Carlos de Grand Pré facts for kids

Carlos Louis Boucher De Grand Pré (born 1745 – died 1809) was an important Spanish official. He served as governor of the Baton Rouge district in Louisiana from 1799 to 1808. He was also governor of Spanish West Florida in 1805. Grand Pré was a high-ranking officer in the Spanish Army. He also worked as a lieutenant governor in other districts, like the Red River District and the Natchez District.

About Carlos Grand Pré

Carlos Grand Pré was born in New Orleans. He was baptized on October 25, 1745. His parents were Louis Antoine Boucher de Grand Pré and Thérèse Gallard. His father was a nobleman from Canada and a military captain. After 1769, his first name was usually written as "Carlos" in Spanish records.

During his time, the ownership of Louisiana changed many times. Grand Pré helped develop the Baton Rouge area.

Military Service

Grand Pré was a brave military leader. He helped Governor Bernardo de Gálvez capture British military posts. These included Thompson's Creek and Amite River. He also helped in the campaigns for Fort Manchac and Fort New Richmond in 1779.

He served as commander of Pointe Coupée. He was also lieutenant governor of the Red River District. This role was based in Avoyelles.

Grand Pré was also in charge of the Natchez District from 1786 to 1792. During this time, he built two churches there. He hoped to encourage people to become Catholic, but it was not very successful. In 1789, he built a large home called "Concord" in Natchez.

In 1790, Carlos de Grand Pré made a list of tobacco farmers in the Natchez District. Most of these farmers were from Kentucky and Virginia. The list showed how much tobacco each farm produced. After leaving Natchez, he received land near the Avoyelles Post.

Political Roles

In 1799, Grand Pré became governor of Baton Rouge. That same year, he suggested that Spanish settlers from the Canary Islands move to a new town. These settlers lived in Galvez Town. The new town was called Spanish Town. He designed the layout for this area, which was "out of cannon shot" from the fort.

By 1804, some people were unhappy with the Spanish rule. A group of Americans, led by Reuben Kemper, declared their independence. They captured a Spanish commander. They tried to capture Governor Grand Pré in Baton Rouge. However, Grand Pré was ready for them. The Americans left after some scattered shots. The Kemper group continued to cause trouble from nearby Pinckneyville.

In 1805, Grand Pré was appointed governor of West Florida. He again suggested that Spanish settlers from the Canary Islands move to Spanish Town. He planned the layout for this new settlement.

Later, Napoleon tried to put his brother on the Spanish throne. Because of this, and the ongoing issues with the Kemper group, Grand Pré was called to Havana. He was questioned about his mild policies towards the people. Grand Pré died in Cuba in 1809 while waiting for his case to be heard. His friend Pedro Favrot said he was executed for being "pro-French."

Carlos de Hault de Lassus took over as governor of the Baton Rouge district. He was criticized for being corrupt. He was taken prisoner during the West Florida revolt in 1810.

Images for kids

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  Farm built in Natchez for Carlos de Grand Pré around 1789 (photo published in 1938).