553. We chat with Derby Gisclair about his newest book, New Orleans Steamboat Stories – The Brief Lives of Mississippi Riverboats. "Steamboats shaped America’s future, its economy, and its culture while expanding trade and expanding the country’s footprint into new territories. This economic expansion was not limited to New Orleans, but also to Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Memphis, Louisville, Nashville, St. Paul, Kansas City, and Chattanooga. A round trip voyage from Pittsburgh to New Orleans that once took six months could now be accomplished in forty-five days. At the same time steamboats made it possible to circulate and disseminate the news and the mail, to spread the various immigrant cultures, food, and music. New Orleans Steamboat Stories contains stories of a handful of the different steamboats and the people who lived and worked on the Western rivers. They are brief in nature as the average life of a steamboat was generally short. But their impact culturally and commercially, esthetically and economically, made a lasting impact on the development of America" (Jefferson Parish).

1. This week in Louisiana history. December 15, 1802. Pres.
   Jefferson, worried of French takeover of La., seeks to
   purchase Isle of Orleans


2. This week in New Orleans history. The New Orleans Church of
   St. Louis, which had been rebuilt after being destroyed in the
   fire of 1788, was dedicated as a cathedral on December 23,
   1794.
   
   


3. This week in Louisiana.
   
   97th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival
   
   Webpage
   
   November 18th, 2023 - January 6th, 2024
   
   Christmas Cheer Since 1927
   
   Named after a Native American tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced
   Nack-a-tish ) is the oldest permanent settlement in the
   Louisiana Purchase Territory. Since 1927, we are home to one
   of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the
   country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches
   Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas
   Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before
   Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany.
   Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display
   every night at dusk.
   
   


4. Postcards from Louisiana. David Middleton. "The Shepherd. A
   Christmas Play."