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Welcome to Plaquemine!

Tucked between the swamps of the Atchafalaya and the bustling state capitol of Baton Rouge is a parish rich with legend and mystery, where tales of survival and triumph are central to its core. It is Iberville, a parish of awe-inspiring beauty – of magnificent antebellum homes and massive live oaks, of meandering bayous and waterways teeming with life.

It is a parish embracing restoration revival with historic buildings glistening throughout downtown Plaquemine. It is a parish of a people strong and resilient from life’s challenges, yet, oh so friendly. It is a parish proud of the role it has played in helping south Louisiana thrive for over 200 years. There is in Iberville a sense of history, a sense of grace and beauty, a sense of purpose and place, and most of all, a joie de vivre that we’re glad to share.

Iberville attractions –

Plaquemine is an architectural lover’s dream, with its tremendous variety of architectural styles and antebellum gems. The community is older than the United States, and National Geographic has documented Indian settlements in Plaquemine from well over 1,000 years ago. In fact, peaceful Bayou Plaquemine got its name from the Illonis Indian tribe word “Piakemine,” which means persimmon, because of the abundance of persimmon trees growing along the bayou.

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

The magnificent St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church was built in the late 1920s. The huge Roman Basilica style building is 70 feet wide by 250 feet long and is considered the purest example of Italian Romanesque architecture in the South. It features massive exterior columns matched by huge oak doors. Inside, the long walkway to the altar is marked by more columns and intricate stained glass windows made in Germany after World War II. The balastrino altar, handsome campanile and portico, plus the use of marble for the altar and communion rail, add to the elegance of this great cathedral.

Located next to it is the St. John Parish Life Center, which was originally built as a Catholic school. It has been renovated to now accommodate meetings, gatherings and office space. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., weekend hours vary depending on services.

PLAQUEMINE LOCK STATE HISTORIC SITE

Bayou Plaquemine served as a vital waterway from the Mississippi River to the interior of Louisiana during the1800s and into the mid 1900s. Because of its importance both as a major transportation route and a force for economic prosperity, Congress authorized the construction of a lock here in the late 1800s. Construction began in 1895 and was completed in 1909.

It is historically significant for a number of reasons:

It was designed by Col. George W. Goethals, who was later the chief engineer of the design and construction of the Panama Canal.
When it was completed, it had the highest freshwater lift of any lock in the world at 51 feet; and featured a unique engineering design that utilized a gravity flow principle.
The lockhouse is quite a unique structure in itself, with a Dutch-influenced style that features gleaming white tile and massive circular windows.
The lockhouse has been re-named the Gary J. Hebert Memorial Lockhouse in honor of the late Plaquemine publisher and editor who fought a four-year battle in the 1970s to save the structure and a portion of Bayou Plaquemine. At that time, city and state officials wanted to demolish the building and fill in the bayou to make way for a four-lane highway. He was responsible for having the area put on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting it from demolition.
Now a state historic site, it includes a museum, visitors’ center, and an open air pavilion with a display of various water craft used when the lock was operational.
Located at 57730 Main Street. Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Children to age 12 – free, age 13 to 61 - $2; and senior citizens – free. Phone: (225) 687-7158 or 1-877-987-7158.

PLAQUEMINE WATERFRONT PARK

Even the prolific writer Longfellow recognized the beauty of Bayou Plaquemine. The moving poem Evangeline depicts the heroine making her way down Bayou Plaquemine in her quest to find her beloved Gabriel. While access to the Mississippi River was cut off when the lock was closed in 1961, the bayou now features an extensive

boardwalk system for fishing and picnicking. Future phases of the park to be completed by the summer of 2003 include floating piers from the pavilion, which will allow the docking of boats; a park area complete with bathrooms, picnic pavilions, fish cleaning area and lighting; and a pump system to bring freshwater into the bayou.

WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN PLAQUEMINE

The best way to enjoy the beauty of downtown Plaquemine’s architectural gems is to take a walking tour of the area. Starting from St. John Church heading south, you’ll see:

St. John Rectory – an 1880s building, it is home to the pastor of St. John Church. The rectory was completely restored in 1995.
Just a block down on the left is St. Basil’s Academy at 32515 Church Street. It was originally built as a mansion in 1850, but is most well remembered as both the Catholic school and residence of the Sisters Marianites of the Holy Cross from 1859 until 1976. It is now the home of former Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Robert L. Freeman.

Just across from St. Basil’s is the Fremin Home at 23520 Church Street. Typical of a mid 1800s Louisiana colonial raised cottage, it has been restored to its grandeur.
A few steps away at 57725 Court Street is an eloquent three-story Queen Anne home featuring elaborate millwork trim. This 1895 beauty features encircling two-story galleries, multiple dormers and a slate roof topped by a “Widow’s Walk.”
Further down Church Street are First United Methodist Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows; the 1904 building now housing the Iberville Chamber of Commerce; and the massive Joseph Wilbert home, with architecture reminiscent of the steamboat days.
Heading up Meriam Street and over to Eden Street is another prominent residence, the Schwing/Middleton home, which was built on a Spanish land grant prior to 1842. It was damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War.•And, in the final block of Eden Street are several buildings which have been restored. At the corner of Eden and Plaquemine Streets is the Roth Building, a two-story brick building featuring retail space. Next to it is Barker’s Pharmacy, the oldest pharmacy in the state; and the People’s Bank Building, which dates back to 1899. The large building next to it was originally built as a post office in 1935. And finally, at 23410 Eden Street is the handsome Brusle Building, built in 1889. It is now a law office and private residence.

PLAQUEMINE CITY HALL

Originally named the “Great Temple of Justice,” the massive three story brick building surrounded by oak trees on Railroad Avenue now serves as Plaquemine’s City Hall. It was built in 1907 as the seat of parish government and served in that capacity until 1985 when a new parish courthouse was completed. The building now houses city government, utilites and court offices.

ST. LOUIS PLANTATION

St. Louis Plantation home was built in 1857 by U.S. Rep. Edward J. Gay and today is the private residence of the Gay family. It was named for the City of St. Louis. It has six columns and a gallery across the front, along with a rooftop belvedere. The home also has a cellar, which is quite rare among plantations; and is another Iberville property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It can be viewed from River Road but is not open for tours.

THE ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB

Sweet. How else can you describe a championship golf course carved out of a sugar plantation? As a matter of fact, sugarcane still grows in the field next to The Island. This par 72-course is one of only six courses named initial members of Louisiana’s famed Audubon Golf Trail. This challenging course features 54

as well as Bayou Plaquemine and Bayou Jacob. Of the 18 holes, only one doesn’t bring water into play. But, astute golfers (and the locals) know to watch the swaying of the sugarcane in adjacent fields to determine wind direction. It’s a sweet course in a tranquil setting.

Located on Hwy. 77 one mile south of La. Hwy. 1. Pro shop and course hours: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Monday. Phone: 225-685-0808.

OLD TURNERVILLE

While the homes on the walking tour are not open to the public, two charming homes in Old Turnerville (north Plaquemine) are open for tours. Marietta’s House is a large raised cottage featuring a wide front gallery. Built in 1879, it is furnished with an impressive collection of antiques and accessories from the Empire, Victorian and Napoleon III periods. Miss Louise’s House, located next door, is an 1880s cottage framed by wisteria vines. It includes an antiques and gift shop, is the proverbial “grandma’s house” with lace curtains, fancy porcelain, oil lamps, faded family portraits and inviting wicker furniture on the back porch. Located on Nadler Street. (Turn off La. Hwy. 1 on Schnebelen Street and take a right on Nadler Street.) Hours: By appointment. Phone: (225) 687-5337.

