Which noble founded New Orleans in 1718?

New Orleans was founded by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, in 1718. He is recognized for establishing the city as a French settlement that would later grow into one of the most significant cultural and historical sites in the United States. Bienville's leadership was pivotal in selecting the site for New Orleans due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River, which facilitated trade and transport. His vision for the city included a strong fortification to protect against potential threats and a plan for the area's development.

While John Law, who is associated with the founding of the Mississippi Company, played a significant role in financing the settlement, he did not physically found New Orleans. Rene Robert Cavelier de la Salle is noted for exploring the Mississippi River but did not establish the city itself. Don Antoine de Ulloa was important later as the first Spanish governor of Louisiana but was not involved in its founding. Understanding the contributions of these figures in the context of New Orleans’ history provides a richer perspective on the city's development and its European influences.