A quick answer on NO history is that many of them settled there after slavery was abolished and just never left. This swamp land was not fit for much but these people made it anyhow. Many more were forced by there slave masters to build the levees to protect the surrounding parishes. Most of them were freed from the French and given parcels of swamp land. They built their houses on bricks above the water and started making the wonderful art we see there todate to sell. The freed slaves were from many different tribes so there was an eclectic array of fine arts, music and art combined to make what has shaped NO. Most of them made their money by sitting on the corners with bands they formed playing their music and relying on tips from locals and tourist.

The deep soulful sultry sounds of the authentic blues that song the words to the pain they'd experienced began as a hobby or just plain of family/friends entertainment. Music combined with the exotic culinary artists and the mystery folk became the lure of NO.

The Cajun is a combination of French, Spanish, Indian and Africans that banned together to try to make life work after slavery was outlawed.

Many of us will feel the impact of loosing such people...the food and music especially. But, on the brighter side of that, these wonderful cooks and artists will be distributed throughout America now. I know that when I make Cajun foods, especially gumbo, dirty rice and jambalya and Pecan pies and Praline and blackberry dumplings, friends and family will travel miles for the authentic delights.

You can Google the history of NO to get an array of perspectives. Not many of them will mention the very origins or the people in the background of the mystery that attracts the tourists. National Geographics, PBS and The History Channels have done elaborate documentaries that display some of the very people that refuse to leave right now. They are very private and non-trusting of many people. This was just passed down like cultural DNA.

There are many plantations that profit there too. Tourists go to see the chains and little shacks that have been restored to preserve this history. There is also an original ship that was used to bring in the human cargo. Those chains lay on the bottoms of the ships and about the ships.

Too bad all of the original history has been washed away but maybe it is time to really put that behind.

Sheree

[ September 05, 2005, 11:49 PM: Message edited by: Sugaree ]