Background History

Much of the motivation for the French in colonizing the "New World" was to spread Catholicism. Unlike the British who were unhappy with the Church of England, the French Jesuits set up missions and churches in Canada, Maine, and Louisiana to spread Catholicism. 

In 1726, the Ursulines Nuns were granted land in city of New Orleans. "At the request of Governor Bienville and through the efforts of the Jesuit Father de Beaubois, the Ursulines of Rouen on September 13, 1726 signed a treaty with the Company of the Indies to come to New Orleans 'to relieve the poor sick and provide at the same time for the education of young girls.'" 

​The nuns suffered through challenging living conditions in the struggling colony, proving themselves to be absolute heroes for the needy colonists. ​This book offers incredible insight into the difficult journey just to get here!!

The Casquette Girls

Throughout French colonies, there was a policy in place to ensure that proper French men married within their race. While the French were friendly to Native Americans, the Crown didn't want them to be "too friendly". So, the "filles de roi" were sent to New France; the so-called "King's Daughters" were provided to the male colonists to promote family life and domesticity.

In addition, "Correction Girls" were sent here for the men. These were streetwalkers, prisoners, unruly, and low class women exiled from France, or sent by orders of the King. At the time, France was trying to purge itself of undesirables. Many of the first males were also criminals. However, other unwanted beings were also sent to Louisiana. Details here.  

In early Louisiana, it was important that you emphasized where your lineage originated!

Vampires??

Legends always have an origin, a grain of truth. The tales of vampires go back centuries in New Orleans. Recommended reading:

This book digs deep into the history of vampires in New Orleans. The author is not just an historian, she also owns the Boutique de Vampyre and Vampire Cafe on St. Ann Street and Royal Street, a block from where our tour ends! Definitely worth a visit!!!