Helvetia Dependency
LA 942, Darrow, LAThe Helvetia Dependency is locally significant in the area of architecture within the context of Louisiana's River Road region because it contains rare examples of Creole and Federal woodwork. Although it is unfortunate that the building has suffered some losses to its integrity, the historic fabric and details which remain mark the Helvetia Dependency as an important example of these two architectural styles.
The area comprising the east and west banks of the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is known as the Great River Road. Although recognized primarily for its collection of grand Greek Revival plantation houses, this region was first settled by French Creoles whose surviving domestic architecture rivals in importance the later Greek Revival homes. One of the distinguishing features of these Creole houses was the French wraparound mantel, which in the earliest and finest of the Creole homes was accompanied by a decorated overmantel. Today, only a limited number of pre-Civil War Creole houses survive, and the number of Creole houses containing wraparound mantels with decorative overmantels is extremely small. The Division of Historic Preservation knows of only six houses in the region in which wraparound mantels with decorative overmantels survive. The Helvetia Dependency is one of these rare, early, and finely crafted Creole survivors. In addition, the Dependency is special because its woodwork is in the Federal style. Examples of this style are equally rare within the houses on the River Road. The Helvetia Dependency's delicate denticulated cornice, reeded overmantel pilasters, and oval and circular mantel sunbursts definitely place the dwelling within this rare category. Indeed, it is unusual to find such fine Federal woodwork in a house the size of the Helvetia Dependency.
Local significance of the building:
The area comprising the east and west banks of the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is known as the Great River Road. Although recognized primarily for its collection of grand Greek Revival plantation houses, this region was first settled by French Creoles whose surviving domestic architecture rivals in importance the later Greek Revival homes. One of the distinguishing features of these Creole houses was the French wraparound mantel, which in the earliest and finest of the Creole homes was accompanied by a decorated overmantel. Today, only a limited number of pre-Civil War Creole houses survive, and the number of Creole houses containing wraparound mantels with decorative overmantels is extremely small. The Division of Historic Preservation knows of only six houses in the region in which wraparound mantels with decorative overmantels survive. The Helvetia Dependency is one of these rare, early, and finely crafted Creole survivors. In addition, the Dependency is special because its woodwork is in the Federal style. Examples of this style are equally rare within the houses on the River Road. The Helvetia Dependency's delicate denticulated cornice, reeded overmantel pilasters, and oval and circular mantel sunbursts definitely place the dwelling within this rare category. Indeed, it is unusual to find such fine Federal woodwork in a house the size of the Helvetia Dependency.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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.
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, was held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904. The fair featured exhibits from around the world and introduced several new inventions and products to the public, including the ice cream cone and Dr Pepper soft drink.
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 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.