In celebration of New Orleans’ tricentennial, we thought we’d dig up some lesser known facts about the Crescent City that you can impress your friends with. Test your knowledge and see how many facts you may have already known.
1. New Orleans became the first city to host an opera in the United States.
The year was 1796 and the performance was Sylvain by Ernest Gentry. New Orleans became known as the "Opera Capital of North America" during the 1800s, and when the French Opera house opened in 1859, many great composers had their premieres here.
2. New Orleans was the state capital not once, but twice in our state’s history.
It bounced from New Orleans to Donaldsonville in 1825, then to Baton Rouge in 1846, then back to New Orleans in 1864 before changing back to Baton Rouge in 1879.
3. New Orleans’ most notable pirate may have had a sense of humor.
In 1813, Governor Claiborne issued a $500 reward for Jean Lafitte’s capture. In return, Jean Lafitte issued a $1500 reward for the capture of Governor Claiborne.
4. The first "skyscraper" in New Orleans was built in 1807.
It was the city’s first four-story building and is still in use today. It’s located on the corner of Royal and St. Peter Street.
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded New Orleans on May 7, 1718, but Native Americans settled in the area as early as 400 A.D.
According to archaeological evidence.
6. During the first half of the 19th century, New Orleans became a popular destination for immigrants.
By 1840, New Orleans had become the wealthiest and the third most populated city in the country.
7. New Orleans has an abundance of Spanish influence, despite only being under Spanish rule for less than 40 years.
New Orleans found itself under Spanish control from 1763-1801. You’ll find most of the Spanish influence in the architecture of the French Quarter.
How many of these fun facts did you already know? Let us know in the comments below!
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