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Louisiana was originally a French colony, named after King Louis XIV of France. The area was first explored by the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1682.
About St. Mary Parish
St. Mary Parish Timeline
St. Mary Parish, located in the state of Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that spans many centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chitimacha and Houma peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their sustenance.
European exploration and colonization began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the area. In the late 18th century, French settlers established New Orleans and began to move into the surrounding regions, including St. Mary Parish. These early settlers relied on agriculture, particularly sugarcane, as the main economic activity in the area.
During the antebellum period, St. Mary Parish was a hub of plantation life, with large-scale sugar and cotton plantations dominating the landscape. However, this period was also marked by the institution of slavery, as enslaved Africans were forced to work in harsh conditions on these plantations.
After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, St. Mary Parish experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding. Many formerly enslaved individuals became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working on the land without owning it themselves. This era also saw the emergence of new industries, such as fishing and timber, as well as the growth of small towns like Franklin and Morgan City.
Today, St. Mary Parish continues to be shaped by its diverse population and economy. Agriculture, particularly sugarcane, remains an important industry, but the area has also developed a strong presence in the oil and gas industry. The parish is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, including an annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival that celebrates the area's unique blend of industries.
European exploration and colonization began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the area. In the late 18th century, French settlers established New Orleans and began to move into the surrounding regions, including St. Mary Parish. These early settlers relied on agriculture, particularly sugarcane, as the main economic activity in the area.
During the antebellum period, St. Mary Parish was a hub of plantation life, with large-scale sugar and cotton plantations dominating the landscape. However, this period was also marked by the institution of slavery, as enslaved Africans were forced to work in harsh conditions on these plantations.
After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, St. Mary Parish experienced a period of reconstruction and rebuilding. Many formerly enslaved individuals became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working on the land without owning it themselves. This era also saw the emergence of new industries, such as fishing and timber, as well as the growth of small towns like Franklin and Morgan City.
Today, St. Mary Parish continues to be shaped by its diverse population and economy. Agriculture, particularly sugarcane, remains an important industry, but the area has also developed a strong presence in the oil and gas industry. The parish is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, including an annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival that celebrates the area's unique blend of industries.
St. Mary Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
- 1811: St. Mary Parish is established by the Louisiana legislature.
- 1818: Franklin, the parish seat, is incorporated.
- 1831: The first courthouse in Franklin is completed.
- 1862-1864: St. Mary Parish is occupied by Union forces during the Civil War.
- 1868: Morgan City is incorporated.
- 1892: The Morgan City Railroad Bridge is constructed.
- 1901: Oil and gas deposits are discovered, leading to an economic boom.
- 1907: The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is built in Morgan City.
- 1938: The Atchafalaya Bridge is constructed, connecting St. Mary Parish to Baton Rouge.
- 1953: Avery Island, home of the famous Tabasco sauce, is annexed to St. Mary Parish.
- 1981: The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is established in Morgan City.
- 1999: Hurricane Danny causes significant damage to St. Mary Parish.
- 2010: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts the coastal areas of St. Mary Parish.