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This marker commemorates the establishment of New Orleans. Here in 1699 brothers Jean-Baptiste and Pierre Le Moyne de Bienville, along with a contingent of French soldiers, discovered an Indian portage to Lake Pontchartrain and what is now known as the Gulf of Mexico. However, it wasn't until 1718 that Jean-Baptiste deemed this specific location of New Orleans suitable for a new settlement. He named it in honor of Duke of Orleans, then the Regent of France.

The New Orleans marker. Photo by: R. E. Smith

The New Orleans marker.  Photo by: R. E. Smith
Inscription reads:

"First sighted as Indian portage to Lake Pontchartrain and Gulf in 1699 by Bienville and Iberville. Founded by Bienville in 1718; named by him in honor of the Duke of Orleans, Regent of France. Called the Crescent City because of location in bend of the Mississppi."

For more information on Jean-Baptiste and Pierre Le Moyne de Bienville and the founding of New Orleans, visit the Clio entry entitled: The Bienville Monument. 

"New Orleans." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed December 21, 2016. http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=12679.

"Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville." New Advent - Encyclopedia. Accessed December 21, 2016. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07614b.htm.