New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana, the cultural capital of the southern United States and home of the iconic Mardi Gras celebration. Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, one of the most important waterways in human history, is a question that many people have asked: is New Orleans east or west of the Mississippi River?
Most of America likely assumes that the city sits to the east of the river, as Louisiana sits between two traditional ‘western’ states: the vast Texas and southern-flavored Arkansas. The answer, however, is counterintuitive. New Orleans is actually on the western side of the Mississippi River.
To understand why this might seem counterintuitive, a brief overview of the geography and history of the region is in order. The area around New Orleans has been settled for centuries and was once home to several Native American tribes. The first Europeans to reach the area were the French in the 1500s, who were quickly followed by the Spanish. In 1762, the French ceded the territory to Spain, who held it until 1802, when they returned it to France. Finally, in the early 1800s, the area became part of the United States and part of the state of Louisiana, which was divided into East and West Louisiana.
It is important to note that East and West Louisiana were more symbolic divisions than actual geographic divisions. The Mississippi River, which marks the eastern border of the state, did not form the boundary between East and West Louisiana. Instead, this line was drawn in a more north-south direction. This means that while the eastern border of the state is indeed the mighty Mississippi, the city of New Orleans is actually located to the west of the river.
Not only is New Orleans geographically located on the western side of the Mississippi River, but it is also the westernmost city in the entire state of Louisiana. This is because the area across the river from New Orleans is actually the state of Mississippi, so there are no cities or towns on the eastern side of the river in Louisiana. This also means that New Orleans is the last major population center before the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the most important ports in the country.
So, why is this distinction between East and West Louisiana important? The answer is that it is an important reminder of the historical and cultural differences between the two parts of the state. While East Louisiana is more heavily influenced by French and Spanish culture and is the home of Cajun and Creole cuisine, West Louisiana is more heavily influenced by the African American and Anglo-American cultures that came to the area after the Louisiana Purchase. This division, while more symbolic than actual, is still an important part of Louisiana’s history and culture.
The Longstanding History of New Orleans
New Orleans is an ancient city, and no matter which side of the Mississippi River it is on, its origin holds a unique part in the history of the state. New Orleans was founded by the French in 1718 and was governed by the French until 1815, when the city was ceded to the United States. This makes New Orleans the oldest city in the state and one of the oldest in the whole of the United States. Before the introduction of the Louisiana Purchase, the city was even briefly returned to the French in 1802 before being transferred back to the Americans two years later.
The city of New Orleans has been the center of culture and art since before the time of the Louisiana Purchase. Its French heritage mixes with the influences of Spanish, Caribbean, African, Native American and Anglo-American cultures to create a unique blend that has helped to make the city one of the most vibrant in the United States. Jazz, blues, and even some of the unique local dishes are just a few examples of the diverse offerings that the city of New Orleans has to offer.
Its vibrant culture has been part of the city for centuries and adds to the distinctiveness of New Orleans and its place in the United States. The city is also, in many ways, the economic and cultural capital of the American South. The Port of New Orleans is the 5th largest in the United States and, in 2004, the city of New Orleans hosted the 2004 Super Bowl, showcasing its position as a premier location in the region.
Mardi Gras and What It Means for the City
New Orleans is perhaps best known for its iconic Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras is celebrated all over the world, but in New Orleans, it has become an institutions and one of the city’s defining elements. Mardi Gras is a two-week long celebration that culminates in an epic display of parades, floats, and gaudy costumes. For many visitors, Mardi Gras is a cultural experience unlike any other.
But Mardi Gras is much more than just a fun and exciting festival, it is also a way for the city of New Orleans to show its unique culture and history. From the colorful costumes and floats to the unique music and traditions, Mardi Gras is a way for the people of the city to celebrate their history and heritage in an inclusive and joyous way. The tradition has been around for centuries, and no matter which side of the river it is on, New Orleans will always be the undisputed home of Mardi Gras.
