The Cultural History of New Orleans

French influence

The French influence over the cultural history of New Orleans began sometime in the 1690s when French traders, fur trappers and explorers first arrived in the area. The settlements of these early French settlers can be found within the existing jurisdiction of the city of New Orleans. The original name of the city of New Orleans was Nouvelle-Orleans. It was named after the Duke of Orleans, Philip II (Regent of France.)

Vieux Carre

Another part of the cultural history of New Orleans that we should pay attention to is the founding of the Vieux Carre (which translates to the French Quarter.) The Vieux Carre was the hub of Nouvelle-Orleans when New Orleans was founded in year 1718. Up to this day, the Vieux Carre remains one of the more   amous neighborhoods in modern New Orleans. The Vieux Carre is considered a National Historic Landmark at present.