New Orleans is among the two cities in North America that stands apart as the oldest and and known for its rich culture and diversity. The other being New York. It was named after Philip(second) the duke who ruled during the French occupancy. It was ceded by the Spanish after the treaty of Paris, and was in their control until about 1800, after which it was again under the French control. Two years later Napoleon Bonaparte sold the territory to the United States. Most of the architecture in the French quarter dates back to the era when it was in the French and Spanish control. The city is located in the Mississippi river delta. To its east and west is the Mississippi river and to its south is the lake Pontchartrain. It is built on thousands of feet of soft sand and clay, which has been settling in the many years since. The rising water table is a reason why the cemeteries in New Orleans have tombs above ground level. The tombs contain vaults following Spanish custom. They are often ref...