New Orleans History
Enthralling, captivating and always a good time, that’s New Orleans through the ages
If New Orleans history was translated to the silver screen, it would be a blockbuster – a story dripping with drama, romance, piracy, intrigue, tragedy, and inspiration.
Volleyed between the French and the Spanish from the late 17th century until the United States bought Louisiana for pennies an acre in 1803, New Orleans is forever shaped by its European heritage. The city’s broad timeline offers a portal into what we see, taste, hear and experience in 21st century New Orleans.
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New Orleans History by Period
No other city in America keeps its history as vital or as accessible as New Orleans. Entire neighborhoods, whole buildings, cemetery crypts, manhole covers, cobblestone streets and ancient oaks serve as…
History Museums
Stories of slaves and free people of color, of the Irish and Italians who immigrated to New Orleans, of battles won and lost and sacrifices that secured America’s freedom on the world stage are around a…
Multicultural History
Tennessee Williams said, “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. All the rest are Cleveland.” New Orleans culture is unlike any other.
Mardi Gras History and Traditions
Mardi Gras is so much more fun when you understand what it is you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on these parade routes…
Music History and Traditions
The New Orleans soundtrack is the product of many: Africa, Sicily, Ireland, Germany, Mexico & Central America. Click here to learn about the history of music in New Orleans.
New Orleans People & Culture
A city in a class of its own, New Orleans offers endless opportunities for fun and entertainment…
America's First City of Opera
“Sylvain" was the city’s first opera performance, and New Orleans still has an…
Historic Buildings & Homes
Step over a threshold to the past when you visit one of the many historic New Orleans homes open to…
Famous New Orleans Restaurants
New Orleans, a world class dining destination, is home to many legendary eating establishments.
Historic Bars
Discover the bars celebrated for centuries for their locale, rich histories, trademark drinks and…
History & Heritage Tours
New Orleans is a gumbo of historic influences, a spicy mash up of cultures that range from Native…
Genealogical Research
For more than 300 years, immigrants from all over the world have been putting down roots in New…
History Of Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, one of the world’s most catastrophic storms stuck New Orleans, changing the…