How Old Is New Orleans? Founded 1718, 300+ Years of History

New Orleans was founded on May 7, 1718 by French Canadian explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. As of 2024, the city is 306 years old.

Key Milestones

• 1718: Founded as La Nouvelle-Orléans, capital of French Louisiana.
• 1763: Ceded to Spain after Seven Years' War.
• 1803: Sold to U.S. in Louisiana Purchase.
• 1815: Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812).
• 1862: Captured by Union forces (Civil War).
• 1900s: Jazz birthplace, Mardi Gras codification, literary haven.
• 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastation (80% flooded).
• 2018: Tricentennial celebrations.

From a strategic Mississippi River outpost to a cultural icon, New Orleans has survived fires, floods, epidemics, wars, and hurricanes—its Creole soul intact.