New Orleans <<noo AWR lee uhnz>> is the largest city in Louisiana. It lies along the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana.
Each year, millions of people visit New Orleans. Large crowds come for the Mardi Gras <<MAHR dee GRAH>> celebration in February or March. During Mardi Gras, there is a big parade with floats, music, and wild, colorful costumes. Many visitors also go to New Orleans to hear the city’s famous jazz music.
New Orleans was established in 1718 by Sieur de Bienville <<syur duh byan VEEL>>. Bienville was governor of the French colony of Louisiana, which included what is now the state of Louisiana.
In August 2005, New Orleans was struck by Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane caused many deaths and much damage.