Third Thursday Lecture

There were two brief episodes when parts of Louisiana functioned independently: the 1768 Louisiana Rebellion against Spain (1768 – 1769) and the 1810 Republic of West Florida. Additionally, Louisiana declared itself an independent republic for six weeks in 1861 before joining the Confederacy. Come explore these little known periods in our state’s history with historian and author Edward Branley and hear the stories of Spanish Governor Antonio de Ulloa and Alejandro O’Reilly, Fulwar Skipwith, and Philemon Thomas, as well as Governor Thomas Overton Moore.

New Orleans native Edward J. Branley has written five books for Arcadia Publishing, including Legendary Locals of New Orleans and Images of America books New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line, Maison Blanche Department Store and New Orleans Jazz. He is a graduate of Brother Martin High School in New Orleans and the University of New Orleans.