French Quarter

New Orleans's French Quarter is one of the most photographic and most recognizable landmarks in the United States, and, post-Katrina, remains the heart of the city. Yet how much do we actually know about this neighborhood? In this NPR piece (4/8/202 - 8:31), from the series, Present at the Creation, Renee Montagne provides a surprising overview of an area that is more Spanish than French, and maybe more American than Spanish.

Musings

• One outstanding characteristic of the French Quarter is that it is pedestrian friendly, and, as such, related to the contemporary movement for re-creating traditional neighborhoods, called New Urbanism. Describe a setting (urban or otherwise) in which you enjoy walking, people watching, or just spending time?
  
  
• The French Quarter is an entertainment area for tourists but also a neighborhood. What, in your opinion, are the chief characteristics of a good neighborhood?