Short history on the origins of trailrides in Louisiana
The role of Creole cowboys in American History is often overlooked, but the traditions are still alive and well in Louisiana. Skills formed during cattle drives as slaves and then as free men laid the foundation for the boucheries that would feed the community fresh meat before refrigerators made the practice obsolete.
This video uses footage and photos from the Lebeau Posse Trailride which takes place in October in Lebeau, Louisiana.
Something I didn't have time to go into in the video is the interaction between the trailrides and innovating zydeco music. I'd definitely recommend reading "The Kingdom of Zydeco", especially if you have an interest in zydeco music and it's history. It's essential reading.
Further reading:
https://www.rancholoscerritos.org/black-on-the-range-african-american-cowboys-of-the-19th-century/
https://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/9684.asp
Micheal Tisserand's, "The Kingdom of Zydeco"