History New Orleans was explored by French explorers Cavelier, sieur de La Salle, in 1682 and later  Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, in 1699.  Bienville established a settlement there in 1718 when  he became governor of the French colony of Louisiana. The settlement was named Nouvelle-Orléans (New Orleans), in honor of  Duc d'Orléans, (The Duke of Orleans). The original  area of the city was a  grid of 66 squares blocks which is today known as the French Quarter. Since the establishment of the city nearly 300 years ago  New Orleans has survived, prospered and declined and prospered again in it's unlikely location.  The links on this page provide access to more detailed information on the history of New Orleans from various sources. New Orleans - Wikipedia Encarta - New Orleans History New Orleans - Columbia Encyclopedia The Historic New Orleans Collection New Orleans Public Library -  Photography Collection New Orleans - The American Experience (PBS)

The St. Louis Cathedral flanked by the Cabildo (left)  and the Presbytere (right) on Jackson Square New Orleans Neighborhoods New Orleans Architecture New Orleans  Cemeteries