by C. A. Pruit

Created on: November 25, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

The reasons that someone would settle in a particular place vary with each person. Whether it be rural or city, seaside or desert, everyone has their own tastes when it comes to the perfect place to live! So what was it about New Orleans, that drew folks to populate the area?

The region which would eventually become New Orleans, was first noticed by Spanish explorers who were sailing up the Mississippi River. Almost 200 years later, French explorers would discover the same area at the mouth of the Mississippi River, noticing its ideal location for shipping and trade. In 1682, the French explorers would claim the entire region in the name of the King of France.

The French King, desiring to establish a fur trade in the region, made an agreement with John Law and his fur trading company called "The Company of the West" in 1717, to develop the territory and establish a settlement in the region. John Law appointed Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville to be the Commandant and Director of the new settlement. The Louisiana Territory proved to be an abundant source of animal furs, but also provided such resources as indigo, rice and tobacco. As trade began to grow, the small settlement on the Mississippi River began to grow as well.

De Bienville dreamed of seeing the colony become a full-fledged city and in 1721 he saw those dreams realized when French Royal Engineer, Adrian de Pauger, laid out the streets of the new town. The main street, known as Bourbon Street, was named for the Royal House of Bourbon.

Located on the Mississippi River, just off the Gulf of Mexico, the city of New Orleans would prove to be a great location for shipping and traders coming from across the Atlantic, as well as traders coming down the Mississippi River. It became a central location for trade and commerce. More industry would evolve as New Orleans would also become a shipping port for cotton, sugar and many other crops.

As the city of New Orleans grew, and trade increased, it also gave rise to those who would try to hijack shipments and supplies. The city would become a haven for thieves and profiteers. However its economy would also prove to be a great draw for those looking to build their own businesses. Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, Blacksmith shops and many other businesses began to thrive in the new environment. The outlying areas also provided a great environment for plantations and farming.

The drawback however was that, as the city grew, it began to reach into areas that were below sea level, making it susceptible to flooding and other catastrophes. This would be proven repeatedly, the most recent of which was evidenced during Hurricane Katrina. But the original settlers were not concerned with these problems, or maybe were not aware of them. The original purpose of the settlement, which proved to be very successful, was that of an established center for trade. On that reason, it justified its existence.

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