  

     

   bibliography                                                                                             

  introduction       the early days                                The architectural     style [of     Destrehan Manor     House] is rare in       this area. The     Gothic roof style     shows a typical    house of the West     Indies. Thick  walls, brick and     cypress are    common to the    structure.              

  discovered 13 years later at the settlement prisoners and prostitutes who were near Donaldsonville. promised their freedom in return for marrying each other and settling in It was in March of 1699 that Iberville Louisiana. Realizing that these people ascended the lower Mississippi. The two were not prepared for the new world, main groups of Indians which had settled Law’s company looked to other countries in the area were the Quinipissas on the for colonists. West Bank and the Tangipahoa on the East Bank. The virtues of the new world, some real and some fantasy, were lauded in Europe. It would be safe to assume that he Many Germans, persecuted or destitute encountered these people during his due to the ravages of war, looked forward exploration at the time. The tribes were to a new land of freedom and prosperity. part of the Muskogee nation of the Of the reported 10,000 Germans who southwest and spoke the Muskogee chose to make the journey to the new Rendering of Ormond Plantation language. world, less than 2,000 arrived. Diseases begun in the ports of France due to a lack “briquette entre poteaux” or “bricks married into the family, took over. In 1870 of sanitation and accommodations were between posts,” which was common the McCutchons, beset by economic colonization — carried aboard ship. Only the healthiest of among the homes of the Canadians. The issues, lost Ormond. the germans German stock survived the journey. 30-foot ends are of similar construction except that bousillage (mud) is used It was to pass though many hands before For 32 years the French persisted in their The first Germans arrived in what is now between the bricks. being restored to its original grace and attempts to colonize Louisiana. Beset with St. Charles Parish in 1719. The ships “les glory by the Browns. a depleted treasury due to constant wars, Dues Freres” and “Porte Faix” carried the The two wings, which were added under France decided to allow private companies foreign passengers to various sections of the supervision of Henry S. Latrohe, are destrehan manor to colonize the area. Between 1699 and the Louisiana coastline. A census taken in constructed of plastered brick. Eleven-foot 1731 the majority of the colonists were of 1724 reveals the location of two German Tuscan style plastered brick columns rise house French or German extraction. settlements located 30 miles upriver from from low brick bases to the upper gallery. Destrehan Manor is one of the oldest New Orleans. Squared cypress posts decrease in size at plantations on the East Bank of the In 1717, John Law’s Western Company, the balustrade railing and continue to plain Mississippi River. Built in 1787 for Antoine later known as the company of the Indies, In 1722 a group of Germans from Law’s cornices. Robert de Logny, it was acquired by took over the concessions. This company company arrived in New Orleans after Celeste de Logny, wife of Noel Destrehan. received the trade monopoly for 25 years. enduring much hardship in the Biloxi area. The house passed from the hands of the It had the right to issue an unlimited They approached Gov. Bienville for fare Trepagniers to Richard Butler of American The marriage contract and contract for the number of shares of stock and the back to France. Bienville succeeded in Revolution then to Alfred Brown of New house can be seen even today in the privilege of both giving away and selling convincing them to join the Germans 25 Orleans. courthouse in Hahnville. When Mrs. land. The company was then obligated to miles upriver from New Orleans. Destrehan, widow of Jean Noel Destrehan bring to Louisiana during the life of the After the War of 1812, Butler settled here and daughter of the builder, died in 1823, franchise at least 6,000 white people and The villages together became known as and named the house after Ormond Castle the house was sold to Stephan 3,000 people of color. Karlstein (now Lucy). According to the of Ireland. In 1820, after the yellow fever Henderson. Later the house was owned by French "L’Observateur" newspaper of epidemic, the McCutchons, who had the Rost family, which held it through the The first settlers recruited were French

