History

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claimed the territory of Louisiana for the French in the 1682. Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, was appointed director general and wanted a colony on the Mississippi River, which served as the main highway for trade with the New World. New Orleans was founded in 1718. The city streets were laid out in 1721, many named for the royal houses of France and Catholic saints. Bourbon Street is named after the Royal House of Bourbon, the family then occupying the throne in France. The city remained under French rule until 1762, when the colony was sold to Spain.

Two major fires destroyed many of the early structures. The Spanish established new building codes requiring tile roofs and native brick walls. A walk through the French Quarter shows that the architecture is more Spanish than French. With the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 came the Americans. The newcomers were viewed by the French and Spanish Creoles as uncouth and not suited to their high society. Canal Street was built at the upriver edge of the French Quarter to keep the Americans out. When you cross over Canal Street, notice that all the old "Rues" change to "Streets" with different names.

The War of 1812 culminated in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. A band of 4,000 militia, frontiersmen, former Haitian slaves and Jean Lafitte's pirates under Gen. Andrew Jackson outfought 8,000 British veterans at the Chalmette battlefield, a few miles east of the French Quarter. Only eight Americans died in the battle, while English casualties exceeded 2,000.

Why you should go

New Orleans is unique among American cities, seemingly more related to Europe or a Caribbean island. It's a kaleidoscope of food, music, history, architecture and cultures that is visually stunning and endlessly entertaining.

Main attractions

* French Quarter and Jackson Square: The French Quarter comprises more than 100 square-blocks of art, dining, shopping, entertainment and architectural treasures. Check out Jackson Square, which includes street artists and entertainers, restaurants and shops, and the towering St. Louis Cathedral, the iconic image of New Orleans. Also, wander through the French Market, which is just a stone's throw from the Mighty Mississippi. Or the Aquarium. Or the antique shops along Royal Street. And then there's Bourbon Street ... www.frenchquarter.com

* Garden District: New Orleans Garden District was settled in the 1850s by successful entrepreneurs, the "nouveau riche" of that time. They built large, elegant mansions exemplifying many architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne Victorians. You can get a great introduction by taking the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, which travels from Canal Street, through the Garden district, past Loyola and Tulane universities and Audubon Park. The best way to enjoy the Garden District is on foot, and there are guided tours available. www.tourneworleans.com http://gardendistrictassociation.com/ http://www.tourneworleans.com/garden_set.html

* Audubon Park: With Tulane and Loyola universities on one end and the Audubon Zoo on the other, the park features massive oaks, a golf course, a jogging/rollerblading/cycling path and a sense of serenity in the heart of the old residential district. It's flanked by beautiful, elegant residences. www.auduboninstitute.org http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1337

How to get there

New Orleans is about 500 miles from downtown Atlanta, taking about 8 hours to drive. Numerous of flights are available to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

Links of interest

* Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.neworleanscvb.com www.neworleansonline.com http://www.cityofno.com/