THE ANTIQUE HEARSE

A funeral home is a place most folks don’t want to visit, but Wilbert Funeral Home has a unique piece of history displayed on its property. It’s an antique horse-drawn hearse very similar to the one used by Wilbert’s from the 1850s until the 1920s. Inside the hearse is a basket that was used at that time to carry bodies prior to the introduction of stretchers. Located on Fort Street at Railroad Avenue, the hearse is encased in glass for its protection.

Welcome to North Iberville Parish!

Waterways, which have played a pivotal role in Iberville’s history, also run through the charming back roads of Rosedale, Grosse Tete and Maringouin in North Iberville. In fact, the meandering Bayou Grosse Tete, draped with massive live oak trees, runs along La. Hwy. 77, giving visitors a real sense of the charm and tranquility of rural life in Louisiana.

Besides the picturesque ride through open fields of sugarcane, corn and soybeans; past rustic fences and pastures of green grass dotted with old barns, visitors will find still more antebellum homes and a variety of architectural styles.

The Village of Rosedale, located amidst Interstate 10, received its name from its pioneers in 1815 because of the wild Cherokee rose found throughout the area. Legend runs deep in the Village of Grosse Tete, which is snuggled next to Rosedale. It has been said that the name Grosse Tete, which means “big head,” came from a big headed Choctaw Indian who lived and hunted in the area when it was settled by Acadians.

“Big Head” has also been said to mean five or six streams joining to become Bayou Grosse Tete. No matter which legend you pick, Grosse Tete is home to country folks who love the slow pace of this rural life. Located at the extreme northeast corner of Iberville is the Town of Maringouin, the main business community for north Iberville. Maringouin is believed to have been settled by Acadians in 1802, and was named for south Louisiana’s most annoying pest – the mosquito.

North Iberville is home to Live Oak Plantation, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Church of the Nativity, a Protestant Episcopal chapel built in 1859 and featuring English architecture; and Trinity Plantation, an old manor home built in 1839 and constructed on an Indian mound.

North Iberville Attractions.
The following buildings and homes are provided in order of a driving tour from La. 77 at Interstate 10. All privately owned, none of the homes are open for tours.

THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

Old Protestant Episcopal chapel built in 1859, the Church of the Nativity in Rosedale has seen many a visitor. Constructed of cypress lumber, it is an old English style structure unique to the area, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church is located on Laurel Street.

TRINITY PLANTATION

Trinity is a must see for live oak lovers. The home is set back from the roadway, with a driveway centered between two rows of tremendous live oaks. Only about a mile from Live Oaks, Trinity also faces Bayou Grosse Tete on La. Hwy. 77. An old manor house, it was built in 1839 by Dr. George Campbell. The one and

SUNNYSIDE

Sunnyside is a lovely two-story mansion located on the east bank of Bayou Grosse Tete between Rosedale and Grosse Tete. The mansion, built in 1895, sits in a grove of live oak trees.

TANGLEWOOD

Directly across the Grosse Tete Bridge at Maringouin sits Tanglewood Plantation. Built before 1860, it is a one and a half story raised cottage with a pillored front gallery, dormer windows and a modified Greek key design at the front doorway.

MOUND HOUSE

Located on Bayou Grosse Tete about three miles from Maringouin, Mound House was built in 1840 by Austin Woolfolk, a large landowner. It is a one and a half story frame house, which sits among moss-draped oak trees.

LIVE OAKS PLANTATION

Facing Bayou Grosse Tete, Live Oaks was built by slave artisans who hauled cypress from the swamps and made brick from clay soil found in the area. Built in 1826 by Charles Dickinson, it features six columns supporting wonderful galleries on both the first and second floors. The view from the second floor gallery of the majestic oaks, which shelter the home, must be quite impressive. In fact, one of the oaks is the fifth largest live oak tree in the country. One of the most outstanding architectural features of the home is the winding stairway leading from the 20-feet-wide hall to the second floor. The home can be viewed from La. Hwy. 77.

Welcome to South Iberville Parish!

