Hermitage
1.75 mi. E of Darrow on LA 942, Darrow, LAHermitage Plantation has played a prominent part in the early agricultural development of the area in which it is situated. Prior to 1777, the land belonged to the Houmas Indians, and at this time was sold to Mr. Latil, who began farming the land. Originally, it was an indigo plantation and continued to have indigo as its main crop when it was purchased by the Bringier family in 1806. It continued on with indigo for a few more years and then when sugar manufacturing became feasible, the plantation switched to the growing of sugar cane. This plantation was the center of Michel Douradou Bringier's vast land holdings, even though this was one of his smaller plantations, as far as land area is concerned.
There is also an account, the Bringier papers at Tulane University, of the close relationship between the builder and General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Bringier named his home after Jackson's plantation near Nashville, Tennessee. There is also an account of the steamboat Sultana landing at Hermitage with General Jackson, who visited with the family in the 1820s.
The property was well maintained and a very fine sugar mill was built which operated until the Civil War. At that time, the family was evicted by the Union Army, and the property was leased from the Union by a carpetbagger from New England. He remained for three years, and on departing stripped the property of everything movable in the form of livestock, machinery, etc.
The property was restored to the Bringier family and a son, Louis Amedee Bringier, undertook the task of restoring the house and plantation. This he accomplished quite well during the late 1860s and 1870s. A new mill was constructed, employing all of the latest equipment of the period, and this continued in operation until about 1916. At that time the mill was closed. The machinery was sold and moved away, and the building was demolished. However, the house remained intact and the main crop at this time was changed, to rice cultivation. This continued for approximately 15 years, and since that time the property has been used for cattle grazing and, more recently, a good portion of the land has been leased to farmers for cultivation of sugar cane and soybeans.
Local significance of the building:
There is also an account, the Bringier papers at Tulane University, of the close relationship between the builder and General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Bringier named his home after Jackson's plantation near Nashville, Tennessee. There is also an account of the steamboat Sultana landing at Hermitage with General Jackson, who visited with the family in the 1820s.
The property was well maintained and a very fine sugar mill was built which operated until the Civil War. At that time, the family was evicted by the Union Army, and the property was leased from the Union by a carpetbagger from New England. He remained for three years, and on departing stripped the property of everything movable in the form of livestock, machinery, etc.
The property was restored to the Bringier family and a son, Louis Amedee Bringier, undertook the task of restoring the house and plantation. This he accomplished quite well during the late 1860s and 1870s. A new mill was constructed, employing all of the latest equipment of the period, and this continued in operation until about 1916. At that time the mill was closed. The machinery was sold and moved away, and the building was demolished. However, the house remained intact and the main crop at this time was changed, to rice cultivation. This continued for approximately 15 years, and since that time the property has been used for cattle grazing and, more recently, a good portion of the land has been leased to farmers for cultivation of sugar cane and soybeans.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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 Hayride, a radio show that was broadcast from Shreveport, Louisiana, helped launch the careers of several famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams. The show ran from 1948 to 1960 and was known for its promotion of country and rockabilly music.
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.