Why Examine the Spanish Legacy in Colonial Louisiana?
Spain was successful in largely completing the development of Louisiana's
distinct "Creole" cultural identity during the latter half of
the 18th century. Throughout Spain's tenure in Louisiana, the colony was
developed as a barrier to British colonial expansion west of the Mississippi
River. A series of wise administrative policies was quickly formulated by
Spain, which reconciled Louisiana French colonists and Native Americans
to Spanish rule.
Our exhibit treats the diversity of Spanish Louisiana. Along with the French,
African, German, Irish and Native Americans, strong connections were formed
between Spanish Louisiana and Vera Cruz, Cuba and the Spanish Caribbean.
The 1998-99 ETHP Program utilized these intriguing historical and current
linkages of natural and built environments as learning opportunities for
the students in the St. Charles Parish Public Schools, in the Tulane School
of Architecture Master and Certificate Preservation Studies Studios and
in the communities touched by the activities. All of the students experienced
the Creole environments through research, lectures and field trips to New
Orleans and River Road.
