the largest city in the US state of Louisiana . It is on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico , and is the second largest US port. Its popular name is the Big Easy. The city is famous for its French Quarter , jazz and food, and millions of tourists visit it each year. The French established it in 1718, and it was part of the Louisiana Purchase . Andrew Jackson won the Battle of New Orleans against the British, the last battle of the War of 1812 .
See also Mardi Gras .