In 1721, French rule brought Caribbean Creoles to Mississippi. These enslaved people were governed by Le Code Noir—or Black Codes—under French rule. Under British rule, Jamaican-born African Caribbeans were brought to the Mississippi Territory. Spain offered land grant bonuses to anyone willing to bring slaves under its control. The enslaved population grew from 4,500 in 1798 to over 75,000 by 1820.
Pictured: A map drawn by John Senex in 1721. At the top the text reads: “A Map of Louisiana and of the River Mississipi.” The paper has become very yellow over time. This map outlines the borders of the Louisiana Territory in red. The italic text notes the locations of many Native American tribal lands and other French territories.
Credit: Library of Congress, G3701.S2 1721 .S4 TIL