Page 4 | Colonization – The Germans Destrehan Manor House | Page 21                                   keller s       homeplace    plantation   ormond      plantation                                                                

   transportation to the East Bank for church Gen. Don Alexandra O’Reilly was integrated. during the 1800s at Bonnet Carre, Davis worship on Sundays. appointed captain general and governor of Cravasse and Hymelia in 1912 took its toll Louisiana by Spain. In 1879 the Board of Directors, now called on plantation land. The move from Trinity on the West Bank to the School Board, was composed of eight Destrehan on the East Bank was done for O’Reilly dimmed the spirits of the members. They were Emile Rost, P.M. Strikes for higher wages began in St. another reason as well. There was an insurgents with a few hangings. For some Keller, Leon Sarpy, H.L. Younger, H.C. Charles in 1880, when negro farm workers influx of people moving to the East Bank. reason, Chevalier D’Arensbourg, McCutcheon (negro), George Essex went on strike for a 25 cents a day The church, like the civil parish, was commander of Karlstein, was spared. (negro), Pierre Darensbourg (negro), T.T. increase in wages. The presence of the named for St. Charles Borromeo, the son Baudouin, (white) secretary; and A. military and the diplomacy of Judge James of Count Gilbert Borromeo and Margaret The official census records from 1774 give Robens (negro), parish treasurer. A. Augustin squelled the rioting workers. In Medici and the nephew of Pope Pius IV. the end, the stickers were granted clemency. The cemetery at St. Charles is the oldest The Tombstones Read: yesterday, today, German cemetery in the South. It is the JACQUES FORTIER tomorrow During the late 1890s and early 1900s, site of many beautiful and costly tombs. It Born: March 4, 1759 From 1877 to 1975, ferries played an plantations were sold for industrial is said that when Amelie Perret Rixner Died: September 15, 1820 important part in the transportation system purposes. These areas went from the died, her husband, George, spent $10,000 of the parish. In 1887 ferries operated at production of sugar to oilfields in just a few on her tomb. Three of the oldest tombs are JEAN BAPTISTE LEBRANCHE several points along the river. short years. Industry brought not only relief those of Jacques Fortier, Jean Baptist Born: May 3, 1777 for the farmers but steady economic LaBranche and Francois Trepagnier. Died: July 27, 1837 Although Baptist and Methodist churches growth to the citizens of the parish. were evident in the parish after the Civil During the 1700s when the French FRANCOIS TREPAGNIER War, the predominant religion is Lumber companies, which began in 1895, Canadians joined the Germans, Louisiana Born: November 17, 1775 Catholicism. continued operation into the 20th Century was under the rule of Spain. Gov. Ulloa, Died: November 29, 1840 on family-owned plantations. Destrehan who had been appointed to take Until 1896, police jurymen were appointed Plantation was one of the first plantations possession of Louisiana for Spain, waited Newspaper notices of deaths in the by the governor. Thereafter they were to be sold for industrial purposes. Mexican almost a year before appearing on Times of New Orleans follow: Died elected by popular vote. The police jury Petroleum Co. was one of the many Louisiana soil. lately in the Chickasaw Nation of was made up of men representing the companies which saw river and railroad Indians on his way to Virginia, Col. seven wards of the parish. Other elected facilities as incentives for selecting the site. Because of this, French and German Issac Hays, laid the proof of the line parish officials included: Assessor, clerk of Today, industrial complexes line the river in settlers still believed France would reclaim of stages from New Orleans to Baton court, sheriff, judges, coroner, justices of St. Charles Parish. the area. The colonists were discontent. Rouge and contractor for carrying the peace, constables and district attorney. When Ulloa married in a quiet ceremony, mail to Fort Adams. Died on July 3, In 1929, the Bonnet Carre Spillway was the New Orleans society felt snubbed. 1806, at the Barracks in New Orleans The current parish council and president begun in order to provide an outlet for high after a short illness, Lt. Johiah Taylor, came into being after a referendum in river waters. When not in use it provides New trade regulations also fanned the of the 2nd U.S. infantry. 1976. The current home rule charter and excellent sporting and picnic areas. flames of discontent. In 1768, the French code of ordinances went into effect Jan. 7, at New Orleans and the Germans in St. * We can assume that many of the 1978. Chemical refineries, fertilizer plants, grain Charles Parish demanded that Ulloa be original St. Charles residents suffered St. Charles Parish has been beset with elevators and a nuclear power plant as removed from Louisiana. France did not the name fate. tragedy through the years due to the well as PEOPLE have found St. Charles reclaim Louisiana as they had hoped. Lt. ravages of the river. Breaks in the levee Parish desirable for location. As a result of

Page 6 | Colonization – The Germans Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow | Page 19                                                negroes during      the period                                                                                         

  Friloux, Champagne, Martin, Delery, (smoked sausage made with meat from construction began to bring in a number of warehouses and carried off supplies. Law Massicot, and Cambre. the neck and stomach.) Jewish workers to the community. enforcement ceased.