The agriculture industry is perhaps most dominant in the south Iberville communities of Bayou Goula and White Castle. All nestled closely together, the communities have been home to some magnificent antebellum homes. The only one remaining is the majestic Nottoway Plantation in White Castle. It is revered as the largest remaining plantation home in the South. A Greek Revival structure of some 53,000 square feet, it looks out onto the Mississippi River and boasts over 100,000 visitors annually.White Castle derived its name from a large plantation home built in the early 1800s called the White Castle. Once the home of Louisiana Governor Paul O. Hebert, the home has since been destroyed. A thriving agricultural industry in the late 1800s made White Castle home to three sugar mills. Today, Cora Texas Manufacturing is the only remaining sugar mill and is one of only 18 sugar mills in the state. Bajon’s Drug Store, established in 1889, is one of the oldest drug stores in Louisiana. And local Viallon’s Drug Store is now operated by a third generation pharmacist.

Located near White Castle is the small community of Bayou Goula. It was there that the first Catholic chapel of the Louisiana Purchase Territory was built in 1699 by a priest accompanying explorer Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d’Iberville on his discovery of the area. Today, it is home to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, which was built in 1871, restored in 1971 and is still used for some church services.

Bayou Goula is also home to the Madonna Chapel, listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the smallest church in the world. The chapel remains open to visitors and those seeking its peace and solitude on a daily basis.

The residents take great pride in Old Dorseyville School, which was restored in the 1990s. It was in this two-story building that African American children of the area received their education from 1892 to 1952. Located just across the street from the school is St. John Baptist Church, a National Register property constructed in 1868.

The picturesque route through Bayou Goula and White Castle via the River Road to La. Hwy. 404 provides access to some of the best fishing and hunting areas of the state in Bayou Sorrel and Bayou Pigeon. on LaCroix Road in the community of Dorseyville, just outside White Castle. The school house, which provided the only education available to African American children in the area until the 1950s, was restored in the mid 1990s. Today it is used for a variety of community activities.

NOTTOWAY PLANTATION

Certainly Iberville’s “claim to fame,” the majestic Nottoway Plantation is the largest remaining plantation home in the south. Nottoway was completed in 1859 for Mr. And Mrs. John Hamp-den Randolph and their 11 children. The wealth of sugarcane farmer Randolph shows with 15 feet ceilings in its 64 rooms and intricate woodwork throughout. The Greek Revival and Italinate mansion boasts 53,000 square feet and a grand white ballroom featuring plaster frieze-work, hand carved marble mantles and Corinthian columns. Additionally, antique furnishings and dinnerware of the pre-Civil War South are used extensively. Among its architectural innovations for that period were: indoor bathrooms, coal burning fireplaces, hot and cold running water, gas operated chandeliers, and a communication system to call servants. It also features an unusual curved corner wall, complete with curved windows, in the ballroom.

The home has over 1.5 acres of wood floors, 200 windows and 165 doors. Its second floor balcony offers a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River.

Randolph Hall on the expansive Nottoway property serves delicious Cajun dishes in elegant surroundings. The palatial setting amidst magnificent oak trees with limbs bowing to the ground make Nottoway a popular site for weddings, receptions and parties.

Located on River Road near White Castle, it has entrances both from River Road or La. Hwy. 1. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas. Candlelight tours provided for groups by appointment. Phone: toll free 1-8664AVISIT.

Website: www.nottoway.com

MADONNA CHAPEL

Iberville also has a spot in Ripley’s Believe It or Not for its beloved Madonna Chapel. It is listed in Ripley’s as the smallest church in the world. Built by Italian farmer Anthony Gullo in 1902, he had been very ill, and promised the Virgin Mary that he would build a chapel in her honor if he got well. The original church was 7 feet by 7 feet, but a

new levee in 1924 necessitated the removal of the chapel. The present chapel is a tad larger - a 9 feet by 9 feet structure. Mass is celebrated from the chapel once a year, on August 15, the Catholic Feast of the Assumption. However, the chapel is open daily for those who wish to visit and enjoy its solitude. The key is kept in the mailbox.

