and exported more goods than any other city in the United States. It was the capital of Spanish Louisiana between 1762 and 1803. The city then briefly returned to French control before being sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

New Orleans grew rapidly in the early 19th century as waves of Americans migrated to the city. Its population doubled in the 1830s. However, the city was devastated by epidemics of yellow fever and malaria in the late 1840s, causing population growth to stall. Freed slaves and immigrants from Germany and Ireland contributed to a population boom after the American Civil War.

In the early 20th century, New Orleans had a major impact on music with the development of jazz. The city faced another yellow fever epidemic in 1905, but recovered after widespread sanitation improvements. Unfortunately, New Orleans was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and is still rebuilding nearly two decades later. Tourism is a major part of the local economy.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, New Orleans had a population of 384,320 making it the most populous city in Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area, encompassing several parishes, had an estimated population of 1,270,530. The racial makeup of the city is roughly 60% African American, 33% White, 4% Hispanic/Latino, and 3% Asian.

Attractions and Landmarks

New Orleans is world-famous for its food, music, architecture, and festivals. Some of the top attractions include:

  • French Quarter – This historic neighborhood known for Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, street music, and Creole architecture.
  • Audubon Aquarium of the Americas – A large aquarium with exhibits showcasing marine life from the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, and the Caribbean.
  • Swamp Tours – Boat tours of the nearby bayous and wetlands where visitors can see wildlife like alligators up close.
  • Mardi Gras World – Get a behind-the-scenes look at floats and festivities for the legendary Mardi Gras celebration.
  • National WWII Museum – Immersive exhibits exploring all aspects of World War II with a focus on the American experience.
  • Preservation Hall – Legendary jazz venue in the French Quarter that hosts intimate nightly concerts.

Other landmarks and historic sites include the St. Louis Cathedral overlooking Jackson Square, the old Ursuline Convent, the Pitot House, and the New Orleans Mint built in 1835.

GPS Coordinates for Landmarks

Here are the GPS coordinates for 3 famous landmarks in New Orleans:

  • Jackson Square – 29.957115, -90.063576
  • Cafe Du Monde – 29.958514, -90.065101
  • St. Louis Cathedral – 29.958056, -90.063334

Economy and Major Employers

The economy of New Orleans revolves heavily around tourism, oil/gas, shipping, manufacturing, and healthcare. Many major companies are headquartered in the city or metro area including:

  • Entergy (Electric Utility) – 639 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, (504) 576-4000
  • Huntsman Corporation (Chemical Manufacturing) – 10003 Woodloch Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380, (281) 719-6000
  • IBERIABANK (Regional Bank) – 200 West Congress St, Lafayette, LA 70501, (337) 521-4700
  • Lockheed Martin (Aerospace and Defense) – 6801 Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817, (301) 897-6000
  • Tuboscope (Steel Pipe Manufacturer) – 2703 E Pont Des Mouton Rd, Lafayette, LA 70507, (337) 837-9600

The Port of New Orleans is one of the largest ports in the US and a major driver for the local economy. Tourism employs over 80,000 people in the metro area. Leading private employers include Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, Delgado Community College, and Hancock Whitney Bank according to the New Orleans Business Alliance.

Transportation

New Orleans is served by Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located in the suburb of Kenner. MSY offers nonstop flights to destinations across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. Major airlines operating out of the airport include Southwest, Delta, United, American, and Spirit.

Public transportation in New Orleans is operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Services include buses, streetcars, and ferries. The historic St. Charles Streetcar line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar system in the world according to the RTA website. There are plans to expand the city’s streetcar network over the next decade.

Education

Public education in New Orleans falls under the jurisdiction of the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) and the Recovery School District (RSD). Notable K-12 schools include Benjamin Franklin High School, Lusher Charter School, and McDonogh 35 High School. The metro area is also home to over 100 private and parochial schools.

The city has several renowned institutes of higher education including:

Local Government

New Orleans is an independent city that is not part of any county or parish. However, it remains the seat of Orleans Parish. The main address for Orleans Parish government offices is:

Orleans Parish
City Hall – Room 9E06
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone: (504) 658-1010

The city government is currently led by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, with the New Orleans City Council functioning as the legislative branch. The city is divided into five municipal council districts, each represented by a councilmember.

Culture and Events

New Orleans is renowned for its multicultural heritage, cuisine, music, architecture, and nightlife. Festivals and events are an integral part of the city’s identity and draw millions of visitors each year. Major cultural events include:

  • Mardi Gras – Carnival season kicks off in January and culminates with massive parades and celebrations on Fat Tuesday.
  • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – This world-famous music festival showcases jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, and more.
  • French Quarter Festival – Free music festival in April that celebrates local food, culture, and entertainment.
  • Satchmo SummerFest – August festival in honor of Louis Armstrong with jazz, food, and second line parades.
  • Halloween in New Orleans – Festivities include costume parties, haunted houses, ghost tours, and parades.

Year-round attractions include live music at venues like Tipitina’s and the Maple Leaf Bar, restaurants serving Creole cuisine, and historic architecture in places like the Garden District.

Sports

New Orleans is home to several professional and collegiate athletic teams. The NFL’s New Orleans Saints have played at the Caesars Superdome since 1975 and won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans also play at the Smoothie King Center.

For college sports, the Tulane Green Wave compete in NCAA Division I as a member of the American Athletic Conference. The Xavier Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets represent Xavier University of Louisiana in NAIA competition.

Media

Major newspapers in New Orleans include The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate. Local television stations include WWL, WVUE, WDSU, and WGNO. Popular radio stations range from news/talk formats to R&B, jazz, blues, and gospel.

Be sure to follow the City of New Orleans Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfNOLA and Mayor Cantrell at facebook.com/MayorCantrell to keep up with local news and events.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources if you’re planning a trip or relocating to New Orleans: