NOLA Free People of Color

Catalog description

This methods seminar examines the origins and experience of the large population of free people of color in New Orleans from 1718-1865. Although most Africans and African-descended inhabitants of New Orleans during this period were enslaved, many attained freedom or were born free. In 1800 fully 1/4 of the free people in New Orleans were free people of color. They joined militias, acquired property, ran businesses, and produced a vibrant body of literature.