The oldest section of New Orleans, the Vieux Carré or French Quarter, lies along the Mississippi River. When Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, founded New Orleans in 1718, he chose the area for its relatively high elevation and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. In the city’s early days, St. Louis Cathedral was the centre of New Orleans, flanked by the Cabildo and Presbyterian buildings. The Pontalba apartments were later constructed along the sides, forming a square. Today, the space is called Jackson Square and serves as a park and gathering spot for artists and street musicians.
The city slowly grew outward from the French Quarter, along the high ground beside the river. The Treme and Esplanade Ridge neighbourhoods grew on the land side, and the Faubourg Marigny was established downriver from the French Quarter. The architecture in the area is primarily influenced by Spanish and French styles, producing Creole Cottages, Creole Townhouses and Shotgun Houses.
After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Americans flocked to the new port city to take advantage of economic opportunities. They settled mostly upriver from the French Quarter in areas known today as Carrollton, Uptown, the Garden District and the Central Business District. Architects from New York came to New Orleans, providing a new take on existing Creole architecture and building the Greek Revival style houses that are seen in the Garden District. Other styles most often seen in these neighbourhoods include American Townhouses, Raised Centerhall Cottages, Double Gallery Houses and Shotgun Houses.
Eventually, the Sewage and Water Board’s steam pumps allowed for building on areas below sea level, including Mid City and Gentilly Terrace towards Lake Pontchartrain. With the dawn of air conditioning, California Style Bungalows became popular in these neighbourhoods.

An Insider's Guide to the Amazing Architecture of New Orleans

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