659. John Rodrigue.

659. John C. Rodrigue joins us to discuss his research on the Civil War and Reconstruction. John is a prominent historian specializing in the U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, known for his deep focus on slavery, emancipation, and the Lower Mississippi Valley, with key books like Reconstruction in the Cane Fields and Freedom's Crescent, exploring how the war transformed Southern society and Lincoln's evolving views on Reconstruction. He's recognized for meticulous research and contributions to understanding the complex transition from slavery to free labor, earning awards like the 2024 John Nau Book Prize for his 2023 work.

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
2. This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Richard Emmons wrote an "Epick Poem" about the Battle of New Orleans:
   "Now when the States with soul-abhorrence saw
   Britain’s design to wage a Vandal war —
   That spoils and rapine fill’d her heart with joy —
   That all her thoughts were loosen’d to destroy, —
   One voice from Florida to Maine was heard,
   To rise in panoply and draw the sword —
   Grace, Hampton, Norfolk, Baltimore — of late,
   Urg’d their uniting with unbroken weight,
   To guard their cities smiling on the sea,
   From the rude grasp of spoiling Royalty.
   
3. This week in Louisiana history. January 2, 1860 Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana near Pineville, Louisiana opened with Col. William Tecumseh Sherman as superintendent, would later become LSU, Seminary opens with five professors and 19 cadets
4. This week in New Orleans history. Troy Andrews (born January 2, 1986), also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty has worked in jazz, funk and rap music. Andrews is the younger brother of trumpeter and bandleader James Andrews as well as the grandson of singer and songwriter Jessie Hill. Andrews began playing trombone at age six, and since 2009 has toured with his own band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
   
5. This week in Louisiana. Carnival season begins in Louisiana on 12th Night of Christmas, January 6, 2025
   Joan of Arc Parade
   French Quarter
   New Orleans
   Floats will focus on Joan of Arc's life.
   The 2026 Route & Key Stops
   The parade follows a specific path through the French Quarter with three traditional “stops” for pageantry:
   
   • Start: Corner of Bienville and Front Streets.
   • Stop 1 (The Toast): A toast to the royalty from the balcony of the Historic New Orleans Collection (416 Chartres St).
   • Stop 2 (The Blessing): The blessing of Joan’s sword. Due to ongoing construction, this may take place at St. Mary’s Church at the Old Ursuline Convent rather than the Cathedral.
   • Stop 3 (The Birthday Song): A pause at the golden Joan of Arc statue (Place de France) on Decatur Street to sing “Happy Birthday.”
   • End: The crowning of the King and a public King Cake ceremony at Oscar Dunn Park.
   Website: joanofarcparade.org
   Email: joanofarcparade@gmail.com
   Phone: (504) 251-5046
   The Joan of Arc Project
   7330 Sycamore St.
   New Orleans, LA 70118
   This event is family friendly.
   
6. Postcard from Louisiana. Delfeayo Marsalis & Doreen at Snug Harbor. 

Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
Listen on iHeartRadio.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.