Our guide explained that Creole is actually a word that means someone who is the child of people who were settled by Europeans. It is literally a blend of cultures. So in LA there are French Creoles, Spanish Creoles, African Creoles and German Creoles. In fact, Louisiana had a very significant population of free, educated African Creoles before America took over the government and banned non-English in government places. When American ideas of slavery were imposed in LA things were even worse for the slaves in LA.
The plantation we started with is known as Laura's plantation. It was run by four generations of Creole women. These women did not leave their land to their eldests children or sons, but rather to their smartest children. It was colorful and had many characteristics of a classic Creole plantation. We then went to St. Joseph's plantation which was about 80 years younger than Laura's, and was built under the Anglo rule. It is white washed and done in a much different style. Lastly, we visited Oak Alley- a very large plantation nearby. In all of these we visited slave cabins and other aspects of plantation life. Louisiana is still one of the biggest producers of sugar, and many of these are working sugar plantations now.
Interestingly enough, in our first tour we learned that the very first stories of Brer Rabbit were recorded from slaves from Senegal right on that property. They were written in French patois, and then that writer befriended Harris, and he wrote them in English. Three of our stops have ended up telling me the whole history of these African folktales and all of them were amazing surprise discoveries for me!
Fats Domino was also the son of former slaves who lived on this first plantation!





Today was fascinating, again!, and such a different view of the South. I can't wait to share these stories with my History teacher friends!!
SO ENVIOUS! I'd love to do a tour like this -- it looks amazing!
ReplyDelete