Captain Thomas Cooper De Leon, Sephardic Jewish Confederate Officer and Writer // Capitan Thomas Cooper De Leon, Oficial Confederado y Escritor.

Captain Thomas Cooper De Leon (May 21, 1839 - March 19, 1914) was a Chief Clerk Office of Pay and a member of the Confederate States Navy. He served at the same rank as personal secretary for President Jefferson Davis, being specifically entrusted with confidential correspondence. Thomas Cooper De Leon is well known for his many post war books and poetry including “Creole and Puritan” (1889), “Puritans Daughter” (1891), “Four Years in Rebel Capitals” (1893), “Confederate Memories” (1899) and “Belles, Beaux and Brains of the 60’s” (1909). He was also editor of the Mobile Register, The Gossip and The Gulf Citizen after the war.

Thomas was the brother of Edwin De Leon (May 4, 1818 - November 30, 1891), former Consul General for the United States, in Egypt under the administrations of President’s Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan and who served as the Confederate Envoy in Europe. He was also the brother of David Camden De Leon (1813 - September 3, 1872), 1st Surgeon General of the Confederacy, who had fought in the Seminole War. He was wounded twice while fighting in the Mexican War.

Thomas Cooper De Leon was a descendent of a Spanish / Sephardic Jewish family. Thomas and his brothers were the children of Dr. Mordecai Hendricks De Leon (1791-1848), and Rebecca Lopez y Nunez, of Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Mordecai Hendricks De Leon, was the son of Jacob De Leon (1764-1828). Thomas went totally blind in 1903 and was called “the Blind Laureate of the Lost Cause.” He is buried at Magnolia Cemetery, in Mobile, Alabama, in the Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp 11, United Confederate Veterans Plot (Square 27, Lot 13). DeLeon Avenue in Mobile is named after this family. /// This is the radio show episode where I talk about Thomas Cooper De Leon, you can click here and listen to the show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south/2010/11/15/rosales-history-of-the-south-show-2-la-historia-de, I hope you enjoy it.

You can visit http://adf.ly/8ALVr and learn about the Cuba Libre Camp Project of the Admiral Semmes Camp 11, Sons of Confederate Veterans which is a project to identify all known Cuban Confederate Soldiers, as well as other Hispanics and Minorities who served in the Confederate Military.

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Capitán Thomas Cooper de Leon (Mayo 21,1839-Marzo 19,1914) fué el Chief Clerk Office of Pay (Jefe Oficina de Pago) y miembro de la Naval de los Estados Confederados. Él sirvió con el mismo cargo como secretario personal para el Presidente Jefferson Davis, siendo especialmente encargado con correspondencia confidencial. Thomas Cooper de Leon es muy conocido por sus muchos libros de guerra y poesias incluyendo “Creole and Puritan” (1889), “Puritans Daughter” (1891), “Four Years in Rebel Capitals” (1893), “Confederate Memories” (1899) y “Belles, Beaux and Brains of the 60´s” (1909). Él fué también el editor del Mobile Register, The Gossip and The Gulf Citizen después de la guerra.

Thomas era hermano de Edwin De Leon (Mayo 4, 1818- Noviembre 30, 1891), el anterior Cónsul General de los Estados Unidos en Egipto durante las administraciones del Presidente Franklin y James Buchanan y que sirvió como el Enviado Confederado en Europa. También era hermano de David Camden de Leon (1813- Septiembre 3, 1872), Primer Cirujano General de la Confederación, quien habia peleado en la Guerra Seminole. Fué herido dos veces peleando en la Guerra Mexicana.

Thomas Cooper de Leon era descendiente de una familia Española-Sefardita Judia. El y sus hermanos eran hijos del Dr. Mordecai Hendricks De Leon (1791-1848), y Rebecca López y Núñez de Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Mordacai Hendricks De Leon era el hijo de Jacob De Leon (1764-1828). Thomas perdió su vista en 1903 y fué llamado “El Laureado Ciego de la Causa Perdida.”. Él está sepultado en el Cementerio Magnolia, en Mobile, Alabama, en el Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp 11, United Confederate Veterans Plot (Square 27, Lot 13). DeLeon Avenue en Mobile fué nombrada por su familia.

