LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / March 13, 2000

NEW ORLEANS – The newly-published (at least in this country) “The Spanish in New Orleans and Louisiana” is a treat worth waiting for since its original 1979 publication in Spain.

For the scholar and the casual reader this book by the former consul-general of Spain, Jose Montero de Pedro, this examination of Spanish rule in Louisiana (1762-1803), is enlightening, educational and entertaining all at once.

One example of the value of this book is the illustration of the extent of Spanish influence on the so-called French Quarter, which is filled with Spanish architecture, from the Market to the Cabildo to still-extant colonial-era houses, one which dates back to 1721.

A section sure to stir controversy is that dealing with the 1768 rebellion which led to the expulsion of Spanish Governor Ulloa and the 1769 execution of most of the rebellion’s leaders by Ulloa’s successor, O’Reilly.

De Pedro argues the controversy was totally self-serving in origin and only sought to exchange one monarchy (Spain) for another (France) as their rulers. He also argues that the punishment for the leaders was mild, ascompared to similar circumstances elsewhere.

All this will fly in the face of the popularly-accepted legend of the brutal O’Reilly murdering the freedom-loving rebels. Many of those leaders wereGerman and Acadian Coast settlers in the present-day St. Charles, St. Johnthe Baptist and St. James parishes, who sought to restore their free traderights as the Spanish restrictions brought them near to ruin.

Regardless of this point, the book retains its inestimable value in its revelation of Spanish influence still alive in Louisiana architecture, cuisine, language, laws, music and economy.

The book also ranges far and wide to show Spain’s influence on south Louisiana as a whole, including the origins of New Iberia as a settlement to grow hemp in 1779.

De Pedro bemoans the fact that Spanish influences have been swallowed up by claims of French influence and hopes to see history set straight, at least insofar as Louisiana goes.

He does point out steps toward that correction and applauds such additions as Spanish Plaza to downtown New Orleans.

Also included is a valuable timeline of Spanish government of Louisiana, including a listing of all Spanish governors.

“The Spanish in New Orleans and Louisiana” is published by Pelican Publishing Co. and retails in popular bookstores at $24.95.Back to Top

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