The 2018 mid-term elections are behind us now. But this blog post will focus on historical Louisiana elections. Voting is the voice of people. It shouldn’t be taken for granted.
On December 8, 1879, Louisianan’s ratified a new state constitution. In doing so, they moved the state capitol from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. It returned Louisiana to home rule, the authority of a U.S. state to exercise powers of governance and perform functions pertaining to its government and affairs delegated to it by the central (state) government. Five state Supreme Court justices were approved for a twelve-year term. The people of Louisiana approved a lottery but believed gambling was still a deceptive vice and voted it down. The 1870s were tumultuous with many battles being fought. Learn more here.
The twenty-fourth governor of Louisiana was sworn in on December 9, 1872. Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback was the first black governor of any state. He was born a free man in Mason, Georgia, on May 10, 1837. He was one of the few black commissioned Union officers during the Civil War. Earlier in 1872, the Louisiana legislature impeached Governor Henry Clay Warmoth, (R). Henry had to step away from the governor’s office until his impeachment trial started, according to state law. This allowed Pinckney, the lieutenant governor, to move into the bigger office. He served the remainder of Henry’s term, just thirty-six days. On January 13, 1873, John McEnery (D) was sworn in as the twenty-fifth governor, having won the election in 1872. The charges against Henry were eventually dropped. Learn more here.
History doesn’t write itself, but it seems like there is an anniversary every day of something important that happened years ago. What’s important is, do you remember and respect your history, or are you doomed to repeat it the failed life lessons of others? Hope my work is helping you understand Louisiana history.
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What I’m Reading – Many readers I know like to inquire what their favorite author is reading. At the end of each blog post, I’ll let you know what book is open on my Kindle. I hope my choice of reading material inspires you to read a variety of authors and topics. Currently, I’m reading Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael series. I’m on the nineteenth book, The Holy Thief.
Bill’s Cajun House of Pleasure is available on Amazon, as an eBook, and in physical formats. It is also available on the Barnes and Noble website.