Introduction
New Orleans is a captivating and unique city, steeped in history, perched at the Mississippi River’s edge. Located between the estuaries and canals of southeastern Louisiana, the city is surrounded by numerous bodies of water. As questions about the city’s position on the map arise, one of the most popular and frequently asked is, ‘is New Orleans East of the Mississippi River’? It is a crucial topic to consider when one is exploring the city, understanding its ecosystem and culture, or even deciding on where to travel. In this article, we will explore this topic and explore the importance of its positioning.
New Orleans & the Mississippi River
New Orleans is a city situated in the southeastern part of Louisiana. It rests approximately 88 kilometres off of the Gulf of Mexico and is located on the Mississippi River. It is bordered by the mighty river to the south and the wetlands to the north. It is well known for being the cultural capital of the south and its beautiful bustling streets. Tourists flock to the city for its unique mystique and an opportunity to experience architectural, cultural and historical riches. It is one of the most diverse cities in the US, comprised of several distinct neighbourhoods, each bearing their own distinct culture, cuisine, and nightlife.
Positioning of New Orleans
New Orleans is situated both east and west of the Mississippi River. To the east of the city, lies a sprawling network of tributaries that run like veins through the city. These waterways form the “east bank” and make up key neighbourhoods such as the Bywater, Mid-City and Algiers. To the west of the city is a series of levees that form the “west bank”, which is best known for its quaint communities and close visitor ties with popular attractions such as the French Quarter and the Garden District.
Economic and Cultural Effects
This East/West position of the city has had a lasting impact on its economy and culture. Since the 1950s, the West Bank’s industry has been dominated by shipping companies and manufacturing plants, and this is still true today. This area is a major hub for commerce and is responsible for a large portion of the jobs and wealth in the city. On the other hand, the East Bank has become the financial and cultural center of the city. This is largely due to its proximity to the French Quarter, which is the city’s major tourist destination. As a result, the East Bank has become the home of many of New Orleans’ best restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment venues.
Implications of the Position
This positioning of New Orleans has remained unchanged for centuries, due to its strong current and levees, which protect the city from floods and storms. It is because of these defensive barriers that the city has persevered and grown into the bustling and vibrant place it is today. The positioning of New Orleans is also advantageous in other ways, such as its closeness to both the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River. This offers an abundance of natural resources and a deep connection to different cultures.
Ongoing Environmental Threats
Despite its position, New Orleans is not immune to the rising sea levels, sinkholes, and flooding that has plagued the Gulf Coast in recent years. The city’s rapidly changing environment, such as the rapid shrinking of wetlands, has posed a threat to the city and its inhabitants, with more frequent and devastating storms being predicted in the future. This has prevented the growth and economic prosperity of the city, and has made it difficult to maintain the welfare of its citizens.
New Orleans Re-Building Projects
In response to this environmental threat, the city has implemented a series of projects to strengthen its levee systems and invest in the restoration of wetlands. This has enabled the city to remain safe, while investments in green infrastructure have provided much needed jobs and a “new” green space for the public. These efforts have helped improve the quality of life in the city, while contributing to the overall livability and sustainability.
Conclusion
Though the positioning of New Orleans has done much for its economy and cultural richness, in recent years the city has faced many environmental setbacks, which has made it difficult for the city to maintain and grow. As a result, the city has invested in rebuilding projects, which have enabled the city to remain resilient, while increasing its quality of life and providing the public with green spaces. Therefore, the positioning of New Orleans on the Mississipi River has had a lasting effect on the city and will remain an important factor in the city’s development moving forward.
