The glamorous city of New Orleans had quite an inauspicious beginning. Though founded by French Creoles, she actually began as a crude settlement beset by hurricanes, floods and hostile Indians.

By 1762, Louisiana had been transferred from French to Spanish hands. Thus, New Orleans was in the hands of the Spanish at the time the New England colonies revolted against George III. Following the Louisiana Purchase, more and more Americans came downriver to make their fortunes in New Orleans. During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson arrived on the scene and defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans - the last battle of the last war ever fought between the U.S. and Great Britain.

Today, New Orleans continues to flourish. It is one of the largest ports in the United States and in the world. Millions of dollars are being spent in development and renovation. Yet, with all the modern innovations, the city retains its Old World aura, carefully preserving its history, its reputation for world-famous jazz and cuisine, and its romantic Creole heritage.