The Crescent City's rich traditions and present-day vivacity can be traced to the manner of its founding. Adventurers and settlers from France, England, Spain, Africa, the Netherlands, and the surrounding American states flocked to the city, producing an environment abundant in heart and creative spirit. Diverse races and nationalities complemented each other as communities flourished. Following the patterns of development in the city from 1718 through the first 250 years of its existence, fourteen components in this topical history examine everything that continues to make New Orleans unique: music, art, sports, and of course the people. Faculty and staff members from New Orleans' Tulane University compiled these essays to record the history an American treasure.