Historical Marker

Mississippi River

Historical marker location:
Morganza, Louisiana
( Marker is on Gayden Road (State Highway 1) 0.2 miles south of Highway 972, on the right when traveling north.)

Morganza Floodway. Atchafalaya Water Heritage Trail

Hurricane Katrina, which struck Louisiana in 2005, was one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The storm caused widespread destruction in New Orleans and other parts of the state, and its aftermath highlighted issues of poverty, race, and government response in the United States.
Louisiana random facts
Pointe Coupee Parish is located in the state of Louisiana and has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapas and Houma. The first European settlers arrived in the late 17th century, with French and Spanish explorers and traders establishing trade routes along the Mississippi River.

In 1805, Pointe Coupee Parish was officially established by the territorial legislature of Orleans. The early economy of the parish was based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton and sugarcane. The fertile soil and access to the Mississippi River made it an ideal location for plantations, leading to the rise of a wealthy planter class.

During the Civil War, Pointe Coupee Parish experienced the impact of the conflict, with many plantations being destroyed. After the war, the economy shifted towards small-scale farming and the timber industry. Despite the challenges faced, the parish continued to grow and develop.

In the 20th century, Pointe Coupee Parish became known as the "Home of the Blues," with many blues musicians, such as Buddy Guy and Slim Harpo, hailing from the area. The parish also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with local activists organizing sit-ins and protests.

Today, Pointe Coupee Parish is a blend of rural tradition and modern development. The area is known for its historic homes, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana.

  • Pre-1700s: Pointe Coupee Parish was home to Native American tribes, including the Appalousas, Avoyels, and Choctaws.
  • 1699: French explorers discovered the area.
  • 1722: Pointe Coupee became an official French colonial settlement.
  • 1763: The area was ceded to Spain under the Treaty of Paris.
  • 1779-1781: The parish was briefly under British control during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1804: Pointe Coupee Parish became part of the newly established Louisiana Territory.
  • 1810: The West Florida Rebellion took place in the area, leading to its inclusion in the Territory of Orleans.
  • 1822: Pointe Coupee Parish was officially established as a parish of the state of Louisiana.
  • 1862-1865: The parish was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War.
  • 1880s-1920s: Pointe Coupee experienced a significant economic boom due to the success of the sugar and cotton industries.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry took a toll on the parish's economy.
  • 1960s-1970s: Civil rights movements influenced the desegregation of schools and other public institutions in the parish.
  • 1980s-present: Pointe Coupee Parish continues to be an agricultural hub, while also focusing on tourism and cultural preservation.