Spain Transfers Louisiana to France: Napoleon Has Plans
Spain handed over Louisiana to France — and France had already sold it. The ink wasn't even dry before Napoleon's deal made the whole handover almost pointless. Pierre de Laussat, the French colonial prefect, accepted the keys to New Orleans on November 30, then surrendered them again on December 20. He governed French Louisiana for exactly 20 days. One man, one territory, two ceremonies. But here's the thing: Spain didn't even know France had sold it until after the deal was done.
November 30, 1803
223 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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