I'm forgetting History

[INdemo]

But ..being below sea level What in the world did New Orleans do before the Levees were built to the standard to supposedly withstand a category 3 hurricane ...and even before that I mean like back in 1800's

[SteppingRazor]

1. Several things --

First New Orleans back then hadn't built out to the point it is now, it was actually mostly above sea level.

Also, the lakes weren't as big now -- a lot of their growth is the result of the destruction of wetlands.

Third, speaking of that wetlands destruction, it has also resulted in storm surges from the Gulf traveling further inland.

[China_cat]

2. You also didn't have the

Army Corps of Engineers trying to change the course of the river.

[mzteris]

3. speaking of history

repeating itself:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2099985&mesg_id=2099985

[El Supremo]

4. More:

The Mississippi had built up its own natural levee. More has been added to it by man over the years.

Old New Orleans was only near the river and a swamp was near lake Ponchartrain.

All of New Orleans has settled several feet due to the pumping out of the ground water.

[barb162]

5. Nawlins is constantly sinking. It was way higher

back then. Way more wetlands back then too. And every last square inch wasn't built on back then.