10 things to know about New Orleans

By Legacy User

January 17, 2013

3 minutes to read

10 things to know about New Orleans

Known for its lavish Mardis Gras celebrations and eclectic Cajun cuisine, New Orleans’s cultural vibrancy shines brighter than ever as the city prepares to host this year’s Super Bowl XLVII. Here are a few facts you may not have known about “the Big Easy.’’
The French Quarter

The historic French Quarter, founded in 1718 by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, is considered the heart of New Orleans and is the oldest section of the city. Ironically, much of the architecture still standing in the Vieux Carré, or Old Quarter, was built under Spanish rule, such as the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo (town hall). However, its most famous attraction, Bourbon Street (pictured), is deeply rooted in French history, named after the royal House of Bourbon.
Mardis Gras

While scholars can date the first Mardis Gras held in Louisiana back to French settlers in 1699, the exact date of the first “Fat Tuesday’’ in New Orleans is still unknown. However, many of the city’s longtime locals will likely point to 1979 as “the Big Easy’s’’ most memorable Mardis Gras to date, despite the events having been officially canceled. That year, the city’s police department went on strike, allowing for a “less-regulated’’ celebration, particularly by the French Quarter’s bohemian community.
Superdome

Home to the 2009 Super Bowl winning New Orleans Saints, the Superdome has seen its fair share of NFL champions. The world’s largest fixed dome structure has hosted the Super Bowl a record six times, with this year’s game extending it to seven.
The sounds of the city

If your addicted to the hit HBO show Treme (pictured), then you know that New Orleans has a rich musical history. Not only is the city credited as the birthplace of jazz, but “the Big Easy’’ has also hosted operatic performances since as early as 1796. New Orleans is widely considered to be the birthplace of funk as well.
Origin of American poker

Born on the bayou, poker traces its American roots back to 18th century French Canadian settlers who brought a European ancestor of the card game, called “poque’’ in French, to New Orleans. The rules and number of cards changed immensely as poker’s popularity spread throughout the Mississippi River region and, eventually, the country.
Tyler Perry

Filmmaker and philanthropist Tyler Perry was born in New Orleans on Sept. 19, 1969. Giving back to his hometown, Perry donated $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s Angel Network to help families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Battle of New Orleans

The last major battle of the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans actually occured after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on Dec. 24, 1814, which effectively ended the war. However, due to the slow communication systems of the era, news of the signing did not reach the United States until nearly two months later. By the time Congress officially ratified the treaty in February, American forces, led by Major General Andrew Jackson (pictured), had already won the battle.
Creole and Cajun cuisine

Like its music, New Orleans cuisine is influenced by a variety of cultures, from French and Spanish fare to African, Cuban and even Chinese traditions. This melting pot of flavors, highlighted by the blending of spices and use of local shellfish, is what gives the Big Easy’s signature Creole and Cajun dishes such a unique taste.
Lee Harvey Oswald

Lee Harvey Oswald, the sniper who assassinated President John F. Kennedy, was born on Oct. 18, 1939, in New Orleans.
Canal Street

Once one of the widest streets in the country, the creation of Canal Street derives from quite the contentious past. As Americans started settling in the French Quarter following the Louisiana Purchase, French and Spanish settlers were not happy with their arrival and built the wide expanse to seperate themselves from their new neighbors. A canal was planned to replace the street, but, for some reason, never came to fruition.