Representing years of extensive research, this authoritative and comprehensive guide to the records generated in the Louisiana Territory during the French and Spanish colonial periods is a major reference work. Henry Putney Beers has painstakingly traced all types of documents, including land, military, and ecclesiastical records; registers of births, marriages, and burials; and private papers. Far more than a mere bibliographical listing, the book provides a complete history and description of these records and their past as well as current locations. When microfilms or other copies of particular bodies of documents exist, Beers describes the circumstances of reproduction and lists the locations of the copies.In the first part of the book, Beers presents a concise account of history and government in Louisiana, concentrating on the formation of a record-keeping bureaucracy. His detailed discussion includes information on available archival reproductions, documentary publications, and the nature and size of holdings in pertinent manuscript collections. Beers's examination of parish, land, and ecclesiastical records will serve as a vital resource. In the remainder of the book, he provides a similarly comprehensive treatment of the records of what are now Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, and Arkansas.Beers traces repositories for these documents far beyond regional confines, locating some in Europe, Canada, and Cuba. For the early migrants to the region -- the Acadians, for example -- he describes source materials at the migrants' points of origin. He also provides information on documents that have been lost or destroyed, an important service that will save researchers much time.French and Spanish Records of Louisiana will prove to be of enormous value to a wide range of people: professional historians, local history buffs, genealogists, lawyers, archivists, and librarians.

The author of this comprehensive history was the first Louisiana historian to document his studies through research in the national archives of France and Spain. Originally published in1854, this volume covers the Spanish rule in Louisiana from 1769 to 1803. Read about the difficult conversion of a French colony into a Spanish one, and about the men who ruled from the Cabildo, which still stands in New Orleans� French Quarter. Discover what took place during the administration of each Spanish governor. While reading, enjoy maps of Louisiana as it was at the time covered. The exciting events will inspire readers to continue the story by reading Volume IV.

The author of this comprehensive history was the first Louisianahistorian to document his studies through research in the nationalarchives of France and Spain. Originally published in1854, this volumecovers the Spanish rule in Louisiana from 1769 to 1803. Read about thedifficult conversion of a French colony into a Spanish one, and about themen who ruled from the Cabildo, which still stands in New OrleansFrench Quarter.Discover what took place during the administration of each Spanishgovernor. While reading, enjoy maps of Louisiana as it was at the timecovered. The exciting events will inspire readers to continue the story byreading Volume IV.

Keep in mind that French Louisiana took in a lot more area than the present-day state of Louisiana.

The author of this comprehensive history was the first Louisiana historian to document his studies through research in the national archives of France and Spain. Originally published in 1854, this volume tells of the French in Louisiana. The impact felt by this French influence is still evident today in such areas as architecture, religion, and cuisine. As thorough as it is, this volume tells only the beginning of the story of France's influence of Louisiana, beginning with the first exploration of the Louisiana territory and extending well into the eighteenth century. The fascinating account of the French in Louisiana is completed in Volume II. While reading, one can also enjoy maps of Louisiana as it was during the time discussed.