New Orleans history

New Orleans was founded in 1718, at the swampy foot of France's huge Louisiana territory, and named after the Duc d'Orléans. Despite hurricanes, mosquitoes, disease and floods, settlers came and the city prospered. In 1762, the territory was secretly ceded to Spain. Drawn by the rich plantations and thriving port, the Americans came seeking their fortunes. During the 19th century, New Orleans boomed with trade from the cotton and sugar plantations and, by 1860, was the wealthiest city in the country.After the Civil War (1861-65), the region's slave-based agricultural economy declined.