TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Introduction
      1
1. Founding of New Orleans and Early Years 1718-1730     6

    African Slaves: Backbone of the Colony
    First Free Blacks Appear
    The Black Code
    The Natchez Massacre
    Slave Revolt Foiled

   
2. French Period 1731-1761     18

    Avenues to Freedom
    The African Market

   
3. Spanish Period 1762-1802     28

    Liberal Spanish Laws
    Free People of Color Form a Community
    The Placage System: White Men, Black Concubines
    Naming Patterns
    The Cimarron Wars: Runaway Slaves
    Pointe Coupee Uprising

   
4. Early American Period 1803-1830     48

    Restrictions for People of Color
    Golden Age of the Free People of Color
    Trades and Avocations
    The Battle of New Orleans
    Quadroon Balls

   
5. Antebellum Years 1830-1860     64

    Accomplishments despite Barriers
    Thriving Businessmen and Professionals
    Couvent School and Sisters of the Holy Family
    The McDonogh Connection
    The Word Creole: Many Meanings

   
6. The Civil War and Reconstruction 1860-1890     84

    Activism During Occupation
    Effects of the Civil War
    The Mechanics Hall Massacre
    The Advent of Jim Crow

   
7. The Creole Legacy Continues     101

    Conflict and Confusion
    Race Consciousness
    The Creoles and Civil Rights Movement
    What Makes a Person a Creole?
    Overlooked in Mainstream History
    Exporting the Creole Life-style

   
End Notes to Chapters
      120
Appendix: First Names and Surnames Common before 1803
      132
Bibliography and Suggested Reading
      137
Index     147