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First Mardi Gras
Hirtorians believe the first Mardi Gras in the U.S was in 1699 when two French explorers landed in present day Louisiana and held a small celebration that they called "Point du Mardi Gras" (History.com,2010) -
Founding of NOLA
French Governor, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, founded the city of New orleans in 1718 (History.com,2010) -
Capital Relocation
In 1722 the capital of Louisiana was moved from Biloxi to New Orleans (History.com,2010). -
Spain Gains Control
From 1762 to 1763 the french signed treaties with Spain that granted the spanish control of Louisiana and New Orleans. They owned Louisiana for 40 years and traded with Mexico and Cuba (History.com, 2010). -
Wild Fires
In 1788 and 1794 raging fires swept through New Orleans leaving destruction it their wake (History.com,2010) -
French Regains Ownership
In 1803 Lousiana became back under French ownership and control (History.com,2010). -
The Louisiana Purchase
On April 30th of 1803 France sold a large portion of land to the U.S in what is known as the Louisiana Purchase (History.com,2010). -
War of 1812
In 1815 a battle was fought during the war of 1812. The battle is known as the Battle of New Orleans (History.com,2010). -
Mardi Gras
In 1827 students dressed in colorful costumes for the Mardi Gras celebration. This started a lasting tradition of dressing for the Mardi Gras celebration (History.com,2010). -
French Opera House
The French Opera House was built in 1859 on the corner of Bourbon street and Toulouse Street. It was the first opera house built in the U.S (French Opera House). -
Pat O'Brien's
In 1933 Pat O'Brien converted his speakeasy into a bar called Pat O'Brien's. His bar is a staple of New Orleans culture to this day ("Welcome to Pat O'Brien's"). -
The Hurricane
In the mid 1940's Pat O'Brien, the owner of Pat O'Brien's, invented his famous drink, The Hurricane. This creation propelled his business to new heights of success ("Welcome to Pat O'Brien's"). -
New Orleans Saints
In 1967 The New Orleans Saints football team kicked off their opening season as a franchise ("New Orleans Saints"). -
Superdome
In 1975 the Superdome opened in New Orleans ("New Orleans Saints") -
Hurricane Katrina
In 2005 a category 5 hurricane, called Hurricane Katrina, tore through the city. 80% of the city was flooded, hundreds were killed, and New Orleans has still not made a full recovery from the storm (History.com,2010).
