The Duel

The last legal duel in Louisiana was fought at Cherokee on September 18, 1839. The duel was between General P. E. Bossier, a Democrat, and General F. Gaiennie, the leader of the Whigs of Natchitoches Parish.

The encounter drew national attention as the last legal duel in Louisiana using long rifles and because of political issues surrounding the duel. The extensive press coverage documented in Cherokee Plantation on Cane River provides a historical insight to the event.