St. Emma
S of Donaldsonville, Donaldsonville, LASt. Emma is a good representative example of a large mid-19th-century Greek Revival Plantation house. This can be seen in its full two-story height, its articulation, and in its central hall plan which is three rooms deep rather than the usual two. It amounts to a larger version of the standard five-bay, central hall plan, raised plantation house.
In addition, of the many plantation houses of the Bayou Lafourche area, St. Emma is above average both in terms of size and pretention.
St. Emma Plantation is of historical significance for two reasons. First, it was owned from 1854 to 1869 by Charles A. Kock, one of the leading sugar planters and large slaveholders in Louisiana. Secondly, it played a role in a series of Civil War skirmishes in the Donaldsonville-Bayou Lafource area.
Born in Bremen, Germany in 1812, Charles A. Kock by 1860, had become one of the largest sugar producers in Louisiana and had 300 slaves, of which 124 were at St. Emma. His two sugar plantations were Belle Alliance in Assumption Parish and St. Emma in Ascension Parish.
St. Emma and the nearby plantation Palo Alto were the scenes of a Civil War skirmish in the fall of 1862. Union forces marching from Donaldsonville to Thibodaux were checked by the Confederates in the vicinity of St. Emma and lost 465 men. The sugar houses of St. Emma and Palo Alto were used to quarter Confederate troops.
Local significance of the building:
In addition, of the many plantation houses of the Bayou Lafourche area, St. Emma is above average both in terms of size and pretention.
St. Emma Plantation is of historical significance for two reasons. First, it was owned from 1854 to 1869 by Charles A. Kock, one of the leading sugar planters and large slaveholders in Louisiana. Secondly, it played a role in a series of Civil War skirmishes in the Donaldsonville-Bayou Lafource area.
Born in Bremen, Germany in 1812, Charles A. Kock by 1860, had become one of the largest sugar producers in Louisiana and had 300 slaves, of which 124 were at St. Emma. His two sugar plantations were Belle Alliance in Assumption Parish and St. Emma in Ascension Parish.
St. Emma and the nearby plantation Palo Alto were the scenes of a Civil War skirmish in the fall of 1862. Union forces marching from Donaldsonville to Thibodaux were checked by the Confederates in the vicinity of St. Emma and lost 465 men. The sugar houses of St. Emma and Palo Alto were used to quarter Confederate troops.
Agriculture; Military; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, was held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904. The fair featured exhibits from around the world and introduced several new inventions and products to the public, including the ice cream cone and Dr Pepper soft drink.
About Ascension Parish
Ascension Parish Timeline
Ascension Parish, located in Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement in the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Houma and Choctaw, who relied on the bountiful natural resources of the region for their sustenance. The arrival of European settlers, primarily French and Spanish, in the late 18th century saw the establishment of plantations and the introduction of sugarcane cultivation, which became a vital industry.
During the antebellum period, Ascension Parish witnessed a rapid growth in its plantation economy, leading to a significant increase in the number of enslaved individuals in the area. The parish became a prominent sugar-producing region, with large plantations dominating its landscape. The wealth generated by the sugar industry also attracted the construction of grand plantation houses and the development of small towns and communities.
The parish played a significant role during the American Civil War, experiencing occupation by Union forces in 1862. The Battle of Donaldsonville took place in Ascension Parish in 1863, resulting in the victory of Union troops and the further consolidation of federal control over the region. The end of the war brought about the emancipation of enslaved individuals and marked a period of social and economic reconstruction for Ascension Parish.
In the modern era, Ascension Parish has continued to witness growth and development. The expansion of industries such as petrochemicals and manufacturing has diversified its economy. The area also experienced population growth, with new residential areas and subdivisions being established. Ascension Parish remains an important part of Louisiana's rich cultural heritage, showcasing a mix of historical plantation architecture, vibrant communities, and a dedication to preserving its unique heritage.
During the antebellum period, Ascension Parish witnessed a rapid growth in its plantation economy, leading to a significant increase in the number of enslaved individuals in the area. The parish became a prominent sugar-producing region, with large plantations dominating its landscape. The wealth generated by the sugar industry also attracted the construction of grand plantation houses and the development of small towns and communities.
The parish played a significant role during the American Civil War, experiencing occupation by Union forces in 1862. The Battle of Donaldsonville took place in Ascension Parish in 1863, resulting in the victory of Union troops and the further consolidation of federal control over the region. The end of the war brought about the emancipation of enslaved individuals and marked a period of social and economic reconstruction for Ascension Parish.
In the modern era, Ascension Parish has continued to witness growth and development. The expansion of industries such as petrochemicals and manufacturing has diversified its economy. The area also experienced population growth, with new residential areas and subdivisions being established. Ascension Parish remains an important part of Louisiana's rich cultural heritage, showcasing a mix of historical plantation architecture, vibrant communities, and a dedication to preserving its unique heritage.
Ascension Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
- 1699: Ascension Parish is first explored by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his brother Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.
- 1722: Ascension Parish is officially established as a judicial district of the French colony of Louisiana.
- 1807: Ascension Parish becomes part of the newly formed Territory of Orleans, which is later admitted into the Union as the state of Louisiana.
- 1830s: Cotton becomes a major cash crop in Ascension Parish, leading to the growth of plantations and an increase in enslaved laborers.
- 1861-1865: Ascension Parish, like much of the South, is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
- 1889: The Louisiana Legislature creates the current boundaries of Ascension Parish.
- 20th century: Ascension Parish experiences industrial growth with the discovery of oil and the establishment of chemical plants along the Mississippi River.
- 2010: Ascension Parish becomes one of the fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana.