History of New Orleans

The French Mississippi Company founded the city also known as La Nouvelle-Orleans in May 1718. The place was named after Philippe II, who was the Regent of France during that time. Spain took over the control of the city in 1763 until 1801 when France took control again. A lot of the architectural buildings in the French Quarter were from this period in the city’s history. The United States bought the territory from Napoleon during the Louisiana Purchase that took place in 1803.

The city has been called “The Big Easy” for so many reasons. One has something to do with the rich musical heritage of jazz and blues. Legend says that back in the day, good musicians had so many ways to make a living in New Orleans: street performances in parks, private parties, and nightclubs. There is no other city in the US that is as supportive as New Orleans is of musical artists.