Alcée Fortier

Alcée Fortier (June 5, 1856 – 1914) was a renowned Professor of Romance Languages at Tulane University in New Orleans. In the late 19th and early 20th century, he published numerous works on language, literature, Louisiana history and folklore, Louisiana Creole languages, and personal reminiscence. His perspective was valuable because of his French Creole ancestry. He was president of the Modern Language Association and Louisiana Historical Society, was appointed to the State Board of Education, and was active in the American Folklore Society and the New Orleans Academy of Sciences.

Early life and education

Fortier was born in St. James Parish, on the plantation of his grandfather Valcour Aime, Petit Versailles Plantation. He was the son of Florent Louis Fortier and Edwige Aime. His father and grandfathers were sugar cane planters of French Creole ancestry. The Fortier family had been in the Louisiana territory since the early 17th century. His maternal grandfather was Valcour Aime, who also had a sugar cane plantation in St. James Parish. The families were prominent in the social and political life of the parish and the state.