Blood and Oil

The Oil Boom in Plantation Country: Why Louisiana?

Lauren Kenny & Travers of South by Northeast Prod Season 1 Episode 4

Here it is, folks! The stage is set and the main act of “Blood and Oil” has arrived. 

In this episode, hosts Kenny and Lauren talk about what led to the creation of Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” as we know it today. Why did global oil companies choose Louisiana back in the 1910s, and what was it like for the generation who experienced Louisiana’s Petrochemical Revolution?

Contributor Travers LaVille joins to discuss the “Louisiana paradox” - high concentration of industry and high levels of poverty. 

The story of Alex Royal is based upon census data and historical newspapers, and is inspired by Saidiya Hartman’s style of “critical fabulation,” filling in gaps of the cold historical record with warmth and life. 

Part 1 of 3. Listen next week for Part 2: The Company Town. 


Episode 4 Show Notes Page: www.bloodandoilpodcast.com/episode-4

Together Louisiana’s “Why Louisiana Stays Poor.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWTic9btP38 


Music: 

Blood & Oil Theme, Travers LaVille: www.instagram.com/BrothaTrav


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The opinions voiced within this podcast’s conversations are just that - opinions.
When facts and research are given, the sources are cited within our Show Notes page on our website and/or within the episode.

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