The city of New Orleans is situated on
the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. The city is bounded on the north by Lake Pontchartrain on the east by Lake Borgne, on the south by St. Bernard Parish, and on the west by Jefferson Parish. New Orleans has a land area of 197 square miles.
New Orleans, which is a leading industrial and shipping center, was laid out on a crescent-shaped curve of the Mississippi, giving it the nickname Crescent City.The original crescent-shaped city is now only a small section of New Orleans, and it is known as the French Quarter
or Vieux Carre. It contains antiquated houses with French and Spanish styled wrought-iron balconies. Hibiscus and Azaleas are prevalent within the romantic patios of the New Orleans French Quarter.
In the French Quarter are many famous landmarks, including Jackson Square, with its statue of General Andrew Jackson; St. Louis Cathedral, where General Jackson and the pirate brothers Jean Lafitte and Pierre Lafitte were crowned with floral wreaths after the Battle of New Orleans was won. There is, also, the Cabildo, the Ursuline Convent, built in 1772; and the French Market, where many purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and meats, jewelry. pottery, gold, silver, arts and many crafts. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop at 941 Bourbon St. is a has been a piano bar since the 40's, but was built in 1772. It has survived the "Great Fire" in the 1800's. It is famous for being the oldest pub in the entire United States. Once owned by the pirate brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte. Photographers and writers from all over the world come here to take pictures and write novels about "the old bar". Lafitte's is famously known for many hauntings. Ghost tours meets there to begin the walking Ghost Tours. The piano man there, a personal friend, named Johnny Gordon has been playing piano there for nine years now and also sings. He has played piano since he was age six, and is a master of the art.
Also, of special interest is the above-ground cemeteries and the New Orleans Museum of Art located in our beautifully landscaped City Park. The city has about 150 parks, National Historic Park, and our famous Audubon Park known for one of the greatest Zoos in the United States.
The architecture of the old homes in the Garden District are quite an historical view, along with many historical and haunted Plantation Homes located in various parts of Louisiana.
|