New Orleans’ Place in the Southern Region
New Orleans holds a special place in the southern region of the United States. As the largest city in the state of Louisiana, the city is the economic and cultural hub of the state and a major driver of the region’s economy. Its ports, vibrant culture, and unique history attract people from across the nation and the world.
As the westernmost city in the state of Louisiana and located on the west side of the Mississippi River, New Orleans also plays an important role in the region. Not only is it the last major population center before the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico, but its unique location also allows the city to enjoy the cultural influence of two distinctly different parts of the state. It is a cultural crossroads for East Louisiana’s French and Spanish heritage and the African American tradition of West Louisiana. This unique blend of cultures makes the city of New Orleans even more of an attraction to travelers from around the world.
The Economic Status of the City
Eighty-six years after Louisiana became part of the United States, the city of New Orleans was renamed the official economic center of the state. In 1889, the city was named the official “economic capital of Louisiana”, a title it has held since. The city sits in a prime location on the banks of the Mississippi River, providing its citizens and businesses access to the river’s transport options.
The port of New Orleans is the 5th largest in the United States, second only to the giant ports of Houston, Long Beach, Los Angeles and New York. Being located on the western side of the Mississippi River, the port of New Orleans also has access to the Gulf of Mexico, which provides a valuable connection to international markets for the city’s businesses.
The city of New Orleans has also taken advantage of other parts of the region’s economy. The oil and gas industry has long been an important part of the city’s economy and its oil refineries generate a significant part of the state’s revenue. The city has also embraced the tourism industry, using its vibrant culture and diverse attractions to draw visitors from around the world. And, of course, it is the home of the iconic Mardi Gras celebrations which only add to the lure of the city.
New Orleans’ Weather Throughout the Year
New Orleans is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures in the winter range from the lower 40s at night to the low to mid 70s during the day. In the summer, temperature highs can reach the mid to upper 90s. Precipitation is also common throughout the year, with rainfall intensifying during the summer. The average annual precipitation in New Orleans is around sixty-four inches.
The summer months of New Orleans are made even more memorable by the city’s hot and humid temperatures. The city’s hot and humid climate often leads to several days of rain, providing relief from the heat and a chance for some fun outdoor activities. During these rainy days, Mardi Gras parade floats and musicians can be seen winding around the streets, adding an extra layer of pageantry to the city.
The fall months bring cooler temperatures and clear skies, which many locals look forward to after months of staying indoors during the hot and humid summer. During the winter months, temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s and a little bit of snow can sometimes be seen in the city. Despite the cooler temperatures, the city of New Orleans never loses its unique allure as the cultural and economic hub of the south.
New Orleans’ Unwavering Spirit After Natural Disasters
New Orleans has no shortage of natural disasters, with hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods making an appearance nearly every year. In recent years the city has seen some of its worst disasters, including hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Harvey in 2017. Hurricane Katrina in particular was one of the most devastating natural disasters in US history, causing over $150 billion in damage, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, and taking the lives of more than 1,800.
Despite the destruction and chaos that hurricanes have brought to New Orleans, the city has always shown its unwavering spirit. After both Katrina and Harvey, thousands of volunteers flocked to help with the cleanup, donating money, goods, and their own time to help their fellow citizens in need. The city has also made strides to rebuild and move forward, investing in new infrastructure and rebuilding historic buildings and attractions.
This resilience and strength of spirit is pushed forward by the people of New Orleans, and is a testament to the power of community. No matter how often the city is hit by disaster, it continues on with its unique culture, spirit, and food. Despite the challenges New Orleans has faced, it always come back strong and continues to be a vibrant and exciting place to live and visit.
Conclusion
New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana and one of the oldest in the United States. Located on the western side of the Mississippi River, the city embodies the culture and history of two traditionally distinct parts of Louisiana. The city is best known for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, its vibrant culture, thriving economy, and its unwavering spirit that always rises despite disaster.
