Foundation of the Crescent - The Early History of New Orleans

Volumes I & II

Discover the Origins of New Orleans: From Prehistory to Creole Society

Explore the untold story of New Orleans in this comprehensive two-volume history, tracing the city’s evolution from its prehistoric roots to the vibrant Creole society of the mid-18th century.

Volume I delves into the Mississippi Valley before European settlement, revealing the complex lives of Indigenous peoples, their trade networks, cultural practices, and stewardship of the land that would later become the Crescent City.

Volume II chronicles New Orleans’ founding under French rule (1718–1763), a time of ambition, labor, and survival. Witness the city’s early struggles with floods, disease, and scarcity; the pivotal role of enslaved Africans and Indigenous knowledge in building the colony; and the emergence of a unique Creole culture defined by family, faith, language, music, and cuisine.

Rich in detail and grounded in historical research, this work brings to life the resilience, creativity, and complexity of a city at the crossroads of empire, oceans, and cultures. From the hardships of colonial life to the formation of enduring cultural traditions, these volumes reveal how New Orleans was shaped — physically, socially, and culturally — long before it became the city the world knows today.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a scholar, or simply curious about the roots of one of America’s most iconic cities, Foundations of the Crescent offers an immersive journey into the early centuries of New Orleans — a story of survival, ingenuity, and enduring cultural legacy.