New Orleans is located in
Orleans Parish and it is the parish seat. It lies southeast of
Baton Rouge along Interstate 10, on the
Mississippi River.
In 1718, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne and John Law founded the New Orleans and named it. The town became a Spanish colony with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1753. In 1800, Louisiana was secretly returned to France. The first Mardi Gras celebration was held in New Orleans in 1827. Napoleon I sold Louisiana to the United States in 1803. During the Civil War, New Orleans was captured by Federal soldiers under Admiral David Farragut.
New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana with a population estimated at 484,674. The city is home to the world famous Mardi Gras parade and the French Quarter where jazz is the top draw. It also is known for Cajun cuisine. Three major contributors to its economic base are manufacturing, retail and federal funds.
New Orleans is part of the New Orleans, Louisiana metro area.