Happy Columbus Day // Festa Di Colombo // Dia De La Raza, October 12th.

I wish everyone a Happy Columbus Day / Festa Di Colombo / Dia De La Raza. Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was a visionary who never gave up on his goal. He left a legacy of exploration and discovery unheralded in his time. I suggest you read about this great man and his discoveries by checking out the book and DVD I listed. They have great information on the man and the history.

The Spanish Consul in Confederate New Orleans, Louisiana during the Civil War, 1861-1862 // El Consul Espanol en Nueva Orleans, Luisiana durante la Guerra Civil Americana, 1861-1862.

1) Juan Callejon - He served as Consul of Spain, from 1855 to 1866 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a supporter of the Confederate States of America and assisted the Spanish Citizens (including Cubans from the then Spanish Colony of Cuba) in New Orleans and in Louisiana during the Confederate Period and afterwards during the Federal Occupation, until 1866. /// If you love Southern History you can listen to "Rosales" History of The South" Radio Show by clicking on this link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south

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El Consul Espanol en Nueva Orleans, Luisiana durante la Guerra Civil Americana (1861-1865) era el Senor Juan Callejon. Callejon fue el Consul en Nueva Orleans entre 1855 y 1866.

Antonio Espejo (died 1805), Spanish Colonial Mobile, Alabama 1780-1813 // Antonio Espejo (? -1805) Epoca Colonial Espanola en Mobile, Alabama, 1780-1813.

Antonio Espejo was the son of Bartolo Espejo, of Malaga, Spain. There is little known about his background, his age, or when exactly he arrived, in Mobile. He worked as a Royal Carpenter, at Spanish, Fort Confederation (Fort Tombigbee), in Alabama. He arrived in Mobile and married Catalina Plock (also found as Block, born April 17th, 1781-died September 9th, 1862). Antonio received land grants, in Mobile and the County. He died, in the Yellow Fever outbreak, of 1805 and was buried at the Spanish Cemetery, in downtown Mobile, Campo Santo. His body doesn’t seem to have dis-intered and moved to Church Street Cemetery when it opened. He had children with Catalina but the surname “daughtered out”. His descendant’s include member’s, of the Tankersley and Ingersoll families, of Mobile, Alabama. Catalina Espejo re-married after he passed away and is buried at the Tankersley Lot, in Church Street Cemetery, in downtown Mobile.

Espejo Street, in Mobile, is named after Antonio Espejo and Catherine Street was named after his wife Catalina (Catalina is Spanish, for Catherine). The surname Espejo is properly pronounced Es-Peh-Hoe, the J is pronounced like H, in English, not how some in Mobile pronounce it, Es-Peh-Joe or Es-Pee-Joe. /// You can click here and listen to the radio show episode I did where I speak about Antonio Espejo http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south/2010/11/15/rosales-history-of-the-south-show-2-la-historia-de, I hope you enjoy it.

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Antonio Espejo era hijo de Bartolo Espejo de Málaga, España. Es poco lo que se sabe sobre él, su edad, o cuando arribó exactamente en Mobile. Trabajó como un Carpintero Real, en Spanish Fort Confederation (Fort Tombigbee), en Alabama. Llegó a Mobile y se casó con Catalina Plock (también conocida como Block, nacida el 17 de Abril, 1781-fallecida el 9 de Septiembre de 1862). Antonio recibió terrenos en Mobile y en el condado. Murió en la epidemia de Fiebre Amarilla. de 1805 y fué enterrado en hel Cementerio Español, Campo Santo, en el centro de Mobile. Su cuerpo no parece haber sido exhumado y movido a Church Street Cemetery cuando este se abrió. El tuvo hijos con Catalina pero su apellido se diseminó. Sus descendientes incluyen miembros de las familias Tankersley e Ingersoll, de Mobile, Alabama. Catalina Espejo se volvió a casar después que su esposo murió y está enterrada en el Tankersley Lot, en Church Street Cemetery, en el centro de Mobile.

