Baton Rouge, the state capital of Louisiana in the deep south of the US, is a drawcard for viewing alligators in the swamp, catching crawfish and its rich history of architecture and a “colourful” way of life. But among the highlights are the low-lights of Louisiana: its history of slavery. There are about 140 plantations you can visit along the Mississippi River … [Read more...] about Slave to history
Social history
Old slave law still relevant in Louisiana tourist trade
"Experience Louisiana’s deep and colourful history told through the area's historical architecture and rich countryside," proudly proclaims the brochure on Louisiana's Historic Plantation Homes. It describes some of the 140 plantations able to be visited along the Mississippi River running from Natchez south to New Orleans. Many of the plantations' houses and gardens are … [Read more...] about Old slave law still relevant in Louisiana tourist trade
Santa Monica, haven of cool
Santa Monica, a seaside town of 94,000 people southwest of Los Angeles, prides itself on being politically liberal, environmentally caring, alternative lifestyle-friendly and culturally sensitive. It’s got a great beach, a thriving high-tech culture, is a haven for creatives, and fosters all manner of bohemian, hippie and laidback lifestyles. It still sees itself as the … [Read more...] about Santa Monica, haven of cool
Antebellum houses in the Southern USA
The houses are concentrated in Vicksburg and Natchez, two towns on the Mississippi River, made rich by “King Cotton” and “Queen Sugar”, the two crops that flourished in the rich river soil and made white plantation owners and their families rich, and brought prosperity and the trappings of civilisation to the South over a period between 1820 and 1860. Natchez was one of the … [Read more...] about Antebellum houses in the Southern USA