ST. RAPHAEL CEMETERY

One of the oldest cemeteries in the state, St. Raphael is located on River Road just a few miles south of Plaquemine. It dates back to the 1800s and is the resting place of Iberville’s only native son to serve as governor of the state, Paul O. Hebert.

ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH & SCHOOL HOUSE

Built in 1868, this church of cypress wood is believed to be the oldest African American church in this region. It was built under the direction of Rev. Basile Dorsey, who was also instrumental in building the school house across the street from the church. The church is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places and is still used for services each week. The school house, which provided the only education available to African American children in the area until the 1950s, was restored in the mid 1990s. Today it is used for a variety of community activities.

CORA TEXAS SUGAR MILL

One of only 13 remaining sugar mills... Cora Texas was established in 1928. At that time railway cane cars carried sugarcane to the mill for processing, and the mill had 145 cars. In 1948 the mill was purchased by the Kessler family, which still operates the mill today. Through the years, the mill has grown from a small operation that ground about 1,000 tons of cane a day to handling15,000 tons daily during grinding season. The railroad operation was discontinued in 1948, replaced by tractor-trailer operation on the new La. Hwy. 1. During grinding season (October through January), the mill operates 24 hours a day and currently grinds approximately 1.3 million tons of sugarcane into 300 million pounds of sugar annually.

ACADIAN SWAMP TOURS

The peaceful, yet mysterious swamps of South Louisiana can be enjoyed in the comfort of a 34-passenger tour boat with Acadian Swamp Tours. The 1 1/2 hour tour takes visitors along moss draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life and an assortment of critters, including alligators. Acadian is big on customer comfort, offering padded seats, handicapped accessibility and a bathroom on board. Additionally, Acadian is the only swamp tour company in the state to offer a 10-hour excursion tour through the Atchafalya Spillway, taking visitors to areas where native Americans and explorers adventured. A live alligator exhibit is provided, and visitors are guaranteed to see an alligator on the tour.

Located off Hwy. 404 on New Camp Road in White Castle. Hours: Tours offered at 9 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. daily. Later departures are available on a reservation basis. Reservations are highly recommended for all tours. Phone: (225) 268-0271. www.acadianswamptours.com

THE LAST WILDERNESS SWAMP TOUR

A departure from other swamp tours, The Last Wilderness offers more personalized tours in a Cajun fishing boat made to go deep into the swamp. It offers access to the most remote places in the Atchafalaya. You’ll experience gigantic trees, native wildlife and tour with a local who has lived off the land by hunting and fishing for the past 13 years. The Atchafalaya contains some of the country’s most productive fish and wildlife habitat, including giant alligator gars, deer, coyotes, alligators, bobcats, turtles, bald eagles, bears, osprey and more. Tours are limited to six persons.

The Last Wilderness also offers canoe rentals and guided canoe expeditions. Located in Bayou Sorrel, the tour meets at Blondie’s, a local restaurant offering authentic Cajun cooking and American fare. Tours are 2 hours and are offered by reservation only. Phone: (225) 953-1020 or (225) 692-4114.

Website:www.lastwildernesstours.com

SOUTH IBERVILLE RESTAURANTS

BLONDIE’S

Blondie’s is not your typical country Cajun restaurant. In fact, it’s got a bit of a Hollywood atmosphere, mainly because of its name. Blondie’s is named after famed movie star Marilyn Monroe and features Monroe memorabilia throughout. But it has a Cajun connection too, located just across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway and serving boiled and fried seafood, steaks, and fried chicken, along with the traditional fare of hamburgers and poboys. Located at 33125 Hwy. 75 in Bayou Sorrel. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Phone: (225) 659-7788.

CAFÉ BY THE RIVER

Home cooked meals in a casual atmosphere are what keeps bringing locals back to Café by the River. It serves lunch specials daily, fried seafood, fried and grilled chicken, hamburgers, salads, poboys, sandwiches and homemade desserts. Additionally, it offers a variety of Southern breakfast items. Located at 32025 Hwy. 1, White Castle. Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: (225) 545-3899.

