James Pitot remains an important figure in New Orleans history. This biography follows him from his birth in Normandy, France, in 1761 to the United States, where he became mayor of the city of New Orleans and judge of the parish court.
Sections detail the contributions that he made as mayor, including the incorporation of the city suburbs, launching the census of 1805, and his arrangements for the first citywide election. In addition to establishing police protection under city control, Pitot enforced improvements to the streets and sidewalks, supported the expansion of city-owned property, and fostered the first steps towards a city water supply. After he resigned from office to pursue business affairs, he became president of Orleans Navigation Company and opened navigation on Bayou St. John and the Carondelet Canal. Pitot later became the director of Louisiana Bank.
Fifteen chapters provide a close examination of Pitot’s life. In addition to excerpts from local publications of the time, the book includes images of his baptismal records and passport. The letters that he wrote to family members and government officials provide a personal look at the prominent figure.The studyalso provides images of Pitot’s residence on Royal Street and his house on Bayou St. John.