Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The dominant European influence on New Orleans is France. Founded by French colonists in 1718, the city remained under French control until the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. French legacy endures in the city's architecture (Creole townhouses, wrought-iron balconies), cuisine (gumbo, beignets, café au lait), music (jazz roots), and the annual Mardi Gras celebration.