The Case:
On the "Spanish Esplanade" overlooking the Mississippi River, there is a magnificent home that for years was believed to be the original home of one of the Spanish dons who colonized the area. Recently, this story was discovered to be a myth.
The original owner was actually a free man of color named Robert D. Smith, who built it himself in 1851, 12 years before the Emancipation Proclamation.
The new homeowners, Ruth and Jim Coy, have been actively pursuing the history of Robert Smith and they have a question. According to a recently discovered record, Smith arrived in New Orleans on a slave ship.
How did Robert Smith go from traveling on a ship full of captive individuals destined for servitude to owning a luxurious home?
The History Detectives trace the rise of this unique individual.
Related Content
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Technique:
Feature:
Blog Post:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Hot Town Poster
What role did this striking poster play in the explosive events of 1960s America?
-
Related Investigation
Creole Poems
Does this manuscript contain words of love or illegal acts of rebellion?
-
Related Investigation
Whaling Ship
Might a ship docked in Mystic Seaport, hold secrets to the Underground Railroad?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
John Brown Pike
How did this metal blade spark violent tension between the North and the South?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Pop Lloyd Baseball Field
Why was this baseball field named after an African-American ballplayer in a time of racial tension?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Land Grant
How did an African-American win freedom and land so early in American history?
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.