Everyone knows that New Orleans was the birthplace of Jazz, but do you know what else was born in this beautiful city of ours? Turns out, lots of stuff! Read on to find out if any of the things in this New Orleans firsts article are new to you. You might also see if the inventions you already knew about made the list!

1. Poker
Wikicommons / Public Domain
While the exact origins of poker are hard to pinpoint, a lot of historians identify New Orleans in the early 19th century. Sailors who came in through the port are said to have loved this game...and gambling in general. Craps was also allegedly started in New Orleans.
2. Higgins Boat
Wikicommons / US Navy – Official US Navy
The Higgins boat was the innovative naval craft that served prominently during the D-Day invasion in WWII. But did you realize that these boats were invented in New Orleans? If you have visited the WWII Museum, you probably did...and you can learn much more about them when you visit there!
3. Dental Floss
Flickr.com / Earl
Next on our list of inventions from New Orleans is one that is probably pretty surprising. But believe it or not, dental floss was allegedly invented right here. A variety of early dental and medical innovations were started in New Orleans actually.
4. Cocktails
Flickr.com / Quinn Dombrowski
If you have ever attended the Tales of the Cocktail event, you have probably heard the story. The sazerac was the original New Orleans cocktail...and reportedly the original cocktail in general! And it still tastes amazing after all of these years.

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5. Movie Theaters
Wikimedia/Photographer not credited
The first Vitascope commercial movie theater opened right on Canal St. It had over 400 seats and was truly special. And it all started right in downtown New Orleans.
6. Cotton Candy
Wikicommons / I, FocalPoint
This is another one that is pretty surprising. Apparently, it was a dentist who invented it as well! Maybe he was trying to drum up more business by insisting people eat this sugary treat?
7. Upscale Restaurants
Wikicommons / Infrogmation
Have you ever had a meal at one of the classic New Orleans restaurants and thought wow, this is how all restaurants should be? Well, there's no coincidence there. The fine dining experience was basically invented in this town, and we are home to some of the longest running restaurants in the entire country.
8. Opera
Wikicommons / Louis Antoine Godey
The French Opera House in New Orleans was built in the French Quarter. It was the first place Americans ever went to enjoy opera music.
9. Cathedrals
St. Louis Cathedral - Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France Facebook Page
Another first for New Orleans? Cathedrals. St. Louis Cathedral is the longest-running still operating in the United States.

Did you know all of the things on this list were New Orleans firsts? Do you have any other fun facts about NOLA that you would add to this list? Let us know what your picks would be in the comments section below. We love to read your ideas and feedback!

If you love New Orleans’ celebrations, the history behind the city’s oldest Mardi Gras Krewe will fascinate you!

If you’re still in the mood for more Louisiana adventures, take a look at this video:

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Adventures in The Pelican State

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 07, 2023

Where can we find haunted attractions in Louisiana?

  • The Tomb of Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans is one of the most haunted, and popular, spots in the state.
  • The Caddo Parish Penal Farm (aka The Pea Farm) in Shreveport was where prisoners were kept in the early 20th century.
  • The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Site in Gibsland is where this infamous duo went through their final shootout.

Read on to learn about some of the many other eerie haunted attractions in Louisiana.

Where can we find botanical gardens in Louisiana?

  • The Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia is set on a 25-acre estate built upon a coastal salt dome.
  • The New Orleans Botanical Gardens in New Orleans features an extensive collection of rare and exotic plants.
  • The R. W. Norton Art Gallery Gardens in Shreveport spans 40 acres and encompasses a wide array of traditional and unique plants and flowers.

Read on to learn about some of the many other beautiful botanical gardens in Louisiana.

Where can we find historic homes in Louisiana?

  • The Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site in Martinville commemorates Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem "Evangeline."
  • The Degas House in New Orleans is the former home of impressionist painter Edgar Degas.
  • The E.D. White State Historic Site in Thibodaux was named after these father and son political figures.

Read on to learn about some of the many other amazing historic homes in Louisiana.

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