Why is New Orleans called the Crescent City?

It was built along a curve of the Mississippi River

Its first flag showed a crescent moon over the river

It was founded by sailors at night

Why are many New Orleans tombs built above the ground?

The water table is high, so graves flood

To display the wealth of old families

Because a city law requires it to save space

The St. Charles streetcar line in New Orleans is famous for being what?

One of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the world

New Orleans Quiz: Mardi Gras and the French Quarter, USA

This New Orleans quiz explores the lively Louisiana city on the Mississippi River in the USA, with questions on why it is called the Crescent City, the baby hidden in a king cake, beignets at Café du Monde, Hurricane Katrina, above-ground tombs, the St. Charles streetcar, the Louisiana Purchase, the Battle of New Orleans, Marie Laveau and the French Quarter. Ten questions.

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🎯 Daily Trivia Challenge • 🧠 10 Questions • ⏱️ 90 Seconds

Question 1 / 10 Time: 90s

Nicknames
Why is New Orleans called the Crescent City?
Mardi Gras
What is traditionally hidden inside a New Orleans king cake?
Food
Café du Monde in the French Quarter is famous for which sugar-covered fried pastries?
Storms
In 2005, which hurricane flooded about 80 percent of New Orleans?
Cemeteries
Why are many New Orleans tombs built above the ground?
Streetcars
The St. Charles streetcar line in New Orleans is famous for being what?
History
In 1803, New Orleans became part of the United States through which deal?
Battles
Who led American forces to victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815?
Voodoo
Who was the famous 19th-century Voodoo Queen of New Orleans?
Architecture
Despite its name, most of the French Quarter's historic buildings show which style?

Explanations: answer key for all 10 questions

Q1: Why is New Orleans called the Crescent City?
Answer: It was built along a curve of the Mississippi River
The old city sits on a bend of the river. It is also called the Big Easy, for its relaxed way of life.
Q2: What is traditionally hidden inside a New Orleans king cake?
Answer: A tiny plastic baby
Whoever finds the baby is said to have good luck and must bring the next cake. King cakes are eaten from January 6 until Mardi Gras.
Q3: Café du Monde in the French Quarter is famous for which sugar-covered fried pastries?
Answer: Beignets
They are served in threes, covered in powdered sugar, with café au lait made with chicory. The café has been open since 1862.
Q4: In 2005, which hurricane flooded about 80 percent of New Orleans?
Answer: Hurricane Katrina
The flooding came mostly from failures of levees and floodwalls. Many residents were forced to leave, and the city spent years rebuilding.
Q5: Why are many New Orleans tombs built above the ground?
Answer: The water table is high, so graves flood
Much of the city lies at or below sea level. The rows of whitewashed tombs are often called cities of the dead.
Q6: The St. Charles streetcar line in New Orleans is famous for being what?
Answer: One of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the world
It began as a horse-drawn railway in 1835. Its green cars pass under live oaks and past the mansions of the Garden District.
Q7: In 1803, New Orleans became part of the United States through which deal?
Answer: The Louisiana Purchase
The United States bought the vast Louisiana territory from Napoleon's France. The deal doubled the size of the country.
Q8: Who led American forces to victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815?
Answer: Andrew Jackson
The battle was fought after a peace treaty had been signed, though news had not yet arrived. Jackson later became president, and Jackson Square is named after him.
Q9: Who was the famous 19th-century Voodoo Queen of New Orleans?
Answer: Marie Laveau
Her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most visited graves in America. Visitors can enter only with a licensed guide.
Q10: Despite its name, most of the French Quarter's historic buildings show which style?
Answer: Spanish colonial
Great fires in 1788 and 1794 destroyed many French buildings, and the Spanish rulers rebuilt with brick, courtyards and iron balconies.

New Orleans Quiz – The Big Easy

New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana, USA, set on a bend of the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico. Famous for jazz, Mardi Gras, Creole and Cajun food and a unique mix of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean cultures, it is one of the most distinctive cities in America. Its nicknames include the Big Easy and the Crescent City.

The French founded New Orleans in 1718. Spain ruled it from 1763, and after great fires, much of the French Quarter was rebuilt in Spanish style. In 1803, the city became American through the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1815 Andrew Jackson won the Battle of New Orleans. Enslaved and free people of African descent shaped the city's music, food and traditions.

The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is the historic heart of the city, with Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Bourbon Street and Café du Monde. The Garden District has grand mansions, and the St. Charles streetcar rolls beneath live oaks. Above-ground tombs fill the city's cemeteries.

New Orleans is famous for music and festivals. Jazz was born here, and Louis Armstrong grew up in the city. Mardi Gras brings parades, beads and costumes, and second line parades fill streets with brass bands. Voodoo traditions, linked to Marie Laveau, add mystery.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina flooded most of the city. Today, New Orleans has rebuilt but still faces risks from storms and rising seas.

Food is central to life in New Orleans. Gumbo, jambalaya, po'boy sandwiches, red beans and rice and crawfish boils are local favorites, and restaurants such as Antoine's, open since 1840, are among the oldest in the country.

This quiz covers the history, traditions, landmarks and food of New Orleans.

What This Quiz Teaches

This quiz is perfect for travelers, music lovers and food fans.

Why New Orleans is called the Crescent City
King cake and beignets
Hurricane Katrina and above-ground tombs
The St. Charles streetcar and the French Quarter
The Louisiana Purchase and the Battle of New Orleans
Marie Laveau and Voodoo traditions

Quick Facts About New Orleans

Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French.
The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold.
Preservation Hall has hosted traditional jazz since 1961.
The city's airport is named after Louis Armstrong.
The Caesars Superdome has hosted many Super Bowls.
Jazz Fest is held every spring at the city's Fair Grounds.