| 1915. Motion Picture. Theodore Roosevelt in Louisiana. Views of TR walking on beach; holding his hat, TR stands near bushes on an island and follows the flight of birds. Film photographed by Herbert K. Job of the National Audubon Society, on an expedition with TR to bird sanctuary islands off the Louisiana coast in June 1915. (Mpeg file 3 mb) Click Here |
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New Orleans has a fascinating and colorful history, filled with spirit, seduction and scandals. No city in the United States reflects its international heritage as prominently as New Orleans. A visit to New Orleans is like a visit to multiple international cities and cultures.
Native Americans were the earliest inhabitants of the area. In the early 1700’s, French explorers Iberville and Bienville founded the city of New Orleans. Wars in Europe led to Louisiana being ceded to Spain and once again back to France in before the Louisiana Purchase transferred Louisiana to the United. By the 1850’s New Orleans was the biggest cotton market in the world. Slavery was rampant and brought a strong African American culture to the city. The Civil War brought dramatic change. New Orleans became an important naval and military base for the Confederacy and important battles took place prior to occupation by Union troops in 1862. Reconstruction years were difficult for New Orleans. It was filled with corruption and fraud. Prostitution and gambling flourished. During this period Mardi Gras was born and continues to be an integral part of New Orleans society.
During the early 1900’s New Orleans thrived. The Port of New Orleans expanded. But, as in the past, political corruption crept in. Supreme populist, Huey Long was elected Governor of Louisiana and later Senator with plans to run for President until his assassination in the State Capitol Building in 1935. However, Long’s corrupt cronies continued to plague New Orleans politics for another decade until new city regimes took the reigns and restored law and order.
Today, the economy of New Orleans is driven by tourism. In recent years the city enjoyed the prosperity of being one of the most popular destinations in the world. Once again, fate dealt a severe blow to the city when Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc. Wind and rain damage was severe, but the most devastating damage came when levees failed and entire neighborhoods of New Orleans were under water. As always in the face of tragedy, the spirit and stamina of New Orleans prevailed. Within six months, hotels welcomed guests and restaurants were serving up delectable Cajun and Creole delights. Mardi Gras is on schedule and sure to be the party of the year. There is an obvious love of life in N’Awlins. When they say “Laissez les bon temps rouler” in the Big Easy, they really mean “Let the Good Times Roll!”
