Jean Lafitte’s smuggling empire, Napoleon’s bargain basement real estate deal, and America’s first integrated military unit.
The Detail That Changes Everything
Napoleon sold half of America for 3 cents per acre in the Louisiana Purchase
Historical Context
This story spans 1803-1862 and is centered in Louisiana. Understanding the broader historical context is essential to grasping why events unfolded as they did.
Key Figures
The central figures in this story include Jean Lafitte, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Andrew Jackson. Each played a distinct role in the events documented in this episode.
What This Documentary Covers
- How pirate Jean Lafitte’s 3,000 men helped Andrew Jackson win the Battle of New Orleans
- The Louisiana Purchase: how Napoleon sold half of America for 3 cents per acre
- America’s first integrated military regiment formed in New Orleans in 1862
- The world’s oldest streetcar line still running since 1835
- Why Avery Island produced 22 million pounds of salt for the Confederacy
Themes Explored
This episode examines interconnected themes including piracy, Louisiana Purchase, Civil War, integration, cultural heritage. These themes recur across multiple episodes in our documentary collection, revealing patterns that connect seemingly unrelated stories.
Watch the Full Documentary
This companion article provides context and background for the full documentary. For the complete story with narration, original music, and archival imagery, watch the episode above or on YouTube.
