Off to New Orleans
I'm off to New Orleans today for another conference. Back on Wednesday. This will be my first time to The Crescent City.
Setting aside its well established reputation for Jazz, food, and Mardis Gras celebrations, there are a number of historical facts about New Orleans that make it an interesting place to visit.
- Louisiana was claimed for French king Louis XIV in 1699 and is the only state that was once a French royal colony.
- New Orleans is the only U.S. city where French was the predominant language for more than one century.
- New Orleans is the American city occupied longest by enemy troops (the Union Army 1862-65) during the Civil War
- The city has approximately 40,000 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, more than most other cities in the U.S. including Washington D.C.
- St. Louis Catherdral, located in the historic French Quarter, is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. It was originally built in 1724 and rebuilt twice after a hurricane and a fire.
- Many of the tens of thousands of live oak trees that line the city streets and boulevards date back to before the Civil War. They have survived hurricanes, droughts, insects, and fires.
- The New Orleans Streetcar line is the oldest continuously operating rail system in the world.
- The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the only full-time, player-managed symphony in the United States.
Should be a fun trip!
Comments
If you get a chance, try to visit the French Market for beniets and coffee with chicory. It's on the edge of the French Quarter near Jackson Square (if memory serves).
Have fun.
Posted by JJordan on March 12, 2005 5:21 PM.