427. Mike Bunn. West Florida

427. We interview Mike Bunn about his book on West Florida, Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During America's Revolutionary Era. “Mike Bunn has written the first thorough history of West Florida, a British colony in America during the era of the American Revolution. Fourteenth Colony is good history and a good read, and it adds significantly to our knowledge of colonial America and the Revolutionary War.” — John Ferling. The British colony of West Florida—which once stretched from the mighty Mississippi to the shallow bends of the Apalachicola and portions of what are now the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana—is the forgotten fourteenth colony of America's Revolutionary era. The colony's eventful years as a part of the British Empire form an important and compelling interlude in Gulf Coast history that has for too long been overlooked. The colony's history showcases a tumultuous political scene featuring a halting attempt at instituting representative government; a host of bold and colorful characters; a compelling saga of struggle and perseverance in the pursuit of financial stability; and a dramatic series of battles on land and water which brought about the end of its days under the Union Jack.

1. This week in Louisiana history. July 24, 1769. Alejandro "Bloody" O'Reilly reclaimed New Orleans for Spain.
2. This week in New Orleans history. Disnelyland's New Orleans Square opened in July 24, 1966. New Orleans Mayor Victor H. Schiro participated in the dedication ceremony. Schiro announced Walt Disney had been made an honorary citizen of New Orleans; Disney joked the addition cost as much as the original Louisiana Purchase. This was Walt Disney's last major public appearance at Disneyland before his death in December 1966.
   
3. This week in Louisiana.
   Things to Do With Kids: Greater New Orleans
   The Crescent City and surrounding areas are perfect destinations for family getaways. Here are some of our top picks for kid-friendly fun in and near New Orleans.
   New Orleans is wild, funky and free-spirited. It’s known for phenomenal music, some of the best food in the world and is believed to have more historic districts than any other city in the country. But did you know that it’s also a great place to bring children? That’s right, you can trade in your Bourbon Street all-nighter for a whole lot of family fun.
   
4. Postcards from Louisiana. Beasts of Bourbon play at the Famous Door Bar.

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