The History of Louisiana: From the Earliest Period - Paperback

by Francois Xavier Martin (Author), Robert C. Reinders (Contribution by)

. . . first history of Louisiana which merits this name.
-Marc de Villiers du Terrage, author of Les Derni'res Ann'es de la Louisiane Fran'aise

Fran'ois Xavier Martin's The History of Louisiana is considered to be the first written history of the state. It expands upon Louisiana's rise to statehood, beginning with the discovery of America and culminating in the War of 1812. Martin wrote the book as a way to preserve Louisiana's history and culture for future generations. This edition provides a complete index, an introduction by Professor Robert C. Reinders, and a biography of the author by Judge W. W. Howe.

The History of Louisiana traces the original expulsion of the French, the subsequent Spanish rule, the influences of the French Napoleonic code on the English rule, and the repercussions of the Louisiana Purchase. It provides information on the internal and external struggles that Louisiana encountered as a territory and their effects on the shape of the state's culture. Martin navigates Louisiana written law and provides an explanation of the rules and regulations that were implemented.

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Franï¿1/2ois Xavier Martin records the earliest periods of Louisiana history with special emphasis on the events of 1803-15. As a judge in Louisiana in the early 1800s, Martin was able to observe the state and its politics firsthand. He drew upon his own experiences as well as the work and writings of other authorities on the topic to craft a detailed look at the state from the time of Hernando de Soto through the start of the nineteenth century. Since Martin was sympathetic to the Creole population and committed to the U.S. government, his history presents a well-balanced picture of the times.
Originally published in 1827, The History of Louisiana has been heralded as the first history of Louisiana that merits this name. Other historians, such as Charles Gayarrï¿1/2, Louisiana's most outstanding nineteenth-century historian, have found value in Martin's influential book. Expansive, meticulous, and fascinating, this work represents an important contribution to the historical study of America's eighteenth state.