History of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA

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...

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.

1863 - July 3 - Battle of Donaldsonville, LA

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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

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

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...