La Calle Espejo (Espejo Street), en Mobile, está nombrada por Antonio Espejo y Catherine Street fué nombrada por su esposa Catalina (Catalina es Catherine en Inglés).

Inaugural Radio Show for "Rosales' History of The South / La Historia Del Sur por Rosales" (Show #1, 15 minutes Long).

I did an inaugural Radio Show for "Rosales History of The South / La Historia Del Sur por Rosales. The show deals with an early Spanish Colonial Settler to Mobile, Alabama, named Miguel Eslava (1740-1823). I also speak about the Cazadores Espanoles Regiment, Louisiana Militia during the War Between the States, out of New Orleans, Louisiana. I have 2 links below, one is for my book (like the shameless promoter that I am !!) and the other is "Colonial Mobile" a true Classic on the Colonial Period in Mobile, Alabama covering the French, British and Spanish Colonial Era's, it is a "must read" and a "must have" so order your copy today. // You can listen to the show by clicking on this link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south/2010/09/15/rosales-history-of-the-south-la-historia-del-sur-p
  

Spanish Consulate in Mobile, Alabama 1866 // Consulado Espanol en Mobile, Alabama en 1866.

The Spanish Consulate in 1866 was located upstairs at 4 North Commerce Street. The Spanish Consul was A. D. Zea (if you know what the first or middle initial's stand for please send me an email). /// The book listed on the right deals with Mobile, Alabama during Reconstruction (which "fits" the 1866 time period).

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If you love Southern History, you will love "Rosales' History of The South" Radio Show. You can listen to it by clicking on this link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south
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El Consulado Espanol en Mobile, Alabama en 1866 estaba en #4 (Norte) Calle Commerce. El Consul era A.D. Zea.

Cammie King Conlon who played "Bonnie Blue Butler" in "Gone With The Wind" passes away.

Cammie King Conlon (born Eleanore Cammack King on August 5th, 1934) who played "Bonnie Blue Butler" the daughter of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara, in "Gone With The Wind" (1939) and who also was the voice of Faline, in Disney's "Bambi" (1942) passed away on September 1st, at age 76. She wrote a Memoir of her life which was published in 2009. Cammie King Conlon might have passed away but she will live on forever as "Bonnie Blue Butler". May She Rest In Peace / Que En Paz Descanse.

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If you enjoy Southern History, you will love listening to "Rosales' History of The South" Radio Show. You can click here to listen http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south

The Legend of Miguel Eslava and his Tomb, Spanish Colonial Mobile, Alabama 1780-1813 // La Leyenda de Miguel Eslava y su Tumba, Epoca Colonial Espanola en Mobile, Alabama 1780-1813.

The only Spanish Colonial legend connected to money, the Spanish and Mobile, takes us to the tomb at Church Street Cemetery, of Miguel Eslava, not because he was buried with any money, he wasn’t. Miguel was Royal Treasurer, for the King of Spain here, in Mobile and collected all the taxes.

The tradition has it that anyone who needs good luck in business or any other money making activity needs to “pay him, his taxes” and the Eslava Tomb, to this day can usually be found covered in pennies and other coins, (including Mardi Gras Doubloons) for good luck, so if you are having financial problem's of any kind stop by the Eslava Tomb and "pay" Miguel Eslava his "taxes".

The legend also says that anyone caught stealing any of the pennies left at the tomb, will be cursed in business and in any money making activity and eventually face financial ruin, until the pennies or other coins, are returned. If you visit the Eslava Tomb, just leave Miguel Eslava and his pennies alone. The majority of people have enough problems with the living, on this earth, without having to go out of their way to upset or annoy the dead. /// You can listen to the radio show episode I did on Miguel Eslava by clicking on this link  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south/2010/09/15/rosales-history-of-the-south-la-historia-del-sur-p, I hope you enjoy it.

