Indians, Settlers, and Slaves in a Frontier Exchange Economy: The Lower Mississippi Valley Before 1783

by Daniel H. Usner Jr.

In this pioneering book Daniel Usner examines the economic and cultural interactions among the Indians, Europeans, and African slaves of colonial Louisiana, including the province of West Florida. Rather than focusing on a single cultural group or on a particular economic activity, this study traces the complex social linkages among Indian villages, colonial plantations, hunting camps, military outposts, and port towns across a large region of pre-cotton South.

Usner begins by providing a chronological overview of events from French settlement of the area in 1699 to Spanish acquisition of West Florida after the Revolution. He then shows how early confrontations and transactions shaped the formation of Louisiana into a distinct colonial region with a social system based on mutual needs of subsistence. Usner's focus on commerce allows him to illuminate the motives in the contest for empire among the French, English, and Spanish, as well as to trace the personal networks of communication and exchange that existed among the territory's inhabitants. By revealing the economic and social world of early Louisianians, he lays the groundwork for a better understanding of later Southern society.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Indigenous History, African American, Native American, Native American History

314 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1992

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A believable economic history that reminds us what post-apocalyptic evil would really look like: certain groups with power and technology, others living wild *but also trading and communicating with the power group*, and slaves.


Found this one via Aaron Brown's recommendation, so seriously consider giving it a look.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually reread this book in relationship to a current research project. By far it remains a must-read book for anyone interested in the colonization of the gulf coast south in the 17th and 18th century. My own interest in indigenous women and their role in this economy begins with Usner's research. Really well-written and great details--fascinating stories.

[Matt · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title says it all.