West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Aillet House
Allendale Plantation Historic District
Antonia
Bank of Addis
Brusly High School Gymnasium, Old
Cinclare Sugar Mill Historic District
D’Agostino Building
Hebert House
Homestead Plantation
Monte Vista Plantation House
Poplar Grove Plantation House
Port Allen High School
Sandbar Plantation House
Smithfield Plantation House
St. Mark's Baptist Church and Ashland Cemetery
Addis Museum
Allendale Plantation
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Antonia Plantation
Bridging Communities
Brusly, Louisiana
Calumet Plantation
Charles P. Adams
Gear from Cinclare Mill
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
Herbert Osborn Dickerson
Historic Cinclare Plantation
Historic Lukeville School
Israelite Missionary Baptist Church
James "Slim Harpo" Moore
Louisiana Purchase - West Baton Rouge Early History
Mississippi River
Mississippi River Old Ferry Landing
Molaisonville / St. James Square
New Brusly Town Hall Memorial
Oaks Plantation
Open Sugar Kettles
Original Brusly High School
Poplar Grove Plantation
Port Allen High School (1936-1978) / Port Allen Middle School (1979-Present)
Port Allen Prisoner-Of-War Sub-Camp No. 7
Rosedale Road
Sandbar Plantation House
Sardine Point
St. Delphine Plantation
St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church/Eglise Catholique St Jean Baptiste
St. Mary's A.M.E. Church
Stone Square Lodge No. 8
Sunrise
The Back Brusly Oak
Third Parish Courthouse
Town Of Addis
Union Baptist Church
West Baton Rouge Parish Bicentennial
During the 19th century, West Baton Rouge Parish experienced significant economic growth due to the establishment of sugarcane plantations. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for sugarcane production, and many wealthy plantation owners settled in the area. Slavery was prevalent during this time, with enslaved individuals playing a crucial role in the success of the plantations. The Civil War, however, led to the decline of the plantation economy as many plantation owners suffered severe financial losses.
In the 20th century, West Baton Rouge Parish underwent modernization and development. The construction of the Huey P. Long Bridge in 1940 greatly improved transportation and connected the parish to the city of Baton Rouge, stimulating economic growth. In addition, the petrochemical industry emerged as a dominant force in the area, attracting major companies and providing employment opportunities.
Today, West Baton Rouge Parish continues to thrive as a mix of rural and suburban communities. It is home to a diverse population and offers a range of cultural and recreational activities. The parish's rich history can still be seen in its architecture, museums, and historic sites, which provide glimpses into the past and celebrate the heritage of the region.
Brief timeline of the history of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana:
- 1807: West Baton Rouge Parish is established as one of the original 19 parishes of the Territory of Orleans.
- 1810: The population of West Baton Rouge Parish is recorded as 1,442.
- 1835: The construction of a new courthouse in the town of Brusly signifies the parish's development.
- 1847: The town of Brusly is officially incorporated.
- 1863: During the Civil War, the Battle of Baton Rouge takes place in West Baton Rouge Parish.
- 1882: The first railroad reaches West Baton Rouge Parish, providing transportation for goods and people.
- 1891: The town of Port Allen is incorporated, becoming the new seat of government for the parish.
- 1926: The Huey P. Long Bridge is completed, connecting West Baton Rouge Parish to East Baton Rouge Parish.
- 1955: Floodwaters from Hurricane Audrey cause devastation in West Baton Rouge Parish.
- 2012: The West Baton Rouge Museum is named one of the Smithsonian Affiliations.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.