New Orleans is a city that is steeped in history, tradition, and culture. It’s a place that has seen a lot of changes over the years, but one thing that remains constant is the charm and beauty of the city. One way to explore the evolution of New Orleans is through photos of then and now.
Looking at old photographs of New Orleans can transport you to a different time and place. The architecture, the clothing, and the way of life depicted in these images give us a glimpse into the past. Many of the buildings and landmarks that we take for granted today were once new and shiny. Seeing these structures in their early days can be fascinating and can give us a better appreciation for their enduring value.
But it’s not just the landmarks that have changed over time. These photos also show how the city’s people have evolved. The clothing, hairstyles, and expressions captured in these images give us a sense of what life was like for the people of New Orleans at different points in history.
I haven’t been to many places in America, but I was in New Orleans shortly after Katrina in 2008 and it was my favorite American city even at that time. The scenery is so picturesque and extravagant yet cosy at the same time. There are some tree-lined streets that seem like something out of a movie. Saxophones, trumpets, and trombones were played by buskers. I felt like Huckleberry Finn as I rode a big Mississippi riverboat. A guy named Captain Tom took us out on the bayou and handed us marshmallows to feed to alligators. I didn’t know alligators liked marshmallows. His wife kept a raccoon as a pet.
It was my first time there the week before Katrina hit. Watching the news of the place I just visited at home was very surreal.
Did you watch Treme???? it’s one of the best shows ever!!
I definitely poked around the neighborhood, but I didn’t know Tremé was a show.
There was still a lot of devastation three years later. Driving outside of the city center, I remember seeing condemned houses abandoned and boarded up, and neighbourhoods that looked like ghost towns. Things seem to be getting better these days, I imagine.
Also, I was there around that time. Like you said, parts of the city were very nice. Other parts, however, were very sad and depressing. There was great food and music everywhere.
This was a wonderful thing to read today.
The CVS sign looks like one of their receipts
Seeing the original building smoothed out, streamlined, and pasted with a huge advertisement was very sad.
It’s incredible how many of these comparisons are so similar to a century ago. There is no doubt that some of the new structures were designed with the city’s aesthetic in mind. I am not sure how often you see such a level of urban design preservation in such a big city in America, but this is just wonderful.
Rdr2 anyone?
That was where my thoughts went. They really nailed it.
The first time I visited NOLA during Alternative Springbreak in high school, I immediately fell in love with it. We went to help with Hurricane Katrina Relief. I went 3/4 years and it was the best trip of my life! I’ve always wanted to return there.
The CVS photo was depressing