St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
LA 402, Paincourtville, LASt. Elizabeth Catholic Church is locally significant in the area of architecture because it is a landmark within the context of Assumption Parish and because it is an important example of late-nineteenth/early- twentieth century church architecture within the context of southern Louisiana.
The state's historic standing structures survey documents a total of 292 fifty plus year old buildings in Assumption Parish. Most of these are. small frame residences. Among this group there are about thirty larger monumental structures i.e., sugar mills, plantation homes, and churches. The survey reveals that, of the parish's ten 50+ year-old churches, St. Elizabeth is one of the four largest and most pretentious. It also features what is undoubtedly the most elaborate interior decorative paintwork in the parish.
In addition, St. Elizabeth is a superior example of a late-nineteenth/early-twentieth-century church within the context of southern Louisiana. Many large Roman Catholic churches were built in the region during this period. Most of these can best be described as flamboyant hodgepodges of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural features.
St. Elizabeth is unusual in this regard because its design is purely Gothic in origin, and its lines are quiet and relatively subdued.
Local significance of the building:
The state's historic standing structures survey documents a total of 292 fifty plus year old buildings in Assumption Parish. Most of these are. small frame residences. Among this group there are about thirty larger monumental structures i.e., sugar mills, plantation homes, and churches. The survey reveals that, of the parish's ten 50+ year-old churches, St. Elizabeth is one of the four largest and most pretentious. It also features what is undoubtedly the most elaborate interior decorative paintwork in the parish.
In addition, St. Elizabeth is a superior example of a late-nineteenth/early-twentieth-century church within the context of southern Louisiana. Many large Roman Catholic churches were built in the region during this period. Most of these can best be described as flamboyant hodgepodges of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural features.
St. Elizabeth is unusual in this regard because its design is purely Gothic in origin, and its lines are quiet and relatively subdued.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
Louisiana is home to several unique cultural traditions, including Mardi Gras, a festival that is celebrated in the weeks leading up to Lent. Mardi Gras is known for its elaborate parades, colorful costumes, and festive atmosphere.
About Assumption Parish
Assumption Parish Timeline
Assumption Parish, located in the southern part of Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, such as the Chitimacha, who lived off the land and had a complex culture. This changed when French settlers arrived in the 1700s and established plantations along the fertile Mississippi River, bringing with them enslaved Africans to work on the sugar cane fields.
In the 19th century, Assumption Parish played a significant role in the antebellum South's cotton and sugarcane economy. Plantations grew in size and prosperity during this time, but their fortunes quickly changed after the Civil War. The abolition of slavery, combined with natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, led to economic decline. Many plantations were broken up and sold, while others struggled to transition to free labor.
During the early 20th century, Assumption Parish experienced a resurgence with the emergence of the oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil deposits brought economic growth and development to the region. With the establishment of oil refineries and pipelines, the parish became a hub for the petroleum industry, attracting workers from all over the country.
In recent years, Assumption Parish has faced challenges posed by environmental issues. The area experienced a significant sinkhole in 2012, believed to be caused by a collapsed underground salt dome used for natural gas storage. The sinkhole caused evacuations and environmental concerns, highlighting the risks associated with the industrial activity in the region.
Today, Assumption Parish is a blend of agriculture, industry, and natural beauty. The parish continues to be an important player in the state's oil and gas sector, while also preserving its historical heritage through festivals, museums, and cultural events.
In the 19th century, Assumption Parish played a significant role in the antebellum South's cotton and sugarcane economy. Plantations grew in size and prosperity during this time, but their fortunes quickly changed after the Civil War. The abolition of slavery, combined with natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, led to economic decline. Many plantations were broken up and sold, while others struggled to transition to free labor.
During the early 20th century, Assumption Parish experienced a resurgence with the emergence of the oil and gas industry. The discovery of oil deposits brought economic growth and development to the region. With the establishment of oil refineries and pipelines, the parish became a hub for the petroleum industry, attracting workers from all over the country.
In recent years, Assumption Parish has faced challenges posed by environmental issues. The area experienced a significant sinkhole in 2012, believed to be caused by a collapsed underground salt dome used for natural gas storage. The sinkhole caused evacuations and environmental concerns, highlighting the risks associated with the industrial activity in the region.
Today, Assumption Parish is a blend of agriculture, industry, and natural beauty. The parish continues to be an important player in the state's oil and gas sector, while also preserving its historical heritage through festivals, museums, and cultural events.
Assumption Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Assumption Parish, Louisiana.
- 1699 - French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville discovers the area that would become Assumption Parish.
- 1722 - Assumption Parish is officially established as a French colony named "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary."
- 1769 - Spain takes over control of Assumption Parish as a result of the Treaty of Fontainebleau.
- 1803 - The United States acquires Assumption Parish as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1845 - Assumption Parish becomes an official parish of the State of Louisiana.
- 1849 - The parish seat is established in Napoleonville and the first courthouse is built.
- 1861-1865 - Assumption Parish is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
- 1893 - Construction of Intracoastal Waterway begins, providing economic benefits to Assumption Parish.
- 1928 - The Great Flood devastates Assumption Parish and many other areas in Louisiana.
- 1940s-1950s - Oil and gas industry begin to flourish in Assumption Parish.
- 1973 - Bayou Lafourche is dammed, causing ecological changes in Assumption Parish and surrounding areas.
- 1991 - Assumption Parish celebrates its bicentennial.