Kraemer House
Off US 61, Prairieville, LAThe Kraemer House is locally significant in the area of architecture because it is a landmark within the context of northwestern Ascension Parish.
The northwestern corner of Ascension Parish comprises the settlements of Dutchtown, Prairieville, and Oak Grove. In recent years this area has experienced considerable suburban tract house development. What remains of the area's patrimony dates entirely from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It consists of nineteen bungalows, three cottages, one board and batten store, and the Kraemer House.
The Kraemer House is clearly the landmark of the group for five reasons:
1. It is probably the largest older structure in the area.
2. With its symmetrical five-bay facade, its fully developed central hall plan, and its long front and side galleries, the Kraemer House is the closest thing the area has to a grand plantation house. Most other older buildings are bungalows or merely cottages.
3. The Kraemer House is believed to have the area's finest interior woodwork. It's five relatively elaborate Italianate mantels are very probably without parallel. (Based upon a comprehensive windshield survey, it was concluded that the Kraemer House was the only structure in the area which could possibly have mantels of this age and caliber.)
4. The front and side portions of the Kraemer House are encompassed by a continuous sixteen-bay gallery, which is without parallel in the area, Other galleries are typically three bays.
5. The gallery can be reached from the interior via floor-length windows, which marks the Kraemer House as a relatively high-style house of the period.
Local significance of the building:
The northwestern corner of Ascension Parish comprises the settlements of Dutchtown, Prairieville, and Oak Grove. In recent years this area has experienced considerable suburban tract house development. What remains of the area's patrimony dates entirely from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It consists of nineteen bungalows, three cottages, one board and batten store, and the Kraemer House.
The Kraemer House is clearly the landmark of the group for five reasons:
1. It is probably the largest older structure in the area.
2. With its symmetrical five-bay facade, its fully developed central hall plan, and its long front and side galleries, the Kraemer House is the closest thing the area has to a grand plantation house. Most other older buildings are bungalows or merely cottages.
3. The Kraemer House is believed to have the area's finest interior woodwork. It's five relatively elaborate Italianate mantels are very probably without parallel. (Based upon a comprehensive windshield survey, it was concluded that the Kraemer House was the only structure in the area which could possibly have mantels of this age and caliber.)
4. The front and side portions of the Kraemer House are encompassed by a continuous sixteen-bay gallery, which is without parallel in the area, Other galleries are typically three bays.
5. The gallery can be reached from the interior via floor-length windows, which marks the Kraemer House as a relatively high-style house of the period.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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 has a rich culinary history and is known for dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. The state's cuisine is heavily influenced by French, African, and Native American cooking traditions.
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.