Mobile I

Mobile, Alabama is even older than New Orleans which will celebrate its tricentennial next year. Mobile was established North of today's location as early as 1702 and was moved to the current site – where the Mobile River flows into Mobile Bay. Mobile was the first capital of the French Louisiana Territory. In 1720 the capital was moved to Biloxi and two years later to New Orleans.

Mobile and New Orleans share the French origins and the founding father: Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. Thus they share catholicism that comes with a centrally located cathedral as well as with the celebration of Mardi Gras. Some of the architecture in downtown appears to be comparable as well as street names (Dauphin vs. Dauphine) and a knack for going out and having fun.

Some impressions of historic homes in the – very small – downtown area.

Even though some street names sounded familiar, nobody was able to tell me why one street in downtown had the German name Joachim. They just told me about the right way to pronounce it (unfortunately I forgot – but the guy in the tourist office said that they pronounced it differently than anywhere else in the US).