History of Ascension Parish, Louisiana

Ascension Parish, located in the heart of southeastern Louisiana, has a rich history shaped by its strategic location along the Mississippi River. Established in 1807, the parish was originally part of the larger Spanish colonial territory, with its development heavily influenced by French and Spanish settlers. Over the years, Ascension grew through the agricultural economy, particularly in sugar and cotton, and later became a key player in the state’s industrial development. With its mixture of historical, cultural, and natural assets, Ascension Parish offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region.

Origins and Early History

The area now known as Ascension Parish was originally home to the indigenous Bayou and Chitimacha tribes. These Native American groups lived in the fertile lands along the Mississippi River long before European settlers arrived. The river’s resources provided fish, game, and fertile soil for agriculture, sustaining native populations for centuries.

In the 18th century, French settlers began to explore and settle the region as part of their colonial expansion. French-speaking Acadians, who had been expelled from Canada, established a foothold in Louisiana during this period. When the Spanish took control of Louisiana from France in 1763, they expanded settlement efforts to the Mississippi River Valley, and the area now known as Ascension Parish was designated as part of the Spanish colonial territories.

The Parish was officially created in 1807 from portions of St. James, Iberville, and Livingston Parishes. It was named “Ascension” in honor of the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus, celebrated by Catholic colonists. Ascension’s early economy was driven by agriculture, especially cotton and sugar, which flourished in the fertile land. This marked the beginning of the parish’s agricultural legacy, which would remain central to its economy for much of its history.

During the antebellum period, Ascension Parish became a major center for cotton plantations, with many wealthy plantation owners building grand estates along the Mississippi River. These plantations relied heavily on enslaved labor, and the parish’s prosperity was intricately tied to the system of slavery that dominated the South. The effects of this period in Ascension, as well as the subsequent impact of the Civil War, would be felt for generations.

Civil War and Reconstruction

The Civil War profoundly impacted Ascension Parish, as it did much of Louisiana. While the parish was heavily agricultural, and much of its economy relied on slavery, Ascension was strategically located near key waterways that were vital for transportation and military movements. In 1862, during the war, Union forces took control of Baton Rouge, which was situated nearby, and began a series of raids along the Mississippi River.

Ascension Parish saw its share of skirmishes and battles during the war, although large-scale engagements were limited. After the Civil War, Ascension, like many other Southern regions, underwent a period of reconstruction. This period saw significant changes in the social structure, with the abolition of slavery and the end of plantation-based agriculture. While cotton continued to be a major crop, sharecropping replaced slavery as the primary labor system. Many formerly enslaved African Americans remained in the region, working the land but often under difficult economic and social conditions.

The economic transition from an agrarian economy to more diversified industries was slow. The reconstruction era also led to significant political changes, with African Americans briefly gaining the right to vote, until the rise of Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement in the late 19th century.

The 20th Century and Industrialization

As the 20th century progressed, Ascension Parish’s agricultural roots remained important, but the parish began to diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and the development of petrochemical industries in the region brought new prosperity. Ascension’s proximity to Baton Rouge, a growing industrial center, and its location on the Mississippi River made it a prime spot for the development of refineries, chemical plants, and other manufacturing industries.

In the post-World War II era, Ascension Parish began to see significant population growth, particularly as more people moved from rural areas to work in the burgeoning petrochemical industries. By the 1960s and 1970s, Ascension had become an important hub for industry in the region, with major companies such as Shell and Dow Chemical establishing operations in the area.

The 20th century also saw a population shift in Ascension Parish as suburban development expanded. Many people who worked in Baton Rouge or New Orleans sought more affordable housing and the rural charm of Ascension Parish. Residential growth was particularly strong in the latter half of the 20th century, with new subdivisions and developments sprouting up, although agriculture continued to play a central role in the parish’s economy.

Modern Era: Growth and Development

In recent decades, Ascension Parish has experienced rapid growth and development, transforming from a predominantly rural area into a more suburban community. The parish’s population has surged, largely due to its proximity to Baton Rouge, which has seen continued urban expansion. Ascension is home to many commuters who work in Baton Rouge but prefer the suburban and more affordable living options found in Ascension.

This growth has brought with it both opportunities and challenges. The parish continues to maintain a strong agricultural presence, particularly in sugar and rice production, but has also seen significant growth in residential, commercial, and industrial development. As more people move into the area, there are concerns about balancing growth with maintaining the area’s rural charm and natural beauty. The growth of suburban developments, however, has transformed Ascension into an economic powerhouse within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

Historical Sites in Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish is rich in history, with several historical sites that reflect its diverse cultural, economic, and political past. These sites offer visitors a chance to explore the parish’s journey from its indigenous roots through its colonial past, Civil War experiences, and industrial development.

1. Ascension Parish Courthouse

Overview: The Ascension Parish Courthouse in Donaldsonville is one of the oldest courthouses in Louisiana and an important landmark in the parish. It was built in 1805 and has been at the center of Ascension’s legal and political life for centuries. The building is an excellent example of early 19th-century Louisiana architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location: 300 Houmas St, Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Free public parking available around the courthouse square.

2. River Road African American Museum

Overview: Located in Donaldsonville, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of African Americans along the Mississippi River, particularly in Ascension Parish. The museum features exhibits on the lives of enslaved people and sharecroppers, the Civil Rights Movement, and local African American history.

Location: 406 Charles St, Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Ticket Price: Adults $5, Children $3
Parking Information: Free parking is available on-site.

3. Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company Mill

Overview: The Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company Mill was one of the most prominent sawmills in the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Located in the small community of Lutcher, the mill played a significant role in the local economy and was integral to the development of Ascension Parish as an industrial hub.

Location: 1680 W Main St, Lutcher, LA 70071
Ticket Price: Free (guided tours may be available on special request)
Parking Information: Free parking available on-site.

4. St. Elizabeth’s Chapel

Overview: St. Elizabeth’s Chapel is a historic Catholic chapel located in the town of Paincourtville. Built in the 1850s, this chapel is a beautiful example of Creole architecture and has long been a site of religious and cultural significance for the parish’s residents.

Location: Paincourtville, LA 70391
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Street parking available in the surrounding area.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Ascension Parish is located in the southeastern region of Louisiana, bordered to the west by the Mississippi River. The parish covers an area of 303 square miles, with a landscape that includes flat, low-lying areas and riverine wetlands, which are part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This geography makes the area prone to flooding, especially during heavy rains or hurricanes.

Ascension Parish has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures in the summer months can reach highs of 90°F (32°C), while winter temperatures generally hover around 50°F (10°C). The area experiences regular rainfall throughout the year, and severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms, can occasionally affect the region.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1807
• Parish Seat: Donaldsonville
• Population: Approximately 130,000 (as of 2020)
• Population Density: 429 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Prairieville
• Major Highways: Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 61, Louisiana Highway 44
• Adjacent Parishes: Iberville Parish, Assumption Parish, St. James Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish