The Isleños of Louisiana: On the Water's Edge

by Samantha Perez

Louisiana is perhaps best known for its distinctive French heritage, a legacy visible in the street names and architecture around the state. The truth is, Louisiana has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the nation, with not only French and Anglo-American settlers, but the Native Americans who lived there already, and the enslaved Africans the new colonists brought with them into Louisiana Territory. A chapter of Louisiana history that tends to be forgotten however, is when the area fell to Spanish control in the late 1700s. Coaxed by promises of new opportunity, thousands of Canary Islanders of Spanish descent relocated to Louisiana, where they established four settlements. Generations of Isleños, that is the ethnic group of descendants from the Canary Islands who have intermarried with other communities, have overcome the challenges of an evolving American society, as well as the devastation of storms that have ripped through their land. Through it all, the Isleños have preserved their unique heritage, traditions and culture for more than two centuries.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2011

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up in Louisiana, my mother was from Lafourche Parish and my maternal great grandmothers last name was Sanchez and yet I had never heard of the settlers from the Canary Islands called Isleños. Therefore, I found this book very interesting and informative since my knowledge was zero to begin with. As a history of a people it is rather poor on information but better than nothing. The last chapters of the book document the further cultural losses of Isleño heritage due to Hurricaine Katrina and the BP oil spill. The book also made me curious enough to search YOU-TUBE for videos of the Louisiana Isleño festivals.

[Summer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as informative as I had hoped, but I am interested in doing a little research to see if I have any Isleno ancestors. I see that one of my ancestors on my paternal grandmother's side has a Spanish sounding last name. I thought my Granny was 100% Cajun, but it's possible she may be part Spanish.

[Adamdaigle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little read on the good people of St. Bernard Parish. Good work, Samantha.