The Spanish in New Orleans and Louisiana

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With this newly translated account, the all-too-recognized French influences of Creole and Cajun culture in Louisiana and New Orleans make way for an examination of the effects of the Spanish period, which lasted from 1763-1803.

In the short span of only forty years, many illustrious Spaniards, including early governors Bernardo de Galvez (1777-1782) and Bar’n de Carondelet (1792-1797), left indelible impressions on the city that reach far beyond the streets that bear their names today. An entire chapter is devoted to the Spanish founding of modern-day parishes, cities, and towns, along with the Spanish contribution to Louisiana architecture, law, and art. The “renewed” traces of Spain in modern New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Bernard, and New Iberia are explored as well.

Originally published in Spain in 1979, the author intended his book for the people of both Spain and the United States. For the citizens of New Orleans, de Pedro considered it time for “the Spanish influence in and on New Orleans finally to be recognized, without delay or prejudice and for the sake of truth.”