It was in the year 1718 that Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, also known as Sieur de Bienville, founded a settlement in a crescent bend in the Mississippi River.

This city was named “La Nouvelle-Orléans” in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, of France. New Orleans soon became the capital of French Louisiana, as well as a center of commerce and trade.

More importantly, New Orleans matured into a very special place that held romance, mystery, and allure. Having arisen out of the surrounding dismal swamps, New Orleans remains a conquering edifice of culture, history, and hope to this very day.

As we celebrate the Tricentennial of this amazing city, we cannot help but turn our eyes to the past and connect the tricentennial year of 2018 back to the year of founding – 1718. Looking back, New Orleans has come a long way – but the spirit of its founders and culture remains alive and strong even now.