- Control over the Mississippi River and its trade routes.
- New Orleans was a strategic deepwater port and commercial hub.
- Served as a transportation center for goods and people, connecting the West to the East.
- Gateway for expanding American trade and commerce.
19th Century:
- Key point of contention during the War of 1812.
- Symbol of the Louisiana Purchase and American territorial expansion.
- Strategic significance during the Civil War, as control over the city was crucial for controlling trade and transportation in the South.
- Major immigration gateway, especially for French and Spanish immigrants.
- Cultural hub for music, literature, and art, contributing to America's cultural heritage.