District Of Louisiana Article Index for
District Of
Website Links For
District
 

Information About

District Of Louisiana




In legislation enacted October 31 , 1803 , Congress made provisions for a temporary government of the territory purchased from France. The President was authorized to use military forces to maintain order, although local civil government was to continue as it had under French and Spanish rule. This military rule was in effect from March 10 , 1804 (the official date of transfer from French hands) until September 30 , 1804 .

On March 26 , 1804 , Congress enacted legislation effective October 1 , 1804, on which date authority over the District of Louisiana was transferred to the Governor and judges of the Indiana Territory . In 1804, Indiana Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison and territorial judges Davis, Griffin, and Vandenberg held court in the District capital of St. Louis and enacted laws for the region.

On March 3 , 1805 , Congress enacted legislation organizing the District of Louisiana into the Louisiana Territory , effective July 4 , 1805. This territorial government was organized similarly to that of the Indiana Territory.


SEE ALSO