Palo Alto Dependency
LA 944, Donaldsonville, LAThe Palo Alto Dependency is locally significant in the area of architecture within Ascension Parish because it is one of only a handful of Creole houses that retain sufficient integrity. In addition, its floorplan is also unusual and rare for its rural location.
According to a review of the parish's Historic Structures Survey, Ascension has approximately 135 surviving houses which show some form of Creole influence. If this number seems rather high, it is because many of the houses stand within the Donaldsonville National Register Historic District. And, it must be noted that a significant number of these 135 structures exhibit only a basic Creole shape -- i.e., a pitched roof galleried cottage. Many do not even have French doors. In addition, most of the structures display serious integrity problems. Examples of these problems include replaced (and inappropriate) siding, the addition of Queen Anne bays and shingles or Eastlake details to facades, visible and inappropriate additions on porches and at the sides of structures, and the general state of deterioration found in the majority of the buildings. Against this background, the Palo Alto Dependency stands as a rare, relatively intact survivor.
In addition, the dependency's four-room floorplan is worthy of note. This plan was fairly common in New Orleans but was seldom used in rural areas. Thus, the floorplan, still clearly visible after sympathetic alterations, is rare within the context of Ascension Parish.
According to the tradition of the Lemann family which owns the Palo Alto Plantation, the dependency was once used as an overseer's house, while its annex served as a dining facility for workers. The 1979 renovation was guided by architect A. Hays Town.
Local significance of the building:
According to a review of the parish's Historic Structures Survey, Ascension has approximately 135 surviving houses which show some form of Creole influence. If this number seems rather high, it is because many of the houses stand within the Donaldsonville National Register Historic District. And, it must be noted that a significant number of these 135 structures exhibit only a basic Creole shape -- i.e., a pitched roof galleried cottage. Many do not even have French doors. In addition, most of the structures display serious integrity problems. Examples of these problems include replaced (and inappropriate) siding, the addition of Queen Anne bays and shingles or Eastlake details to facades, visible and inappropriate additions on porches and at the sides of structures, and the general state of deterioration found in the majority of the buildings. Against this background, the Palo Alto Dependency stands as a rare, relatively intact survivor.
In addition, the dependency's four-room floorplan is worthy of note. This plan was fairly common in New Orleans but was seldom used in rural areas. Thus, the floorplan, still clearly visible after sympathetic alterations, is rare within the context of Ascension Parish.
According to the tradition of the Lemann family which owns the Palo Alto Plantation, the dependency was once used as an overseer's house, while its annex served as a dining facility for workers. The 1979 renovation was guided by architect A. Hays Town.
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.
Hurricane Katrina, which struck Louisiana in 2005, was one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The storm caused widespread destruction in New Orleans and other parts of the state, and its aftermath highlighted issues of poverty, race, and government response in the United States.
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.