Frank Rachal

Jean Baptiste: Louisiana's Creoles of Color and the Civil War Frank Rachal

Jean Baptiste: Louisiana's Creoles of Color and the Civil War puts the spotlighton a little-known part of Civil War history. Many free Creoles of color in antebellum Louisiana enjoy wealth derived froma slave-based economy. Some own large plantations and live in fine homes. Hence, at the outbreak of the war, a substantial number support the South. Evenso, all remain committed firmly to the pursuit of full citizenship. The moreradical component wants to end slavery. These are monumental changes thatmost believe impossible unless the North wins. This troubling paradox leads toconfrontations and even physical violence. Dark secrets and hidden passionssurface. Some families band together, others split apart. It's a most trying time for Louisiana's Creoles of color. Their story is toldthrough the lives of two of their very courageous young people, Jean Baptisteand Adélaïde Marie. The two meet when Jean Baptiste seeks medical help for awound sustained fighting slave catchers. Adélaïde Marie, the beautiful youngdaughter of a Yankee medical doctor removes the bullet from his arm and putsjoy in his heart. Together they bravely oppose the Confederacy and slavery. Follow their intriguing journey through love and war.