The creativity and love of food Stein’s Hotel, located on what is now the After the Confederate governor of french acadian characteristic of the French lives on even corner of Morgan Street and the Great Louisiana, Allen, had surrendered his fare today. Mothers still teach their daughters River Road, housed these newcomers. records to the federal authorities, the Early colonial influences are most evident the way to keep their “bon homme” of the New businesses gradually were country parishes were given a new civil in the unique culinary traditions of the family happy is with good food. Milk established and provided some relief to aid government. people of the German Coast. custards, pastries, brioches, sauces and the sagging southern economy. rich soups (gumbos) are daily table fare. government The winter “boucherie” (hog butchering) is Michael Hahn began laying out the village now a thing of the past, but many The French language, too, lives on. An of Hahnville. Recreation was near non- after the war residents still make “fromage de tete de occasional reminder of the original French existent except for private clubs, showboat In 1866, Congress passed a series of cochon” (hog's head cheese), “boudin populous is often heard when a child entertainment and plantation parties. It is radical acts instituting military rouge” (blood sausage) and andouille complains of hunger. Mama replies with a said that on Saturday nights it was the reconstruction. custom for riverboats to stop at local plantations to enjoy the music of the local General Philip Sheridan was appointed Andouille and Chicken brass band and join in the dancing. military governor of the Fifth Military Add flour to pan drippings. Scrape bottom of District, comprising Louisiana and Texas. Gumbo File’ skillet to loosen drippings. Make a medium The Confederate soldiers came home to An orderly election of delegates to a This was always a Sunday dish. When all brown roux. Add onions and celery. poverty, humiliation and despair and faced Continue cooking 10 minutes, stirring constitutional convention was held Sept. the Andouille from the boucherie was used, major problems. Local and state we made chicken gumbo file’. File’ was constantly. Add roux to hot water. Stir until 27 and 28, 1867. The 98 delegates, government had to be reorganized. The used by the Indians long before the first dissolved. Add hen, andouille and remaining equally divided between blacks and whites, French settlers arrived. salt and pepper. Simmer. Remove andouille local economy, once solely dependent on met in the Mechanics Institute in New when tender. Cut into serving pieces and set slavery agriculture, had to be rebuilt. The Orleans on Nov. 23 with the Republicans • 4-6 pound hen aside. freed slave had to be defined a place in securely in control. The convention 1 • /2 cup oil society for himself in relation to his former adjourned in March 1868. Louisiana was 3 • /4 cup flour Continue cooking until chicken is tender, “masters.” readmitted to the Union with five other 1 approximately 2 hours. Add andouille, • 2 /2 cups onion Southern states on June 25, 1868. 1 • 1 /2 cups celery shallots and parsley. Adjust seasoning if On May 26, 1865, General Simon B. • 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage necessary. Cook 15 minutes longer. Buckner, acting for Gen. Kirby Smith, In 1863, Hahn, who was an intimate friend • 6 quarts water surrendered the rebel armies west of the • 4 teaspoons salt Remove portion to be served to a smaller of Lincoln, was appointed Prizo 1 Mississippi. The official document was • 1 teaspoon black pepper pot and add file’, allowing at least /4 Commissioner at New Orleans. Hahn, 3 signed on June 2. The South has lost its • /4 cup chopped shallots (green onion) teaspoon per serving. Heat 3 minutes. Do unlike many of his southern counterparts, 3 fight for independence. • /4 cup chopped parsley not boil. Allow one slice of andouille and 1 advocated the abolition of slavery. Hahn • File’ piece of chicken per portion. Serve over was elected the first free state governor in 1 rice. Makes 4 /2 quarts. Serves 12 with Louisiana state and local government 1864 and given additional power as Heat water in a large pot. Cut hen into some left over for the freezer. began to disintegrate during the spring of military governor. serving pieces. Season with 2 teaspoons 1865. Gov. Henry Watkins Allen, who had 1 * From Mam Papaul’s Country Creole salt and /2 teaspoon pepper. Brown in hot followed Moore, could do little to enforce In 1865, the legislature, with a negro oil. Remove chicken and set aside. Basket. laws. Soldiers and civilians broke into majority, elected Hahn to the United States

Page 8 | French Acadian Fare Government After the War | Page 17             life during and   battle of des   after the war    allemands  