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La única leyenda de la España Colonial conectada, a dinero, los Españoles y Mobile, nos lleva a la tumba de Miguel Eslava en el Cementerio de Church Street, no porque él fuese enterrado con dinero, no fué así. Miguel Eslava era el Tesorero Real, del Rey Rey de España en Mobile y recolectaba todos los impuestos

La tradición es que cualquiera que necesite buena suerte en sus negocios o en cualquier otra actividad monetaria necesita "pagarle a él sus impuestos" y la Tumba de Eslava puese ser usualmente encontrada cubierta con centavos y otras monedas, (incluyendo Mardi Gras Doubloons) para buena suerte, asi que si Ud está sufriendo problemas financieros de cualquier índole, deténgase por la Tumba de Eslava y páguele a Miguel Eslava sus "impuestos".

La leyenda también dice que cualquiera que sea agarrado robándose los centavos dejados en la tumba será maldecido en sus negocios y en cualquier actividad monetaria y eventualmente enfrentará ruina financiera, hasta que los centavos y las otras monedas sean devueltas. Si Ud. visita la Tumba de Eslava, no moleste a Miguel Eslava y no toque sus centavos. La mayoria de la gente tienen suficientes problemas con los vivos en esta tierra, sin tener que ir a buscar como incomodar a los muertos.

"Rosales' History of The South / La Historia Del Sur por Rosales" Facebook Fan Page.

I invite all my readers to join the "Rosales' History of The South / La Historia Del Sur por Rosales" Facebook Fan Page by clicking the button on the right hand side of the Blog or by visiting the link below.
 http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rosales-History-of-The-South-La-Historia-Del-Sur-por-Rosales/138992309468574?ref=mf
I appreciate your support for my news paper column and blog. Thank You / Gracias !!

Miguel Eslava 1740-1823: The Eslava Family in Mobile, Alabama, Spanish Colonial Mobile 1780-1813 // Miguel Eslava 1740-1823 y la Familia Eslava en Mobile, Alabama, durante la epoca Colonial Espanola en Mobile 1780-1813.

Miguel Eslava 1740-1823: The Eslava Family in Mobile, Alabama, Spanish Colonial Mobile 1780-1813.

The Eslava family originated in Alabama, with Miguel Deciderio Eslava (born July 10th, 1740, San Sebastian, Spain, died September 17th, 1823), son of Tomas De Eslava and Maria Giron. He served in the Office of The Royal Treasurer at Mexico City, and in 1782 was transferred to Natchez, Mississippi, then a Spanish possession, where he purchased a home and land. He was retransferred to Mobile, in 1784, where he served as Royal Treasurer and Custom's Collector. Miguel served in the Spanish Colonial Militia and by 1802, had reached the rank, of Captain. He was described while living as a "tall soldierly man, without a beard and with auburn hair". He was fluent in Spanish, French, English and the Native American Mobilian Trade Jargon. These 4 languages we know he spoke because we have written record's attesting to the fact but although born in the Basque Country of Spain, there is no record of him being able to speak Basque or any mention of him ever using the language, so perhaps he did or perhaps he didn't, one thing is for certain, he seems to have had a "gift" for learning various languages, so the possibility is very strong that in the least he was a "passive bilingual" or a semi-speaker of Basque, as both his parent's were of Basque origin.

He eventually became a large landowner, in Alabama and married Hypolite Francoise Alexandre (born 1767, died January 30th, 1849), daughter of Jean Baptiste Alexandre Jr. (born 1734, son of Jean Baptiste Alexandre Sr. and Francoise Hypolite Baudin, 1716-1744) and Catalina Angelica Loisel (daughter of Pierre Paul Loisel and Marie De Nial).

