Why were the first european setters of louisiana drawn to the area that would later become the city of new orleans

They had access to multiple waterways that made the area ideal for trade.

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.