| 1761 |
Born Normandy, France, a descendent of a crusader. His father is an inspector in the army of Marshal de Saxe. Young James is educated in Paris |
| 1789 |
The young noble flees the French Revolution, traveling to St. Domingue, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Virginia. Finally he accompanies Roffignac to Louisiana and becomes a successful merchant. |
| 1800 |
Arrives in Louisiana, accompanied by Louis Philippe de Rouffignac |
| 1803 |
A son Armand Pitot is born and will become a distinguished lawyer and clerk of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Grandson Gustave Pitot will work for the Citizen’s Bank. |
| 1804 June 2 |
James Pitot is appointed mayor of New Orleans by Governor William C. C. Claiborne to replace Etienne de Boré who has resigned. |
| 1804-1805 |
Other Municipal Officers: Recording Secretary: John Watkins Sec.; Maurice Bourgeois Treasurer: Jean Baptiste Labatut City Attorney: Demahy, Alexander Health Committee: Drs. Ledou, Robelet and Spencer Supt. of Hospital: M. Cruzat Commander of the Militia: JDD Bellechasse Police Commissioner: Pierre Achilles Riviere (Rivery) Commissioner of the First District: Latil Commissioners of the Third District: Caraby, Landreu Sr. Commissioners of the Fourth District: Louis Lioteau. P. Profit City Council First District: Felix Arnaud, J. Carrick Second: Joseph Faurie, F. Duplessis Third: Bellechasse, Guy Dreux Fourth: Bertoniere, Argote, Profit Fifth: Harman, Lavergne, McDonogh Sixth: Jean Baptiste Macarty, Dorville |
| 1805 February 17 |
The city seal is designed and first used on this date. |
| 1805 |
Pitot is in a successful cotton business with Daniel Clark located of Toulouse and Burgundy Streets. They build one of the first cotton presses in town. |
| 1805 July 26 |
Pitot resigns as Mayor citing a desire to concentrate on his businesses. He is appointed the first Judge of probate Court by Claiborne. |
| 1807 July 26 |
Pitot is among buyers of Edward Livingston's part of the Baron de Bastrop "grant" |
| 1831 November 4 |
James Pitot dies in New Orleans. |