Plaçage was a significant part of New Orleans' history and lore and was often depicted in artwork, films, and articles. However, some say that the common understanding of plaçage is a myth. The Haitian Revolution led to thousands of Haitian refugees fleeing to New Orleans in the early 1800s, and some say that this created a reputation for the city.

Free people of color--people of African descent who lived in colonial and antebellum America and were born free or escaped the bonds of slavery before it was abolished in 1865--made significant contributions to the economies and cultures of the communities in which they lived but held an anomalous status in the racial hierarchy of the day. Inhabiting this place in between made their ambiguous and incongruent status one of the most talked about “problems” of the first half of the nineteenth century, yet their story has been largely overshadowed by the harsh story of slavery.

In this episode I will discuss some basic facts about the Pelican State. Starting with the early inhabitants of the land and ending with the different culture groups. Come on in an grab a seat and come on this neverending tour of Louisiana.

Welcome to Louisiana Unfiltered, your deep-dive into the rich, intricate history of Louisiana! In this trailer episode, we introduce you to a journey that transcends time, exploring the unique blend of cultures that define the Pelican State—where French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences converge to create a vibrant history unlike any other.