St. Bernard Parish Massacre of 1868

In October 1868 dozens of African Americans were massacred in St. Bernard Parish, a few miles downriver from New Orleans.

Today's episode is about this little known event. It is a story about freedom, Reconstruction, a Presidential election, and a fight between cultures.

To help us learn about the St. Bernard Parish Massacre, I'm joined by Chris Dier, an author, educator and the 2020 Louisiana Teacher of the Year.

 

Quick Episode Summary

• Recap of last episode about Dillard University

• Introduction of Chris Dier, author of St. Bernard Massacre of 1868 (4:55)

• St. Bernard massacre was not a riot (9:40)

• The Islenos of Louisiana (12:30)

• Setting the Stage; 1860s in the United States (15:00)

• The economics of Reconstruction (18:45)

• The presidential election of 1868 (19:00)

• The execution of Louis Wilson (23:15)

• Impact of hurricanes on records (28:00)

• Pablo Feliu is killed - facts and myths (32:15)

• Lasting impact of the massacre (39:00)

   

Previous Episodes Mentioned

• The Battle of New Orleans - Episode 29
• Abraham Lincoln in New Orleans - Episode 40

 

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Thank You

Thanks to Chris Dier for being my guest on today's episode. Follow Chris on on Twitter (@chrisdier) and be sure to check out his website at chrisdier.com.

Click here to purchase a copy of The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre.

Thanks also to Joel Sharpton from Pro Podcasting Services for being the intro voice of the podcast!

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Shout Outs & Mentions

Ed Branley - NOLA History Guy Podcast

St. Bernard Middle School

Chalmette High School

Reconstruction in the Cane Fields, by John C. Rodrigue

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Thanks for listening!

Mark