NOLA. A Grande Dame of celebrity status.

I was excited driving into New Orleans. I was about to meet a Grande Dame of celebrity status. On a bend in the Mississippi River 100 miles from the river mouth, New Orleans is the Gulf of Mexico’s busiest northern port—and has been since 1700

The history of New Orleans was an essential lens through which to take in this strange, beautiful, but oppressive city and understand its legacy of economic, judicial, and political decisions that have impacted it for centuries right up to the present day.

France ruled New Orleans from 1682 to 1800, when it was secretly ceded to Spain in 1763 to prevent British rule.?

In 1803, Louisiana reverted to the French. Napoleon, depleted by the Saint-Domingue slave uprising and faced with war against England and little interest in the cost of holding on to American colonies, sold it to the United States 20 days later in the secret Louisiana Purchase. New Orleans is a city of secrets.

These dates tell us that under French law, men and women inherited equally, which gave women economic power and social status.?

“Under Spanish law, enslaved people were allowed a few more privileges and protections than the French had granted; in reality, Spanish enslavers violated most of these rights, though in some cases, they were upheld. In particular, Spanish slave law recognized coartación, the right of self-purchase, and although most enslaved people had no chance of capitalizing on this privilege, a significant number did.” https://bit.ly/3OLVdRt

New Orleans was central to two wars: the War of 1812, in which the United States achieved its most significant land victory, and the American Civil War, which took place in 1861 - 1865 and was fought between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America, to end slavery. The Constitution, amended when the war ended, freed the enslaved people, giving them “equal protection under the law” for American citizens and granting black men the right to vote. https://bit.ly/3D9mY47

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and the British Empire that tested the U.S. Constitution and the new government. “Despite being divided and unprepared, the nation emerged intact, establishing borders with Canada, opening the Oregon Territory, and improving trade.

The war had lasting effects on Indigenous people. Many tribes allied with the British for protection, but after the war, their abandonment led to significant loss of people, land, and even culture.” https://bit.ly/3Dj3XvV

A city of crumbling charm, grimy and old, a blend of French and Spanish architecture, deep Southern US history, and distinctive African touches—evident in the city's music, cuisine, and cultural traditions—shaped by the contributions of Europeans and African Americans over centuries.?

?When the skies open, rain washes the paved streets clean. People huddle cheerfully under awnings inside shops, cafes, and bars for the rain to clear. In the stifling heat, the rain is welcome. Follow me to read more.

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?#expand #enrich #educate #enjoy #explore.

The world is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.?

Julie Coghlan Communications:https://lnkd.in/eUSCw7H