Seven Interesting New Orleans Facts You May Not Have Known

A variety of viewpoints are provided by New Orleans' rich history, which includes the French and Spanish occupation, slavery, jazz, and the genesis of voodoo. Intriguing details about the city exist beyond the well-known Mardi Gras, above-ground graves, and plantation homes. In addition to exploring the longest bridge in the world, visitors may discover the non-alcoholic history of Bourbon Street. Book DTW flights to New Orleans and you can learn a lot of interesting information to discover about New Orleans, whether you're just inquisitive or organizing a vacation.

1. The first American city to host Opera was New Orleans.

The famous musician Buddy Bolden was raised in New Orleans, which is well-known for its jazz culture. The first opera in American history was recorded in 1796 at Crescent City, with "Sylvain" from 1770. The city was named the North American Opera Capital as a result of this incident.

2. Of all the cities in the United States, New Orleans has the most historic districts.

With 21 historic districts, New Orleans has a rich past as well as a varied architectural and cultural environment. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River in the Algiers Point neighborhood or stroll Carrollton's tree-lined streets, where they can spot a peacock. The city is an interesting travel destination because of its rich history and cultural variety.

3. This is where you may find the world's longest continuous bridge.

Since it was built in 1956, the 23.86-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway has been acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest bridge to span continuously over water. Due to the bridge's length, some drivers have frozen in terror, and infants have even been born there after their mothers were unable to get to a hospital in time.

4. The oldest cathedral in the United States still in continuous operation is the St. Louis Cathedral.

Jackson Square in the French Quarter is home to the St. Louis Cathedral, the nation's oldest cathedral still in continuous operation. It was built in 1794 and has a white, triple-steepled church with a well-known statue of General Andrew Jackson and a weekly mass held in a well-kept green courtyard.

5. During the War of 1812, a pirate assisted in defending New Orleans.

During the War of 1812, American pirate Jean Laffite was instrumental in keeping the British out of New Orleans. Alongside General Andrew Jackson, he and his crew engaged in smuggling goods and fought to gain control over the Mississippi River and trade routes leading to the American South. Laffite and his crew bravely battled for pardons for their illicit pirate activities, but following the war, they resumed their piracy.

6. New Orleans is the birthplace of poker and craps.

The history of card games such as poker and craps are available to game enthusiasts in New Orleans. An earlier French style known as poque dates back to the 17th century. The game was introduced to New Orleans by English-speaking colonists, who renamed it poker. The game called craps is named after the French word for frog.

7. The name Bourbon Street wasn't inspired by the alcoholic beverage.

In honor of the French royal dynasty, the House of Bourbon, Bourbon Street was founded in New Orleans in 1718. The street has a range of bars and pubs despite its reputation as a party destination. The city was established by the Frenchman Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, whose engineer Adrien de Pauger named the streets after the House of Bourbon. Cheap Flights From Detroit To New Orleans are available if you intend to visit the city to view a variety of attractions.