National Register Listing

Bocage

LA 942 S of Marchandville, Darrow, LA
Bocage is significant in the area of architecture at the state level because it is a superb and rare surviving example of the grand Greek Revival plantation homes which once lined Louisiana's Great River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. It also illustrates the extremely rare use of mid-nineteenth-century architectural pattern book designs in Louisiana.

Architecturally, Louisiana is best known for its fine collections of French Creole houses and grand Greek Revival plantation homes. The state's most famous and recognizable group of monumental Greek Revival plantations is found on the historic River Road. These homes, built by immensely wealthy sugar cane planters during the thirty years prior to the Civil War, were the absolute apex of the Greek Revival style in Louisiana. They may be briefly characterized as two-story mansions with broad double galleries (sometimes encircling the house) and monumental columns or pillars which rise to the roofline in one continuous shaft. When fully encircling galleries are present, the columns also encircle the house in what is known as the peripheral mode. No one will ever know the exact number of these houses. However, an 1858 map of Mississippi River land holdings suggests that many more once existed than have survived. Today, only eight River Road Greek Revival landmark plantation houses remain. All are individually eligible for the National Register.

Bocage is one of these monumental Greek Revival houses. A premier example of the style, it stands out among the limited group of survivors for several reasons:

1) Although most of the eight River Road mansions are vernacular adaptations of the Greek Revival style, evidence suggests that Bocage is an architect-designed home (see Historical Note below).

2)Bocage is especially noteworthy for its parapet, a feature found on only one other River Road home. The majority of the Road's Greek Revival houses have hipped roofs. As a result, Bocage more closely imitates the classical massing of Greek architecture.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Louisiana.
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.
Louisiana random facts
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.