Final answer:
New Orleans had a diverse population consisting of Native American, African, and European racial categories of significant size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinct racial categories of significant size that were present in New Orleans were Native American, African, and European.
New Orleans had a diverse population, including Native American tribes such as the Choctaw, Houma, and Chitimacha. African Americans, who were primarily descendants of enslaved Africans, formed a significant portion of the population. Europeans, particularly French and Spanish settlers, also contributed to the city's racial diversity.
It is important to note that racial categories and identities have evolved over time, and early ideas about race were often influenced by factors such as skin color and social status.