Eslava Street, Eslava Lane, Eslava Creek, Eslava Creek Parkway, in Mobile, are all named after this family, as are Eslava Drive, in Foley, Alabama and Eslava Circle, in Lillian, Alabama. The Eslava surname originated in the Village of Eslava, Navarra, Spain and is Basque, in origin. Miguel and Hypolite are both buried in Church Street Cemetery, in the famous Eslava Tomb, in downtown Mobile, Alabama.

The Spanish Colonial Period, in Alabama left many imprint's, on Mobile and Baldwin Counties, including a handful, of legend's, one of which deals specifically, with Miguel Eslava. There are many descendants of Miguel and Hypolite in Mobile and Baldwin Counties both with the name Eslava and those who "daughtered out" the name, as well as other location's along the Gulf Coast and the United States. There are also collateral descendants of Miguel Eslava via his family, in both Spain and Cuba (and among Cuban Exiles). /// You can listen to the radio show episode I did on Miguel Eslava by clicking on this link  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south/2010/09/15/rosales-history-of-the-south-la-historia-del-sur-p, I hope you enjoy it. 

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Miguel Eslava 1740-1823 y la Familia Eslava en Mobile, Alabama, durante la epoca Colonial Espanola en Mobile 1780-1813.

La familia Eslava originó en Alabama con Miguel Deciderio Eslava (nacido el 10 de Julio, 1740, San Sebastián, España, falleció Septiembre 17, 1823), hijo de Tomás de Eslava y Maria Girón. Sirvió en la Oficina de la Tesoreria Real de la Ciudad de México y en 1782 fué transferido a Natchez, Mississippi, entonces una posesión española, donde el compró una casa y terrenos. Fué transferido a Mobile en 1784, donde sirvió como Tesorero Real y Colector de Aduanas. Miguel sirvió en la Milicia Colonial Española y para 1802 habia alcanzado el rango de Capitán. Fué descrito como un "hombre alto de porte militar, sin barba y con pelo castaño." Era fluido en Español, Francés, Inglés y la Nativa American Mobilian Jerga comercial. Sabemo que hablaba estos 4 idiomas porque tenemos records escritos, pero a pesar de que nació en la región Vasca de España, no hay ningún record que él hablara el idioma o que alguna vez lo usara. Asi que quizás lo hablaba , pero algo es cierto, parecia tener un "don" para aprender varios idiomas pero existe la fuerte posibilidad de que el era un " bilingue pasivo" o medio hablante ya que sus padres eran de origen Vasco.

Eventualmente llegó a ser un gran terrateniente en Alabama y se casó con Hypolite Francoise Alexander (nacida en 1767 y fallecida Enero 30, 1849) hija de Jean Baptist Alexander Jr. (nacido en 1734, hijo de Jean Baptist Alexander Sr. y Francois Hypolite Boudin, 1717-1744) y Catalina Angélica Loisel (hija de Pierre Paul Loisel y Marie de Nial).

Eslava Street, Eslava Creek, Eslava Lane and Eslava Creek Parkway en Mobile, son nombradas por esta familia, asi como Eslava Drive en Foley, Alabama y Eslava Circle en Lillian, Alabama. El apellido Eslava originó en la Villa de Eslava, Navarra, España y es de origen Vasco. Miguel é Hypólita están enterrados en la famosa Tumba Eslava en el Cementerio de Church Street en el centro de Mobile.

El período Colonial Español dejó muchas huellas en Alabama, en los condados de Mobile y Baldwin, incluyendo un puñado de leyendas, una de las cuales trata especificamente con Miguel Eslava. Hay muchos descendientes de Miguel é Hipólita en los condados de Mobile y Baldwin con el nombre de Eslava y los que "daughteredout" (repartieron, crearon) el nombre en otras localidades a lo largo de la Costa del Golfo y los Estados Unidos. Hay también descendientes colaterales de Miguel Eslava y su familia en España y Cuba ( y entre los Cubanos exilados).

Spanish Missions in Spanish Colonial Georgia (Florida) // Misiones Espanolas en la Colonia Espanola de Georgia (La Florida).

