Support provided by:
The Case:
In 1779 the Governor of Spanish colonial Louisiana signed a document that emancipated Agnes Mathieu from slavery.
What was so special about Agnes that a Governor had to sign off on her release? Most freedom papers from the time bear only the signature of the former slaveholder notarized by a local clerk.
But Governor Bernardo de Galvez had a special interest in this case.
History Detectives heads to Louisiana to trace an epic tale of politics, war, love and loyalty. In the French Quarter, at Tulane University, and on the shelves of a local archive we discovers Governor Galvez’s pivotal role in America’s fight for freedom – both in the Revolutionary War and in a romantic story of our contributor’s past.
Spanish Influence in New Orleans
The French colony of New Orleans was ceded to the Spanish Empire in 1763 and remained under Spanish control for about 40 years. View photographic examples of Spanish influence on New Orleans’ architecture.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Luxury Liner Picture Frame
Is this picture frame a piece of the Titanic, Lusitania or neither?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Theremin
How did this strange instrument help spark a rock n’ roll revolution?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
WWII Landing Craft
Did this vessel land tanks on the beaches of France during World War II?
-
Related Investigation
John Brown Pike
How did this metal blade spark violent tension between the North and the South?
-
Also in Season 8
St Valentine's Day Massacre
Was this weapon fired in one of the nation's most infamous crimes?
-
Also in Season 8
War Dog letter
The military put great effort into a new War Dogs program during WWII. What went wrong on Cat Island?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Revolution: 1754-1820 object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentIt turns out that this collage was sold last fall: http://www.worthpoint.com/wort... I wonder if it would be possible to contact the buyer by way of the auction house about getting a print made. (6 months ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (1 year ago)
- FacebookCongrats on your exhibit, TZ! Here's a Washington Post article about the exhibit, everyone, and the great story TZ and Elyse did on his "Our Colored Heroes" story. http://tinyurl.com/mzpuyo8 http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/our-colored-heroes/ (6 months ago)