Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, also known as Sieur de Bienville, played a crucial role in the establishment of New Orleans, a city that would grow to become a significant cultural and commercial center in the southern United States. The choice of the site along the Mississippi River was strategically significant, as it offered an advantageous position for trade and navigation. Bienville, who had previously explored the region, recognized the potential for growth and influence in this area, catalyzing French colonial ambitions in North America.

The foundation of New Orleans was marked by the design of a structured city plan, which included a layout that reflected French urban planning principles. Bienville erected key structures to facilitate governance and commerce, fostering an environment that would attract settlers and traders. The new settlement was a melting pot, bringing together diverse cultures, including French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. This blend would shape the unique identity of New Orleans over the ensuing centuries.

As New Orleans began to develop, it became a focal point for trade, attracting merchants and settlers drawn to the promise of opportunity. The strategic location of the city would later play a vital role in the economic and cultural exchanges in the region, paving the way for New Orleans to become one of the most historically and culturally rich cities in America. The establishment of New Orleans helped underline France's colonial ambitions in the face of competition from Spain and Britain.