Bernard Parish, Louisiana as early as the midth century until it was destroyed by the New Orleans hurricane. The exact date of the establishment of Saint Malo is disputed. Filipino Americans residing in the region referred to as "Manilamen" on the account of Manila being the capital of the Philippines were recruited by local pirate Jean Lafitte to join his " Baratarians ", a group of privately recruited soldiers serving under the American forces under the command of Andrew Jackson , in the defense of New Orleans.
They played a decisive role in securing the American victory, firing barrage after barrage of well-aimed artillery fire. Small communities of criminals, fugitive slaves , and Filipinos commonly found refuge along Lake Borgne in the 18th and 19th centuries. Reasons for their desertion varied; however their desire to escape brutalities dealt by the Spanish is generally regarded as the main reason. Bernard Parish which stole livestock, destroyed property, and seeded other chaos.
It was not until March 31, , that journalist Lafcadio Hearn published an article in Harper's Weekly which documented the community firsthand. The article is the first published article about the Filipinos in the United States.
Saint Malo was completely destroyed, along with much of the region, by the New Orleans hurricane of and consequently the remnants of the community assimilated into New Orleans. Filipino Americans residing in the region, referred to as "Manilamen", were recruited by local pirate Jean Lafitte to join his " Baratarians ", a group of privately recruited soldiers serving under the American forces under the command of Andrew Jackson , in the defense of New Orleans. The Manilamen lived in small houses supported above the water by stilts in a similar style to the nipa huts of the Philippines.
The palmetto and woven-cane construction often did not withstand the harsh climate of marsh and had to be repaired or replaced frequently. Windows were draped with netting to protect from mosquitoes and other biting insects.
