New Orleans

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New Orleans

In a country containing so much diversity and history, it is practically impossible to locate one city which embodies American diversity. A colony started by the French was

the first area to fully integrate culture and religion. The city of New Orleans, now

prosperous from its diversity, epitomizes the "American Melting Pot". It is complicated to relate such different backgrounds, but with an overview of history, culture, religion, and integration on a small scale, a reader is capable of applying the values to the American culture as a whole.

In 1699 the first plans for New Orleans were born. French-Canadian, Pierre le

Moyen, Sieur d'Iberville left France to found a colony on the Gulf of Mexico. Sieur

d'Iberville set up a fur trading for originally on the north gulf coast, then moved the

establishment to Dauphin Island. Once again, he moved the fort and created an inland

colony near Louisiana. Sieur d'Iberville was in charge of all of France's responsibilities in

the southern portion of the territory. Wen Iberville died in 1706 the land under his

jurisdiction was given to ho brother, Jean Baptiste de Moyen Sieur de Beinville.

Beinville had great plans for the development of the French colonies and in 1717

he submitted plans for a new settlement to the Company of the West. In 1718 France

agreed with Beinville's plans and authorized him to establish the settlement, according to

his plans, one hundred miles up the Mississippi. Four years later the capitol of the

Louisiana territory was transferred to the new settlement now know as New Orleans.

The new colony was called "New Orleans'; in honor of the Duke d'Orlean. Duke

d'Orlean supposedly had something to do with the funding for the new colony. The Duke

favored John Law, the founder of the Company of the West, and supported many of the

company's ventures, the construction of New Orleans inclusive.

The new, growing colony needed a government, so a democratic council was

formed. New Orleans was under the rule of a law making body called the Superior

council which was first formed in 1712. The Superior Council was well liked by the

people because it was a small representative democracy. During the 1720's and 30's

Beinville was replaced as mayor by Sieur de Pierre. The colony did not experience much

growth between these years so Beinville was reappointed governor in 1733 and left the

colony permanently in 1742.

Spain took over the government of New Orleans in 1766. The Spanish sent the

new governor, Antonio de Ulloa, to reign over their newest asset.

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