National Register Listing

Houmas, The

a.k.a. Houmas House

W of Burnside off LA 22 and LA 44, Burnside, LA
Houmas House is significant in the area of economics because under owner John Burnside in the 1850s and 60's it was the center of the largest slaveholding in Louisiana. With over 800 slaves it represented the largest economic unit in the prevailing slave economy of the state's pre-Civil War period.

Houmas House is nationally significant in the area of architecture as an excellent example of a plantation house designed in the peripteral mode of the Greek Revival. It represents an important regional variation of the Greek Revival which typified many of the grandest residences in the deep South. In addition, the lines of Houmas House are more graceful than those of many other peripteral mansions. This is because Houmas House is one of the few in which the dormered roof line is in harmonious proportion to the colonnades.
Local significance of the building:
Economics; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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 was originally a French colony, named after King Louis XIV of France. The area was first explored by the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1682.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.