New Orleans French Quarter in (Mostly) Black & White

May 14-17, 2026

The French Mississippi Company under colonial administrator Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded the city of New Orleans in 1718 on landed originally inhabited by the Chitimacha people. France ceded New Orleans, and the Louisiana Territory, to Spain in 1762 through the Treaty of Fontainbleau to compensate Spain for their losses to Great Britain in the Seven Years' War. France reacquired New Orleans and the Louisiana Territory on November 30, 1803, through the Third Treaty of San Ildefonso in exhange for territory in Italy. Twenty days later, on December 20, 1803, France transferred New Orleans to the United States of America in the Lousiana Purchase.

Royal Street

A horse-drawn carriage navigates traffic on Royal Street in the French Quarter

A local resident makes an early morning return home after a late night out

A busker's serenade fills the evening air along Royal Street

Ghost tour groups process along Royal Street after sunset

Running parallel to Bourbon and known for its fine art galleries and antique shops, Royal is one of the original streets in New Orleans

A visitor strolls along Royal Street

The Royal Courtyard Bistro & Bar, across from The Andrew Jackson Hotel, is scheduled to open in September 2026

Bourbon Street

There is no rest for the weary on Bourbon Street

The corner of Bourbon and Dumaine

Lafitte's Blackmith Shop on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip dates back to the early 1770's.

France ceded New Orleans to Spain in 1762 following the French and Indian War.

Yes, people live on Bourbon Street, too. Would a house on any other street need a sign pleading, "Please Don't Piss In My Plants?"

Chartres

Established in 1933, Harry's Corner on Chartres at Dumaine is a favorite off-Bourbon gathering spot for locals

Jackson Square

An artists displays his work in the early morning on Jackson Square

A mother and daughter walk to Baccalaureate at St. Louis Cathedral

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans

Thanks for stopping by,

~ Steve

© 2026 Steve W. Likens