                                                                                        colonization –    the italians                                        

  near the St. Charles parish Courthouse, Plantation. After a skirmish, Captain the battle of Boutte Crossing and the Battle Thomas’ troops rounded up nearly 2,000 of Des Allemands. animals to take the union lines. Slaves who had escaped from the plantations Members of the volunteer companies of joined the procession, which stretched two the Confederacy took an oath to “bear true or three miles. allegiance to the state of Louisiana and serve it honestly and faithfully… and obey The union soldiers plundered as they the orders of the governor and such moved forward. Their plundering included officers as may be appointed over me.” Taylor’s Fashion Plantation. Rebel righters followed close behind Thomas’ forces of In New Orleans, Kate Stone wrote in her soldiers, animals, negroes (including 150 diary: “A nation fighting for its own homes of Taylor’s slaves) and 20 Confederate and liberty cannot be overwhelmed. Our prisoners. cause is just and must prevail.” battle of boutte The Boucherie Fifty dollars was offered for volunteers for the Confederate army. St. Charles, anxious crossing area. complaining of not being able to get to meet its quota of loyal supporters, While Thomas and his men were being pregnant is often reminded by her maman, offered an additional $40 to those who lauded by General Butler, confederate The St. Rosalie Society was originally memere or nanaine that she need only would volunteer. forces in St. Charles were planning formed by a group of Italian men as a “drink the water of the Mississippi as her revenge. benevolent organization, which provided ancestors did should she desire to bear skirmish near for the welfare of Italian families. The children.” McWalters’ men sabotaged the daily names of Cristina, Vitrano, Perino, the st. charles eastbound train from Des Allemands that Sardegna, Migloire, Bonura and Bosco are Pierre Clement de Laussat, the French courthouse had to pull onto a siding at Boutte station typical of those who joined the French, commissioner in Louisiana, wrote to his to let the westbound go through. The The Texas Parisian Rangers led by Col. Spanish and Germans of the coast. These government in 1803: “What is called here eastbound train was derailed, and the McWalters and Major E Walle, Louisiana first settlers were typically farmers but the ‘German Coast’ is the most industrious, Confederates opened on the union train members of the Confederacy, the soon proved themselves to be successful the most populous, the most at ease, the escort. businessmen. most upright, the most respected part of Lafourche Parish Guard and General Richard Taylor (a St. Charles native), son the inhabitants of the colony.” The train continued towards the end of the of President Zachary Taylor, were a The following pastry is always found on the sidetrack, when suddenly “at the critical constant threat to union pickets. St. Joseph Altars, which are erected in his Charles Gayarre, the noted historian, moment… when it seemed every chance honor for favors granted by devout Italian rounds up the praise: “Every Saturday they of escape was cut off and the entire union When union soldiers were informed that families. are seen floating down the river in small force must perish… Pvt. Louis J. Ingalls of the rebels were collecting cattle for their boats to carry to the market of New Company K made a quick heroic dash that Mississippi brother, Col. Stephen Thomas Orleans the provisions which were the saved the day. He leaped to the group, the creoles of the 8th Vermont Volunteers, they rushed result of their industry. dashed through a shower of bullets, turned The early settlers to the area were known to the scene by railroad. They camped the switch, let the train pass on and to have large families. A young girl overnight at General Taylor’s Fashion "From this humble but decent origin issued boarded his car again.”

Page 10 | The Creoles Skirmish Near Courthouse / Battle of Boutte Crossing | Page 15                                                                         government                          the confederacy                                                                              

