History of New Orleans

New Orleans was founded in 1718

The city of New Orleans has one of the richest and most unique histories in the United States.

The earliest records of human history in the area are of the Chitamacha tribe, a native people who had inhabited the area since around 500 A.D. In the early 18th century, heavily armed Frenchmen, accompanied by Indians from other tribes, began slaving raids against the Chitamacha, The tribe, decimated by war and disease, resettled in Harenton, LA over 100 miles from where their tribal reservation currently exists.

During this time, in 1718, New Orleans was established. It was named after Phillipe II, Regent of France and Duke of Orleans, which was a commune, or small municipality in France. While the colony was handed over to the Spanish in 1763 after the Seven Years War, it reverted back to French rule in 1801. Under Thomas Jefferson, The United States attained New Orleans two years later from Napoleon as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

While New Orleans experienced an influx of Irish, African, German and French migration, its French-speaking population was the most prevalent. This unique composition fostered the strong musical, culinary, architectural and cultural heritage that the city is known for.

History of Harrah's New Orleans

In 1999, Harrah's New Orleans was opened. The 115,000 square foot casino was built on Canal street just a block away from the Mississippi River.

On May 18, 2005, Harrah's New Orleans hosted its first World Series of Poker Circuit Event. Walter Chambers was Harrah's N.O.'s the first WSOP Circuit Main Event Champion. Chambers beat out out a field of 259 players including Antonio Esfandari, Howard Lederer and David Williams.

Just three months later, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans with brute force. The storm, along with the subsequent catastrophic failure of the city's levee attributed to over 1,830 deaths and caused well over $100 billion in damage. Harrah's New Orleans was forced to temporarily cease operations.

In February of 2006, the property re-opened, and in May, reassumed its place on the WSOP Circuit, at which notable pros Phil Ivey, David Singer, and Gavin Smith were in attendance.

To date, the allure of its hosting city, an extravagant hotel resort and the casino's one-of-a-kind poker room along with the high caliber competition that it attracts make Harrah's New Orleans one the Circuits most poplular stops.

WSOP Circuit Event: Harrah's New Orleans

History of New Orleans

History of Harrah's New Orleans