MAPS OF THE GERMAN COAST AS EXISTED DURING THE EIGHTEENTH century and during the twentieth century are shown in Figure 2-2. The area was called "Aux Allemands."  During the Spanish Period (after 1768) it was called "El Puerto des Alemanes," and when the district was divided there were "Primera Costa de los Alemanes," and a "Segunda Costa." Since 1802 the lower part has been called "St. Charles Parish and the upper part called "St. John The Baptist Parish."9

THE WESTERN COMPANY AND JOHN LAW:

EARLY IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY, WHEN LOUISIANA WAS MAINLY unexplored, a European investor by the name of John Law, a Scottish financier, formed a company later known as the "Western Company" in 1719. He was a man with great financial gains on his mind (although he died a pauper). Through King Louis XIV of France, he was given a contract for twenty-five years to bring immigrants to Louisiana and establish the lower Mississippi River area in honor of France. He was obligated under contract to bring 6,000 white and 3,000 Negroes to Louisiana for settlement. Law and his officials had intended that these persons would occupy the land and work for themselves as well as for the wealthy land owners.

LAW PRINTED CIRCULARS, POSTERS, AND DOCUMENTS as advertisements stating that Louisiana was the land of the great, and meant for the poor villagers throughout the European countryside. He pointed out the vast rich ores to be found, the rich farmlands, and precious gem deposits.  He circulated these in France, and in particular, appealed to the peasants of the Saar Basin.10

WITH THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR BEING OVER FOR APPROXIMATELY seventy years, and with the intolerable conditions prevelent in the Saar Basin immediately after the war, the advertisements were a greeting card for peasants as well as for the wealthy land owner to start anew in another country. Their thoughts pondered the idea of being able to worship in their own way without fear of reprisals. They also knew that they had nothing to lose. By leaving their country, they could begin a new and complete life.

9lbid., p. 49.
lOibid., p. 10

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