During the 1820s all prominent western cities in America were riverfront towns. Located on the Mississippi River, with quick access to the Gulf of Mexico, the riverfront at New Orleans became a key commercial hub of the South. Spurred on by the transportation revolution, New Orleans enjoyed this commercial position until the late 1900s when containerized shipping limited the usefulness of the wharves on Poydras and Julia streets. With the wharves finally demolished, the riverfront became a big part of the 1984 World’s Fair. Further developed as a riverwalk, a long stretch of New Orleans waterfront featured over a hundred shops and restaurants.
   A string of setbacks plagued this new initiative, beginning with the Bright Field freighter accident. The ship slammed in the Riverwalk, injuring 66 people and causing 15 million dollars in damages. Due to extensive wind damage and looting during Hurricane Katrina, the Riverwalk Marketplace received another blow. After recovery from Katrina in 2006, the economic downturn of 2007-2010 has slowed the complex once again. But visitors still patronize the Riverfront every day, enjoying shopping, a taste of both Cajun and Creole cuisine, and views of the mighty Mississippi. The authentic steamboat Natchez offers dinner, jazz and tour cruises. The colorful age of 19th century steamboats has been recreated for another wonderful New Orleans experience.

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