Nouvelle Orléans

Nouvelle Orléans (English: New Orleans) is the capital of Carolina. Located along the Mississippi River, Nouvelle Orléans is a major port city and economic hub for the Gulf Coast region. With a estimated population of 393,232 people, the city is the 13th largest city in Carolina. The city was once the largest in Carolina from independence to after World War II. The capital was moved from Montgomery to Nouvelle Orléans in 1874 following the Macon Conference which reformed the Carolinian Consitution and government. Orleans Parish was later ceded to the federal government by the state of Louisiana, resulting in the creation of the Orleans Capital District.

Nouvelle Orléans is world renowned for its Creole cuisine, distinct music, unique dialect, and annual celebrations including Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter which is known for it's colonial French and Spanish architecture, along with vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street. The legislative and executive branches of the federal government are based on the north and west parts of the city, with the Longue Vue House and Capitol being located in the 17th and 5th Wards respectively. The Supreme Court is located within the French Quarter, while government agencies are spread across the city.

Nouvelle Orléans was founded in 1718 by French colonists. The city was the capital of both French and Spanish Louisiana before the territory was bought by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Nouvelle Orléans remained the largest city in Louisiana and was the third largest city in the United States before Carolinian independence. Following Carolinian independence, Nouvelle Orléans became an incredibly important city to the Carolinian economy. It eventually was chosen to host the new Carolinian capital, being chosen against Nashville, Atlanta, and Charleston.

The city was severely affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, flooding over 80% of the city and causing a population decline of over 40%. The Carolinian capital was temporarily moved to Atlanta due to the extensive damage. Since Katrina, the significant redevelopment has taken place in the city, some of which has been funded by the federal government. Although, concerns about gentrification, new residents buying property in closely knit communities, and displacement of longtime residents have been voiced.

Nouvelle Orléans anchors the larger Nouvelle Orléans metropolitan area which had an estimated population of 1,275,762 in 2017. This makes the Nouvelle Orléans metropolitan area the thirteenth largest metropolitan area in Carolina.