Kathleen M. Byrd's Natchitoches, Louisiana, 1803-1840 is an examination of one French Creole community as it transitioned from a fur-trading and agricultural settlement under the control of Spain to a critical American outpost on the Spanish/American frontier and finally to a commercial hub and jumping-off point for those heading west. Byrd focuses on historic events in the area and the long-term French Creole residents as they adapted to the American presence. She also examines the effect of the arrival of the Americans, with their Indian trading house and Indian agency, on Native groups and considers how members of the enslaved population took advantage of opportunities for escape presented by a new international border. Byrd shows how the arrival of Americans forever changed Natchitoches, transforming it from a sleepy frontier settlement into a regional commercial center and staging point for pioneers heading into Texas.

About the Author
Until her retirement, Kathleen M. Byrd was the director of the School of Social Sciences at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. She has also served as the state archaeologist for Louisiana.

Reviews
A much-needed narrative of Natchitoches and its surroundings in the immediate decades after the Louisiana Purchase. Byrd deftly shows this was no insignificant outpost, but one at the complex crossroads of political, national, economic, and cultural identities, alliances, and whimsaEURO"with the future of the area, Louisiana, and United States up for grabs."" - Kent W. Peacock, director, Creole Heritage Center, Northwestern State University of Louisiana

""A unique synthesis, both social and material, drawing on a wide range of hard-to-find primary data. This new regional narrative will be indispensable to all those who research Louisiana's historic past."" - Kevin C. MacDonald, director, Institute of Archaeology, University College London

""In 1803, the Natchitoches region abruptly became part of the rapidly expanding Anglo-American world. The period that followed saw immense cultural change, and the Latin-dominated town of Natchitoches became an American border town. This period saw changes in the diverse cultures of the Red River region, including expansion into Texas, and reflects the complex nature of frontier history. Byrd has captured this complexity and leaves us with a broader perspective of American culture."" - Hiram F. ""Pete"" Gregory, professor of anthropology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana



Book Information
ISBN 9780807182192
Author Kathleen M. Byrd
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Louisiana State University Press
Publisher Louisiana State University Press
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 21mm