Since the Middle Ages, Mardi Gras was originally celebrated in France. The celebration arrived in North America, particularly in southern Louisiana, in 1699, when Iberville and his men came to explore a new site for a colony. He and his men set up camp near the Mississippi River on its west bank. Being that that day was March 3rd, Mardi Gras, they decided to name the site Point du Mardi Gras.