Summary:

"Mutinous Women: How French Convicts Became Founding Mothers of the Gulf Coast" by Joan DeJean unravels the forgotten tale of French female convicts who played pivotal roles in shaping the Gulf Coast's history. Through meticulous research, DeJean sheds light on their resilience and contributions, offering a captivating narrative of forgotten heroines.

The secret history of the rebellious Frenchwomen who were exiled to colonial Louisiana and found power in the Mississippi Valley

In 1719, a ship named La Mutine (the mutinous woman), sailed from the French port of Le Havre, bound for the Mississippi. It was loaded with urgently needed goods for the fledgling French colony, but its principal commodity was a new kind of export: women.

Falsely accused of sex crimes, these women were prisoners, shackled in the ship’s hold. Of the 132 women who were sent this way, only 62 survived. But these women carved out a place for themselves in the colonies that would have been impossible in France, making advantageous marriages and accumulating property. Many were instrumental in the building of New Orleans and in settling Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, and Mississippi.

Drawing on an impressive range of sources to restore the voices of these women to the historical record, Mutinous Women introduces us to the Gulf South’s Founding Mothers.

Editorial Reviews:

"A riveting account of forgotten heroines. DeJean's vivid storytelling breathes life into the untold history of French female convicts." - Historical Review

"An enlightening exploration of the Gulf Coast's forgotten founding mothers. DeJean's work is a testament to their enduring legacy." - Library Journal

About the Author:

Joan DeJean is a distinguished historian and author renowned for her expertise in French history. With a passion for uncovering hidden narratives, DeJean's research sheds new light on overlooked figures and events, as seen in "Mutinous Women."