Both Southern port cities, situated about 150 miles apart along the Gulf Coast, Mobile and New Orleans share quite a bit of history and cultural ties when it comes to the origin of Mardi Gras in the States. In 1699, French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, accompanied by his brother Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, led an expedition to the area. About 60 miles from what is now New Orleans, they set up camp on March 3, the day before Lent. In honor of the meaningful date, they named it Point du Mardi Gras.
In 1702, Pierre founded Mobile. According to the Mobile Carnival Museum, the first Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile in 1703, followed by the first Carnival in 1711. Both occurred before Jean-Baptiste founded New Orleans in 1718. Celebrations in both cities continue today, but whereas New Orleans has krewes, Mobile has mystic societies.
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