New Testament Students Reenact Louisiana Purchase

Students in the junior and senior American Government class at  went back in time last Thursday to get first hand experience on President Thomas Jefferson's decision to buy the Louisiana Territory.  

Students took a step back into September 1803 as the classroom was transformed into the president's home (which was not yet called the White House) with advisers and a critic. Participants included President Jefferson (Aaron Bonaguide), Secretary of State James Madison (Bekah Dudley), Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin (Jilliann Larson), U.S. Minister to France Robert Livingston (Jzanev Leitao) and Massachusetts Senator Timothy Pickering (Bree Poliquin).  

All historical participants were in favor of buying the vast property for $15 million...about three cents per acre. The main debate was over the constitutionality of the acquisition. President Jefferson was concerned that the Constitution may need to be amended to allow for the purchase, but time was of the essence and Napoleon was unpredictable. He could have rescinded the offer if they did not act quickly. The President decided that since he was given the power to sign a treaty in the Constitution, he could sign a treaty acquiring the Louisiana Territory. The country doubled in size.

While the classroom was returned to normal by the end of the day, the lesson is sure to be one they will remember.

"It was a great way for students to act out history and to help make it more real," said New Testament administrative assistant Lisa Carvalho.

For more information on New Testament Christian School, visit their website.