An impossible river -- A landjobbing scheme -- Utopian by design -- Improvising a city -- Changing of the guard -- In contraband we trust -- A Creole city -- Slavery and the struggle for mastery -- The slaves remake themselves -- A new people, a new racial order -- The American gateway -- Epilogue
Summary
Chronicles the history of the city from its being contended over as swampland through Louisiana's statehood in 1812, discussing its motley identities as a French village, African market town, Spanish fortress, and trade center
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 361-400) and index