French Quarter History

Nov 17
08:13

2010

Antoine Adelais

Antoine Adelais

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The French Quarter is the oldest, most famous, most notorious place in New Orleans, or even Louisiana.

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The French Quarter is the oldest,French Quarter History Articles most famous, most notorious place in New Orleans, or even Louisiana. This part of town is home to the best gambling, drinking, gourmet cuisine, tourism and parties that the city has to offer. It is a great place to visit any time of the year.

The French Quarter, or Vieux Carre, cannot be fully described by the heritage inherent in its name. The French Quarter is known throughout the world for its beautiful European architecture, but the majority of it is Spanish. In 1788 there was a great fire that burned a big portion of this part of town. The Spanish, who ruled at the time, rebuilt the town to look significantly different with fire retardant stucco rather than the French wooden siding. In addition to this, at many points throughout history this “Old Square” was home to a diverse population including French, Italian, Spanish and Irish residents. As for the food, however, much of it can even today be described as French or Creole influenced. The Vieux Carre is home to Antoine’s, the oldest restaurant in the country started by the French-born Antoine Alciatore, in addition to many other restaurants specializing in Creole cuisine.

The Vieux Carre was not always craziest place in the city to party. In the early 1900’s Storyville was the hot spot. The first geographic area west of the Quarter, Storyville was the red light district of New Orleans where locals and tourists alike came to pay for prostitution. These services were legal and there was even a book that existed as a guide to it. This was also the place where much of the city’s Jazz was heard. Even the great Louis Armstrong grew up listening (and therefore learning) Jazz music in Storyville as a kid.

These days the French Quarter is the best place to party in New Orleans. In the heart of the Quarter lies Bourbon Street, which is comprised of approximately 10 blocks of bars, restaurants, dance clubs, strip clubs and fun, is a place where 24 hour food and fun are there to be had all year long. Although this neighborhood is not the primary route for Mardi Gras parades, Bourbon Street is packed with people this time of year.  The French Quarter is also home to many festivals throughout the year. You can literally party here on any day of the year.

Whether you go for the women, the food or the fun, the French Quarter is a great place to let the good times roll all year long.