Uptown is high ground, not as high as the Quarter, so gravity takes it to the river or the lake. Don't recall any canals left uptown.
Descendants of early settlers are not necessarily rich. My family first arrived in the area in 1711.
Your family has lived there for nearly 300 years?! I know I'm impressed. My family didin't get here until the 1860's.
Not rich? I'm under the impression that being poor, and no government saftey net, was NO indicater of a families future. America was a wonderful place. Still is, but man, we've got termites.