<P> The first artificial levees and canals were built in early colonial times . They were erected to protect New Orleans against routine flooding from the Mississippi River . The `` back of town '' away from the river originally drained down into the swamps running toward Lake Pontchartrain . Flooding from the lake side was rare and less severe as most of the old town had been built on high ground along the riverfront . </P>
<P> The first artificial levees and canals were built in early colonial times . They were erected to protect New Orleans against routine flooding from the Mississippi River . The `` back of town '' away from the river originally drained down into the swamps running toward Lake Pontchartrain . Flooding from the lake side was rare and less severe as most of the old town had been built on high ground along the riverfront . </P>
when were the levees in new orleans built
when were the levees in new orleans built
early colonial times
early colonial times