The first organised Mardi Gras in New Orleans happened only 4 years later, in 1703, but the first Mardi Gras parade didn't take place until 1837.
The date was March 3, 1699, so the group named the spot Point du Mardi Gras in honour of the Catholic holiday. On this mission, they entered the mouth of the Mississippi River and made their way upstream, setting up camp at a location known today as New Orleans. In the late 17th century, King Louis XIV sent Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville to defend France's claim on the territory of 'Louisiane' - modern day Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and eastern Texas.
Ultimately choosing yes, Minnis was a marshal with a megaphone that time. Back in 1979, the community debated whether to proceed with a second Mardi Gras for fear of further violence.
