The Ozone Belt And The Legacy Of Health Tourism In New Orleans

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries a health tourism industry popped up on the Northshore of New Orleans. It was in response to high death rates in the city during summer months, and the perception that the local backswamp was responsible for yellow fever and other diseases. Crossing the lake, mostly wealthy New Orleanians were greeted by piney woods, artesian wells, and cooler breezes. St. Tammany Parish was marketed as the "Ozone Belt" and people began to flock to places like Mandeville, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis and more for respite from the tropical heat. As part of his CityScapes column for Nola.com and the Times Picayune, Tulane University professor of geography Richard Campanella talked with WWNOs Jesse Hardman about the history and legacy of the Ozone Belt.