Evan Hall Slave Cabins
W of Donaldsonville, Donaldsonville, LAThe Evan Hall Slave Cabins are of state significance in the area of architecture because they represent unusually fine surviving examples of a once common antebellum building type which has all but disappeared from the state.
The census schedules of 1860 reveal that there were approximately 1,640 holdings of 50 or more slaves in Louisiana on the eve of the Civil War. In addition, there were, of course, innumerable holdings of less than 50. This indicates that at one time there must easily have been thousands of slave cabins across the state. They were a very predominant feature of the rural landscape, vastly outnumbering the plantation houses. However, today this situation is reversed and antebellum plantation houses have survived in greater numbers than slave quarters. As far as the State Historic Preservation Office is aware, there are only eight collections of rural slave cabins remaining in Louisiana. This certainly qualifies the Evan Hall cabins as rare survivors.
However, beyond this, they are architecturally superior to all other collections known to the State Historic Preservation Office. One of the reasons that few slave cabins have survived is that many were flimsily built, to begin with. Some, of course, were built using substantial frame construction, but relatively few were made of brick. Brick slave quarters were, of course, the finest and the most substantial. Of the above eight collections of slave quarters, only three are constructed of bricks. Of these, the Evan Hall cabins are the only ones that feature arch brick construction of any kind, let alone full round head relieving arches over both the foundation and the fenestration. Therefore, they may very well be the best-crafted slave cabins remaining in the state.
Local significance of the building:
The census schedules of 1860 reveal that there were approximately 1,640 holdings of 50 or more slaves in Louisiana on the eve of the Civil War. In addition, there were, of course, innumerable holdings of less than 50. This indicates that at one time there must easily have been thousands of slave cabins across the state. They were a very predominant feature of the rural landscape, vastly outnumbering the plantation houses. However, today this situation is reversed and antebellum plantation houses have survived in greater numbers than slave quarters. As far as the State Historic Preservation Office is aware, there are only eight collections of rural slave cabins remaining in Louisiana. This certainly qualifies the Evan Hall cabins as rare survivors.
However, beyond this, they are architecturally superior to all other collections known to the State Historic Preservation Office. One of the reasons that few slave cabins have survived is that many were flimsily built, to begin with. Some, of course, were built using substantial frame construction, but relatively few were made of brick. Brick slave quarters were, of course, the finest and the most substantial. Of the above eight collections of slave quarters, only three are constructed of bricks. Of these, the Evan Hall cabins are the only ones that feature arch brick construction of any kind, let alone full round head relieving arches over both the foundation and the fenestration. Therefore, they may very well be the best-crafted slave cabins remaining in the state.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
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.
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.
About Ascension Parish
Ascension Parish Timeline
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.
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.
Ascension Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.