Historical Markers in
Ascension Parish, Louisiana

A View From The Trenches: A Doughboy From Donaldsonville Writes Home Abe Hawkins African American Life Ascension Catholic Church Ascension Of Our Lord Catholic Church Ascension Parish Residents Fighting the War on Terror Ashland Bayou Lafourche Bicentennial Jazz Plaza Bocage Plantation Canary Islanders Memorial Central Agricultural School Charles "Chalou" Trepagnier Building Civil War Crescent Park Dedicated to the Memory Of Donaldsonville Donaldsonville Fort Butler Fort Butler African American Soldiers Memorial Fort Butler UDC Monument Francis T. Nicholls Galveztown Gaudin Home Place Historic Donaldsonville Houmas House In War There Is No Substitute for Victory Louisiana Marines in the Persian Gulf War Louisiana Square L'Hermitage Mexico Will Poison Us Mississippi River Prairieville Cemetery Purple Heart Memorial St. Emma Plantation Star Spangled Banner Tezcuco Plantation The Ascension Parish Negro Fair Association, Inc. / Ascension Parish Negro Fairgrounds The Battle of New Orleans, 1815 The Civil War The Freedom Fountain The Korean War The Mexican-American War The Persian Gulf War The Vietnam War The War of 1812 The War on Terror: The Afghanistan War The War on Terror: The Afghanistan War And The Iraq War Walter Lemann, Sr. Pumping Station War on Terror: The Iraq War War Veterans Memorial World War I World War II WWII - War In Europe WWII - War In The Mediterranean WWII - War In The Pacific "The Mother of All Battles Has Begun!" "The War to End War"
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Historical Markers LOUISIANA

More Louisiana wetlands were lost in the 20th century than in any other coastal or lake area of the United States. With wetlands losses and channelization, the sediment pileup between the individual deltas were connected together time and again until the entire coast, from Houston to New Orleans, had been completely joined. Piles of rich buildup followed the borders of the Texas coastal marshes and the Mississippi delta, reaching westward below Lake Charles to Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Willacy County.
Nora Brown in The Wettest Places on Earth: Louisiana
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.