New Orleans, Louisiana, is well known for Boubon Street and all the associated fun times, but it's also had a vibrant economy tied to the heavy activity of its port, helping attract New Orleans movers to its rich and varied milieu.
New Orleans is a major port for the state of Louisiana and the entire southern United States. The port is one of the most highly trafficked in the country, while still being remarkably efficient. Sugar, bananas, and coffee are commonly imported into the city and oil, rice, cotton, and corn are commonly exported from New Orleans. Manufactured products produced most often include wood, metal, foods, apparel, aircraft, and various equipments. New Orleans is close to many offshore oil rigs and therefore many companies have offices in the city, including BP and Chevron. The government also plays an important role in the city with organizations such as NASA and the Navy having centers in New Orleans. Other companies that are a significant part of the economy include BellSouth, IBM, Entergy, and Lockheed-Martin.
History
Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, of France, helped first settle the area in 1718. The Spanish took control of the area beginning in 1763. Spain allowed the U.S. use of its port in 1795. Napoleon and the French captured Louisiana again in 1801, although it was sold in 1803 to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The city was officially incorporated in 1805. The British attacked the city during the War of 1812, but were defeated by an army led by Andrew Jackson. The population of the city grew rapidly during the early 1800's. During the mid1800's, New Orleans was the state capital of Louisiana.
During the Civil War, the city ceded control to the Union troops, so the city did not suffer much destruction. In the early 1900's, A. Baldwin Wood incorporated drains and pumps to reduce flooding and encourage the expansion of the city, some of which was below sea level. New Orleans attempted to modernize the city by altering certain buildings and removing streetcars. The city recently has tried to bring back these parts of the city. The second half of the 20th century saw continued growth in New Orleans and its surrounding suburbs. Additionally, the strong tourism industry became even a greater part of the city's economy.
Tourism
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is fourteen miles from the city. The world recognized Mardi Gras Festival is held in New Orleans annually. One of the main tourist attractions in the city is the French quarter. Jackson Square lies in the center with numerous historical landmarks. Some of these include the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral, among many renowned restaurants and ancient buildings.
Museums in New Orleans include the New Orleans Museum of Art and the National D-Day Museum. Additional destinations include Jazzland Theme Park, Chalmette, and the Louisiana Superdome. Major sports teams of the city include the football Saints and basketball Hornets, among several other smaller professional and collegiate teams.