The "Teche":
Shane K. Bernard's "Teche" examines this legendary waterway of the American Deep South. Bernard delves into the bayou's geologic formation as a vestige of the Mississippi and Red Rivers, its prehistoric Native American occupation, and its colonial settlement by French, Spanish, and, eventually, Anglo-American pioneers. He surveys the coming of indigo, cotton, and sugar; steam-powered sugar mills and riverboats; and the brutal institution of slavery. He also examines the impact of the Civil War on the Teche, depicting the running battles up and down the bayou and the sporadic gunboat duels, when ironclads clashed in the narrow confines of the dark, sluggish river.
Describing the misery of the postbellum era, Bernard reveals how epic floods, yellow fever, racial violence, and widespread poverty disrupted the lives of those who resided under the sprawling, moss-draped live oaks lining the Teche's banks. Further, he chronicles the slow decline of the bayou, as the coming of the railroad, automobiles, and highways reduced its value as a means of travel. Finally, he considers modern efforts to redesign the Teche using dams, locks, levees, and other water-control measures. He examines the recent push to clean and revitalize the bayou after years of desecration by litter, pollutants, and invasive species. Illustrated with historic images and numerous maps, this book will be required reading for anyone seeking the colorful history of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
As a bonus, the second part of the book describes Bernard's own canoe journey down the Teche's 125-mile course. This modern personal account from the field reveals the current state of the bayou and the remarkable people who still live along its banks.
The Author:
Bernard serves as historian and curator to McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand products since 1868, and to its sister company, Avery Island Inc., which traces its origin to 1818. Bernard holds a Ph.D. in History from Texas A&M University, and degrees in English and History from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is the author of five books:
- Swamp Pop: Cajun and Creole Rhythm and Blues (1996)
- The Cajuns: Americanization of a People (2003)
- Tabasco: An Illustrated History (2007)
- Cajuns and Their Acadian Ancestors: A Young Reader’s History (2008);
- Teche: A History of Louisiana’s Most Famous Bayou (2016).
Bernard has discussed south Louisiana history and culture through numerous media outlets, including NPR, CNN, MSNBC, the History Channel, the BBC, and National Geographic. He resides with his wife and two children in New Iberia, La., a short distance from Bayou Teche.
Follow Bernard on his facebook, website or blog. His book can be purchased at Books Along the Teche in New Iberia as well as from other booksellers, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.
If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy:
