Pirates, Presidents & Purchase Receipts
How a pirate, a general, and a fifteen million dollar receipt changed the shape of America — all in one swamp. Walk through the French Quarter (which is actually Spanish) and discover the Louisiana Purchase, the battle fought after the war ended, the plot to rescue Napoleon, and why Mardi Gras colors may come from a Russian coat of arms.
Start This ExperienceWhat You'll Experience
A taste of what you'll hear
9 stops, each with its own story. Here's a preview.
"In eighteen oh-three, the United States doubled in size because of a real estate transaction that happened in this building right here. Fifteen million dollars. Eight hundred and twenty-eight thousand square miles."
"The Presbytere was designed to be a home for priests. It was never used as a home for priests. They used it as a courthouse instead. Built to match the Cabildo. Almonester paid for it."
"You made it. You walked through the French Quarter — the Spanish Quarter — without getting lost. Let's see what you caught. Laussat folding the flag? Fake. Pere Antoine's journal entry? Fake. Jackson calming the crowd? Fake."
Part tour, part game
Most of what you hear is true. But we slip in a few things that aren't. At the end, there's a quiz — can you tell which facts were real?
It makes you pay attention. And it's way more fun than just listening.
Have questions? Just ask.
Curious about something you heard? Want to know more about a place? Ask us anything — we have a lot to say. It's more fun when it's a conversation.
Ready?
Download the app, head to the starting point, and press play. The stories start themselves.
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French Quarter
The French Quarter Cheat Code
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