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Flag associated with Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA History of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA

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Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Donaldsonville

Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA - Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA - Railroad Avenue
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.
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VINTAGE DONALDSONVILLE

Donaldsonville Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA - Railroad Avenue
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
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Railroad Avenue
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA - Louisiana Square
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
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Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA - Modern High School and Additions
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA
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Modern High School and Additions
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to DONALDSONVILLE

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LOUISIANA Love Bayou Boat Rides Mug – I'm From Louisiana!

Sip your morning coffee with a side of Southern charm! Our 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. Whether you’re reminiscing about a swamp tour or just love a good laugh about the local wildlife, this mug will make your coffee breaks a bit more fun and definitely more Southern.
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Donaldsonville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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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...
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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.
1863 - July 3 - Battle of Donaldsonville, LA
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.
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.
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...
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GENEALOGY IN DONALDSONVILLE

Discover YOUR Roots: Donaldsonville Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Donaldsonville through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA

We currently have information about 20 ancestors who were born or died in Donaldsonville.

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MARRIAGES

Ancestors Who Were Married in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA

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Updated: 9/30/2023 10:26:18 AM
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