New Orleans History

Question

What's the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States?

Answer

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, is located in the French Quarter. It is worth a walk-by for a blast from the past.

Question

What is Mardi Gras?

Answer

MARDI GRAS (MG): technically refers to Fat Tuesday. The MG season actually begins on Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th and runs until midnight of Fat Tuesday. KREWES: exclusive organizations that work all year to plan out the balls and parades for MG. Many act as secret societies. The first parade that rolled in the Big Easy was in 1857. All riders on a float are required by law to wear a costume mask. BEADS: “throws” as locals call them, have been passed out since the 1920s when Rex and a few other krewes began handing out tiny trinkets to the parade goers. KING CAKE: served only during MG season. Custom demands that whoever cuts the slice of cake that has the toy baby in it is king for the day — and also has to purchase the next king cake. OFFICIAL COLORS OF MG: purple, green and gold. The colors were selected by Rex in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke, whose house colors were purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power).

Question

New Orleans Jazz

Answer

The Jazz Age dawned in New Orleans shortly after the Civil War even though the rest of the county wouldn’t come under the influence of Jazz until the 1920’s. It was a mixture of ragtime, blues, and African American spirituals and is a music genre that still finds an audience in the many music venues in the Big Easy. For more info about this rich cultural tradition: https://www.preservationhall.com/about/

Question

Second Line Parades

Answer

As it is a celebration, second-lines are a popular tradition among New Orleans weddings. It signifies the beginning of a new life together. The newlyweds lead the procession, umbrellas in hand, while the wedding party and guests follow the band with handkerchiefs. The leaders of the parade carry decorated umbrellas, while the other participants shake handkerchiefs while they dance. A brass band plays some beats that gets everyone dancing and moving. Origins: Second lining has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form – a jazz funeral without a body.” Historically, the African-American community began second lines as neighborhood celebrations. Now, thousands happen each year in New Orleans.

Question

The French Quarter

Answer

Vieux Carré, is the heart and soul of this city, and it's also a National Historic Landmark. As the site of the original New Orleans colony (established by the French in 1718), the French Quarter has held on to its heritage, complete with street names that are still listed in French. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets to find such attractions as Jackson Square, Faulkner House Books and the Cabildo. While you're strolling, pay attention to the neighborhood's architecture: balconies are designed with baroque ironwork and hanging plants, while leafy courtyards are filled with bubbling fountains.

Question

The Garden District

Answer

During the 18th-early 19th century in the south, many wealthy planters settled in New Orleans. The French and Spanish settlers who were ensconced in the French Quarter rejected these Nouveau Riche outsiders so they were forced to build their mansions in the areas now known as the Warehouse and Garden Districts.

Question

Learn more...

Answer

https://imgur.com/a/aOPPEt2