The following  are a listing of Spanish Colonial Missions which existed in the present State of Georgia, when Spain ruled the area known as "Spanish Florida".

La Lista que sigue es de las Misiones Espanolas en el presente Estado de Georgia, de la epoca Espanola Colonial en "La Florida".

1) San Diego de Satuache
2) Santo Domingo de Asao / Talaje (1st)
3) Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria de Tama
4) Santa Cruz de Cachipile
5) San Buenaventura de Gualdalquini
6) San Felipe de Alave (1st)
7) San Jose de Sapala
8) San Pedro de Mocamo
9) San Pedro y San Pablo de Porturibato
10) Santa Catalina de Guale
11) Santa Maria de los Angeles de Arapaja
12) Santiago de Oconi
13) Santo Domingo de Asao / Talaje (2nd)
14) Tolomato 
15) Tupique / Espogache
16) Santa Isabel de Utinahica
17) San Lorenzo de Ibihica
18) San Felipe (2nd)

This link will take you to an excellent book dealing with the Spanish Missions not only in Georgia but in other southeastern states. This book is a classic and I highly recommend it
Laboring in the Fields of the Lord: Spanish Missions and Southeastern Indians

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Cazadores Espanoles Regiment, Louisiana Militia // Regimento De Cazadores Espanoles, Milicia De Luisiana.

Colonel - Juan Miangolara
Lt. Colonel - Jose M. Anguera, Neville Soule
Major - Gaudenzi Marzoni

This unit was composed mostly of Hispanic men, (including many Spaniard's and Cubans), as well as Italian's and a handful of French. This unit had existed prior to the war, as a local militia and was activated, for the defense of New Orleans, when the Civil War began, in 1861.

You can visit http://adf.ly/8ALVr and learn about the Cuba Libre Camp Project of the Admiral Semmes Camp 11, Sons of Confederate Veterans which is a project to identify all known Cuban Confederate Soldiers, as well as other Hispanics and Minorities who served in the Confederate Military.

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Esta Unidad Militar estaba compuesta por muchos Hispanos, incluyendo Espanoles y Cubanos, igual como algunos Italianos y Franceses. La unidad habia existido antes de la guerra formando parte de la milicia local y fue mobilizada para la defensa de Nueva Orleans cuando empezo la Guerra Civil Americana, en 1861.

Spanish Colonial Governor's of Louisiana 1766 to 1803 // Gobernadores Espanoles Coloniales de Luisiana, entre 1766 y 1803.

The following were the Spanish Colonial Governors of Louisiana between 1766 and 1803 // Esta es la lista de los Gobernadores Coloniales Espanoles entre 1766 y 1803.

1) Antonio De Ulloa - 1766-1768

2) Alejandro O'Reilly - 1769

3) Luis De Unzaga y Amezaga - 1770-1776

4) Bernardo De Galvez y Madrid - 1777-1785

5) Esteban Rodriguez Miro y Sabater- 1785-1791

6) Francisco Luis Hector De Carondelet, Baron De Carondelet - 1791-1797

7) Manuel Luis Gayoso De Lemos Amorin y Magallanes - 1797-1799

8) Sebastian Calvo De La Puerta y O'Farrill, Marques De Casa-Calvo - 1799-
    1801

9) Juan Manuel Salcedo - 1801-1803

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Welcome to "Rosales' History of The South" / Bienvenidos a la "Historia Del Sur" por Rosales.

I welcome you to my new site. Here you can read articles on the History of The South from the Colonial Period to the Present and find some of my articles from my popular bi-lingual newspaper column "Rosales' History of The South / Historia Del Sur por Rosales", as well as alot of other information, on Southern History, Culture and Genealogy. The Southern History covered on this site will be from the following States : Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennesse, Texas, South Carolina and Virginia. I will be writing entries from all aspects of Southern History, so stop by often and visit.

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If you love Southern History, you will love "Rosales' History of The South" Radio Show, you can click here to listen  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rosales-history-of-the-south