General Description

The highest part of the city is only 25 feet (8 m) above sea level; parts of it lie below the river level. Thus, floods have long been a threat, and the city is protected by an extensive system of dikes.

The original settlement was made along a great bend of the river and the town soon was nicknamed “Crescent City.” As it grew, New Orleans first followed the river south-westward, then expanded toward Lake Pontchartrain. Much industry is located near the river and along navigational canals branching out from the river. Many streets in the southern part of New Orleans follow the river bends, while those of the north tend to follow the pattern of the lake shore.