Who Ruled New Orleans, Louisiana? How Did it Shape the Culture?

French Architecture

New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the busiest ports in the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans, was purchased by the United States in 1803, also known as the Louisiana Purchase. Prior to the purchase, New Orleans was ruled by France and Spain which created a heavy influence on the city which still remains today. 

Spanish Architecture

As a result of Louisiana being owned by a different country, it helped shape the culture there. The heavy influential presence of French lifestyle and architecture also known as “the French Quarter”. When Spain took over the land from France, there were individuals/families that came over with their own traditions from this country which influenced their lifestyle and architecture on this region. 

Jackson Square featuring Saint Louis Cathedral
               and the Cabildo (left) and the Presbytere (right)

Although, one thing that never changed when the French gave Louisiana to the Spanish was their religious beliefs. The French and Spanish believed heavily in Catholicism. There was not freedom of religion like there was in America because they didn't believe in anything else. 

The Saint Louis Cathedral, Cabildo, and Presbytere buildings are similar because they were funded by the same person, an immigrant from Spain known as Andres Almonaster. Almonaster was one of the cities wealthiest citizens until he passed away leaving everything to his daughter, Micaela Almonaster, Baroness of Pontalba. Saint Louis Cathedral is a Catholic parish which was founded in 1720. The cathedral is a triple steeple that towers above Jackson Square. This church was the place that thousands would gather on Sunday's for worship. The Cabildo served as the Government building during the Spanish colonial period. The Presbytere began being built in 1791 which would serve as the living quarters for the cathedral's clergy. Since these buildings were built during the Spanish period by a Spanish architect and funded by a Spaniard, there is a heavy presence of Spanish architecture which can be seen in arches of the building. 

Jackson Square with the towering Saint Louis Cathedral

The country that ruled Louisiana, ruled New Orleans and controlled the Mississippi River!

** this information has been added or edited **
** pictures were taken by myself  while in NOLA **
** The information in italics has been added to the page **