What is it about their way of life that makes their culture so distinctive?
John Lawrence: Louisiana’s Creoles maintained customs and traditions that connected them to their homeland. Though the state’s Colonial past included governance by both France and Spain, the transplanted French culture dominated for most of the 18th century. Creoles who had enjoyed an elevated status in France or in French Colonial North America did their best to emulate that social structure and lifestyle. Though mere survival was sometimes an issue, much of Louisiana’s Creole population placed a premium on social interaction and entertaining, extended family relationships that reflected the status of the parties involved, and occupations that were considered suitable to one’s social standing. SA: What cultures influenced the Creoles and their style? How is this seen in their architecture? JL: Louisiana Creoles could accept influences without becoming dominated by them. French influences remained important to them well past Louisiana’s statehood in 1812. Though many families came to L
