Draining New Orleans

In Draining New Orleans, Richard Campanella explores the extensive efforts to dewater the city, highlighting the interplay of engineering, politics, and social factors across New Orleans' history. The book delves into the ambitious projects and challenges faced over centuries, illustrating how the city’s transformation into a drainage powerhouse brought both triumphs and unintended consequences. Through a detailed recounting of pivotal moments and key figures, Campanella offers a comprehensive look at the complex process of making the city’s swampy landscape more habitable.