Who was the French engineer that laid out the city of New Orleans in 1721?

The correct answer identifies Adrien de Pauger as the French engineer responsible for laying out the city of New Orleans in 1721. He was commissioned to design the urban plan, which included the famous grid layout that characterizes much of the French Quarter today. His work established the foundational layout, including streets, plots, and public spaces, that would influence the city's development into a bustling port and cultural hub.

Adrien de Pauger's plan was essential for managing the unique challenges posed by New Orleans’ geography and its location along the Mississippi River. This layout facilitated trade and settlement, ensuring the city's growth and stability from the start.

The other individuals listed played different roles in the history of New Orleans and North America. Jacques Cartier was a French explorer known for his voyages in Canada, René-Robert Cavelier, also known as La Salle, explored the Mississippi River and claimed it for France, while Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, the founder of New Orleans, is noted for establishing the settlement but not for its design. These contexts enhance the understanding of Pauger's specific role in shaping New Orleans.