I have always been intrigued by maps, especially those drawn before my time. They sometimes tell and paint a story better than history books. Like this, the "Gen. Banks map" which was drawn during the occupation of New Orleans at the time of the Civil War. It depicts the "New Canal" or New Basin Canal. Note how far into the city it reached from Lake Pontchartrain. To the right, Bayou St. John which reached well into the city. Both were major avenues of transportation. Many are surprised to learn that much of the city commerce began from the Lake and not the Mississippi River. Turning to the west, note the curving Bayou Metairie which is also Metairie Road. And finally, looking at this map, it is no wonder we have pumping stations and drainage canals everywhere. New Orleans and Metairie really were built in a swamp! As for General Banks or "Spoons", that's another story. (map is from Library of Congress)