Jose Vidal (1763 - 1823)

Born 12 Mar 1763 in A Caruna Spain

Descendants

Died 22 Aug 1823 at age 60 in New Orleans Louisiana

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Biography

Don José Vidal was secretary to Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, the Spanish Governor of the Natchez District from 1792-1797.

He preferred to remain on Spanish territory, and petitioned the Spanish Governor-General Manuel Gayoso de Lemos for a land grant across the Mississippi River from Natchez. Gayoso granted the petition, with the stipulation that Vidal erect a “strong house” (fort) on the property. In 1798 Don Jose moved his family from Natchez across the river and became the Commandant of the new Post of Concordia. Don Vidal also worked to develop a town at the fort, building the first steam-powered sawmill. He also owned a cotton gin and blacksmith shop – facilities to support the town. Concordia Parish later derived its name from the fort, and the town was called Concord by 1801. The Orleans Territorial legislature in 1811 changed the name of the city to Vidalia after its founder. Vidal had donated land along the river to the city, where its civic buildings were later constructed. He also donated land for the first school in Concordia Parish.

He lived most of his later years in Vidalia, although he went to New Orleans on business.

Sources

• Wikipedia entry for Don Jose Vidal [1]

Joseph Vidal and family papers