GRACIE’S DRIVE-INN

Located near the bayou, Gracie’s takes advantage to offer alligator in season. Its fare also includes seafood, broasted chicken and plate lunches. Everyone in the family can find something to his liking on this country restaurant’s menu. Located at 36076 Hwy. 75 in Plaquemine. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Phone (225) 545-2200.

NOTTOWAY PLANTATION RESTAURANT

Lunch and dinner is offered in the elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere of Nottoway’s Randolph Hall. Nottoway features Cajun and Creole cuisine by Cajun Chef Johnny “Jambalaya” Percle. His specialty is the Cajun Two-Step, which is a levee of jambalaya surrounding a river of shrimp Creole. Percle’s cooking skills have been noted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, which rated Nottoway as a “Top 25 American Inn with Super Chefs.” The 300-seat restaurant features linen tablecloths and a grand piano which is used to provide musical entertainment on Saturday nights and for special events, receptions and gala functions. Located on the grounds of Nottoway Plantation, access to the restaurant can be attained without paying an admission fee. Hours: Open daily for lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (225) 545-2730.

SOUTH IBERVILLE ACCOMMODATIONS

NOTTOWAY PLANTATION
Rated as a “Top 25 American Inn with Super Chefs” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Nottoway offers its guests rooms and suites furnished with period antiques, a guided tour of the mansion and a wake-up breakfast consisting of sweet potato muffins, coffee and juice delivered to your room. Additionally, a full plantation breakfast is served in the first floor dining room. Guests also have complete access to the mansion after 5 p.m.The 10 rooms and three suites at Nottoway are located either within the mansion or in adjacent cottages. The Bridal Suite has a Jacuzzi and a private swimming pool. Located with access off of River Road or La. Hwy. 1 near White Castle. Rates: $135 to $250 per night. Phone: (225) 545-2730. Website: www.nottoway.com.

NOTTOWAY PLANTATION GIFT SHOPTourists come to see magnificent Nottoway Plantation, but locals know that Nottoway’s gift shop is a treasure in itself. It features authentic Louisiana products, including books, linens, prints, food items, art, crafts, postcards and more.

Welcome to East Iberville Parish!

Separated from the rest of Iberville by the Mississippi River, East Iberville is nonetheless an important and thriving part of the parish offering its own unique attractions. A quick ride across the Plaquemine ferry is a treat for visitors wanting to get a close look at the turbulent Mississippi River.East Iberville includes the communities of St. Gabriel, Sunshine and Carville. Only recently incorporated, St. Gabriel is the second largest municipality in the parish. The area was settled in 1767 by farmers who built St. Gabriel Church from swamp cypress in 1769. The oldest Catholic church in the state, St. Gabriel Church features a silver steeple bell given to the farmers by the queen of Spain. Today, it is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.One of the most intriguing attractions of Iberville is located in rural Carville. Now the home of the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge and Jobs Corps Center, the sprawling facility was, for many years, home of the Gillis Long Hansen’s Disease Center. Another National Register property, it was the only long-term treatment facility for Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) in the continental U.S. It features a plantation mansion designed by famed architect Henry Howard, and a museum dedicated to those who lived, died, loved, worked and healed at Carville.

ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Believed to be the oldest Catholic church structure in Louisiana, St. Gabriel Church has been lovingly restored and maintained by the church congregation. It was built in 1769 and has been moved several times. The steeple of the church, believed to be made primarily of silver, was a gift from the Queen of Spain in 1770. The church is no longer used by the large Catholic congregation in St. Gabriel, but is often the setting for photographs or picnics. It is located on the River Road in St. Gabriel but is not open to the public.

CARVILLE ACADEMY AT INDIAN CAMP PLANTATION

The pictureseque Indian Camp Plantation, hidden away on the back roads of Carville, is actually the site of abuse and miracles. It was formerly the Gillis Long Hansen’s Disease Center, the only hospital in the nation to treat Hansen’s Disease (leprosy).