The Story of The West Florida Rebellion

That section of Louisiana east of the MlsslS1Slppl rl\'er, south of the M issis'3!ppl state line, north of lakes Pontchartraln and Maurepas, extending to the Pearl River, which Includes the parishes of West Feliciana, East Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, St. Helena, Livingston, Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Tammany-a territory once called the "County of Feliciana," Is known today by. many as the "Florida Parishes." It was the westernmost section of a land that was known for nearly half a century (1763-1810) as "West Florida" and over It flags of two European kingdoms flew, the Union Jack of England for 16 years, and the banner of Spain for 31 years. On the soil of this fruitful southern land was enacted one of the most spectacular events In Louisiana's colorful history, For the space of 74 days this part of the present state was a. free and Independent nation, with Its own governing officials, Its own army, Its own navy, lts own flag, Its own declaration of Independence. To secure this daring, It short-lived freedom, liberty loving Anglo-Saxon Inhabitants, many British to the backbone, literally fashioned their plowshares Into swords and, at the point of these weapons, captured a fort by force and beat down the defenders, to throw off the shackles of a hated European despotism.