French Quarter

The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous section of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, stretching along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (12 blocks) and back from Decatur Street to Rampart Street (7 blocks). The area is also known as the Vieux Carré ("Old Quarter" in French) and the Barrio Latino ("Latin Neighborhood" in Spanish). To many it is simply called "The Quarter."

Impact of Hurricane Katrina

In August 2005, almost the entire city of New Orleans was flooded due to a levee breach caused by Hurricane Katrina. The French Quarter was one of few areas to remain substantially dry, since it was built on dry land that predated New Orleans' levee systems and sits 5 feet (1.5 metres) above sea level. http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2005-08-31T161230Z_01_ROB586049_RTRUKOC_0_UK-WEATHER-KATRINA.xml However, many buildings were damaged by strong winds and multiple fires, and the area was also subject to the looting and violence caused throughout the city by some stranded residents after a total breakdown in civil order.http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16452646%255E30417,00.html The scope of the damage and which French Quarter landmarks may be salvaged has yet to be documented.

Related Topics:
August 2005 - New Orleans was flooded - Hurricane Katrina - Looting

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Mayor Ray Nagin reopened the French Quarter on September 26, 2005 to business owners to inspect property and clean up. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050926/ap_on_re_us/rita_new_orleans_hk2;_ylt=AgXaYK3Ylutd_X1vDwpW7p9vzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

Related Topics:
Ray Nagin - September 26 - 2005

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