Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
Journey back in time to Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
Explore Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Donaldsonville Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish, LA
The French were the first Europeans to colonize the area. They named the site Lafourche-des-Chitimachas, after the regional indigenous people and the local bayou, which they gave the same name. They developed agriculture in the parish, mainly as sugar cane plantations worked by African slave labor.
Acadians, expelled by the British from Acadia in 1755, began to settle in the area from 1756 to 1785, where they developed small subsistence farms. Spanish Islenos also settled here. In 1772 when the territory was under Spanish rule, the militia constructed La Iglesia de la Ascension de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo de Lafourche de los Chetimaches (the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church of Lafourche of the Chitimaches) to serve the area. The region returned later to French control for a time.
This area was included in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became part of the United States.
Explore even more about Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Donaldsonville


Louisiana Love Bayou Boat Rides Coffee Mug
Sip your morning coffee with a side of Southern charm! Our 11 oz ceramic mug proudly proclaims, "I'm from Louisiana! That explains a lot about my love for bayou boat rides where the mosquitoes are bigger than the fish." Perfect for those who cherish the unique adventures of Louisiana life.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Donaldsonville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1848 - TERRIBLE STEAMBOAT DISASTER
The steamboat Yalabusha, CAPT. SCOTT, loaded with cotton, on her trip from Red River to New Orleans, on Tuesday the 25th alt., was burned to the water's edge, by which terrible disaster at least twenty-five lives were lost. To a gentleman, one of the surviving passengers, we are mainly indebted for the following particulars of the heart-rending scene.
About a quarter past 9 o'clock, on Tuesday night, when the majority of the passengers had retired, the alarm of fire was given - the boat was then in the middle of the stream, and opposite the plantation of MR. V. CHOPPIN, about 18 miles below Donaldsonville. All were instantly aroused, and as the doors of the ladies cabin were thrown open, the dense volume of smoke rushing aft from the clerk's office, near where the fire originated, almost produced suffocation.
The scene of terror and wild alarm among the passengers at this moment beggars description. The boat was immediately rounded to and headed to the shore, and as she struck... Read MORE...
The steamboat Yalabusha, CAPT. SCOTT, loaded with cotton, on her trip from Red River to New Orleans, on Tuesday the 25th alt., was burned to the water's edge, by which terrible disaster at least twenty-five lives were lost. To a gentleman, one of the surviving passengers, we are mainly indebted for the following particulars of the heart-rending scene.
About a quarter past 9 o'clock, on Tuesday night, when the majority of the passengers had retired, the alarm of fire was given - the boat was then in the middle of the stream, and opposite the plantation of MR. V. CHOPPIN, about 18 miles below Donaldsonville. All were instantly aroused, and as the doors of the ladies cabin were thrown open, the dense volume of smoke rushing aft from the clerk's office, near where the fire originated, almost produced suffocation.
The scene of terror and wild alarm among the passengers at this moment beggars description. The boat was immediately rounded to and headed to the shore, and as she struck... Read MORE...
1854 - Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville, a town and river port, capital of Ascension parish, Louisiana, on the right bank of the Mississippi river, at the head of Bayou La Fourche, 82 miles above New Orleans. It was formerly capital of the state. It has a landing for steamboats, and contains several stores.4.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Donaldsonville, a town and river port, capital of Ascension parish, Louisiana, on the right bank of the Mississippi river, at the head of Bayou La Fourche, 82 miles above New Orleans. It was formerly capital of the state. It has a landing for steamboats, and contains several stores.4.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Donaldsonville
Don'aldsonville, a post-village, capital of Ascension Parish, La., on the right or W. bank of the Mississippi River, and on the New Orleans & Texas Railroad, about 80 miles by river (63 by rail) above New Orleans. It has 7 churches and a newspaper office. Pop. in 1890, 3121.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Don'aldsonville, a post-village, capital of Ascension Parish, La., on the right or W. bank of the Mississippi River, and on the New Orleans & Texas Railroad, about 80 miles by river (63 by rail) above New Orleans. It has 7 churches and a newspaper office. Pop. in 1890, 3121.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Donaldsonville, a banking post-town, capital of Ascension parish, La., on the right or W. bank of the Mississippi River, and on the Texas and Pacific R., about 80 miles by river (63 by rail) above New Orleans. It is an important shipping point for sugar, cotton, and rice. Pop. in 1900, 4105.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Donaldsonville, a banking post-town, capital of Ascension parish, La., on the right or W. bank of the Mississippi River, and on the Texas and Pacific R., about 80 miles by river (63 by rail) above New Orleans. It is an important shipping point for sugar, cotton, and rice. Pop. in 1900, 4105.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in and around Donaldsonville:
Historic Donaldsonville Downtown:
Start your exploration by taking a stroll through the historic downtown area. You'll find well-preserved buildings that showcase the town's history, including the Ascension Parish Courthouse and historic homes. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens:
Just a short drive from Donaldsonville, the Houmas House is a grand antebellum estate with stunning gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the plantation, and don't miss the chance to explore the lush surroundings.
Lagniappe Antiques:
Antique lovers, rejoice! Lagniappe Antiques is a local gem where you can spend hours browsing through unique finds. From vintage furniture to quirky collectibles, it's a treasure trove for those with an appreciation for the past.
Bocage Plantation:
Another historic plantation in the area, Bocage Plantation offers a glimpse into the region's plantation era. Take a guided tour to learn about the... Read MORE...
Historic Donaldsonville Downtown:
Start your exploration by taking a stroll through the historic downtown area. You'll find well-preserved buildings that showcase the town's history, including the Ascension Parish Courthouse and historic homes. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens:
Just a short drive from Donaldsonville, the Houmas House is a grand antebellum estate with stunning gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the plantation, and don't miss the chance to explore the lush surroundings.
Lagniappe Antiques:
Antique lovers, rejoice! Lagniappe Antiques is a local gem where you can spend hours browsing through unique finds. From vintage furniture to quirky collectibles, it's a treasure trove for those with an appreciation for the past.
Bocage Plantation:
Another historic plantation in the area, Bocage Plantation offers a glimpse into the region's plantation era. Take a guided tour to learn about the... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Donaldsonville Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
We currently have information about 20 ancestors who were born or died in Donaldsonville.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Donaldsonville.View Them Now
Genealogy Resources for Donaldsonville
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/30/2023 10:26:18 AM