  – The two prerequisites for a stable surrounding area. They were hardworking permission to settle among the Houmas For years thousands of Indians following society. They helped save the colony when farmers, herdsmen, fishermen, extremely but soon rose upon their hosts and migrating game spent the winters in the it was starving. They produced sturdy conservative and very religious. massacred them. South. Local farmers gave them shelter on stock in families. They built churches to their farms. Today, good cooks of St. implant their faith. The Acadian French settlers built cabins It was in 1700, shortly after the French Charles Parish still flavor their favorite which were called “masion du pot eaux arrived in Louisiana, that the Quinipissa gumbo with file’, which the local Indians These three Fs – Food, Family and Faith – terre,” or “a house of post in the ground.” went to live with the Bayou Goulas. Not taught them to use. Many still prepare a have made them the real heroes in this The spaces between the posts were long after the union the Bayou Goulas corn dish called “sagamite” which was state’s history. Their achievements usually filled with bousillage, a mixture of killed most of the men and adopted the introduced to them by the local Indians. command our admiration and stir our grass, moss and clay. women and children into their tribe. hearts.” Although little is known of intermarriage The better houses were made by placing All was not well with other Indians in the between the Indians, French and More than once German energy, industry bricks between posts and called “briqutte area. In 1706 the Tensas invited the Germans, descendants of the first settlers and perseverance conquered all. Produce entre poteaux,” or “brick between posts.” Chitimacha tribe to come and share corn, in the area now boast of Indian heritage. from the farms saved the city of New Gradually houses of sawed lumber and which they had gotten after destroying the Orleans from famine. German provisions brick began to make appearances. They Bayou Goulas. Those who accepted were slavery too saved the Acadians, who moved to the were roofed with straw, grass or wooden attacked, captured and sold to the colonist The exact date the first negro slave was south from Nova Scotia in 1768. shingles. The floors were of plain earth or as slaves. brought to Louisiana is not known. It has rough-hewn boards. They brought with been established that Indian slavery was Although the Acadians settled the coast of them the saltbox architecture of their In 1739 an officer with M. DeNouaille met first tried but was not successful. what is now St. John Parish, their homeland. the Chawasha and the Washa near the presence greatly affected the culture of the post called “Les Allemands” on the left It is believed that Bienville first brought Examples of this architectural style can still bank of the Mississippi. In 1758 Gov. de slaves from the West Indies in 1708. The be found along the River Road. Kerlerec states they formed a little village company of the Indies brought slaves to Chevalier Guy Soniat Du Fossat three or four leagues from New Orleans. the colony in 1719 and for some years wrote a “History of Louisiana” in Afterward these two tribes declined slave ships arrived every year. In 1724 1791. Translated in 1903 by his the indians steadily and disappeared toward the end descendant, Charles T. Soniat, Bienville enacted a series of slave In 1682, the Okelousa appeared as allies of the 18th Century. Esq., he wrote: regulations called the “Black Code.” From of the Houmas in the destruction of a that time until the Civil War, slavery was an village of the Tangipahoa Indians on the It was not until later in the 1700s that a “Creoles are defined to be ‘the important factor in the economic life of the East Bank of the Mississippi near Good bond of friendship developed between the children of Europeans born in the South. Hope. In 1686 Tonti made alliance with white men and the Indians of Louisiana. colony’… The women, besides them, and in 1699 Iberville, the founder of Even as late as 1747 and 1748, Indian having the qualities above Records of St. John Baptiste des Louisiana, received an alliance. raids and depredation were reported. enumerated are agreeable in figure… Allemands show the following transactions: and seldom deformed. They make Indians were incited, armed and often led In 1700 Iberville and a Jesuit priest, Father • 8-6-74 Slave sale and manumition: good mothers and are devoted to by the English in attack on the Germans at du Rut, encountered the Houmas. Father Nicholas Haydel, acting for his mother, their husbands and children, and in “Aux Allemands.” By 1845 a deep bond of de Rut built a church and began a mission. widow Ambroise Haydel, sells a slave their marital relations seldom are they friendship developed between the German He was succeeded the same year by named Joseph (27 months) to Joseph, a unfaithful.” and the Indians. Father de Limoges, but the mission did not free negro, who believes the child to be his last long. In 1706 the Tunica obtained son. Therefore, Joseph grants freedom to

Page 12 | The Indians Slavery | Page 13                                                        slavery                                   the indians                                                        

  the child. In 1811, the jurors became elected officials. In 1845, the position of judge took Fig Cakes filling on dough. Roll out another piece of • 1-18-74 Slave sale: Jean Alsman, a on a less powerful role, and the sheriff dough into same shape. (Keep remainder “Cucidata” are intricately designed fig cakes resident of New Orleans, sells a slave became an elected official. The police jury under a damp cloth.) named Sara (20), native of Jamaica, to continued the policy-making and which are found on all St. Joseph altars. Both the small cookies and large cakes are Mathias Auri (Ory) for 300 pounds of administrative body of the parish, which Place over filling. Decorate top and seal called “cucidatas,” but technically the large edges by pressing firmly with tines of fork. indigo. Witnesses: George and Jacques today takes the form of a parish president ones are “buccelato.” Typical shapes for the Deslonde. and council. To make small cakes roll dough into long large ones are St. Joseph’s cane, 1 rectangles about 3 /2 inches wide. Place monstrances, chalices, wreaths and palms. • 6-20-74 Slave sale: Jean Baptiste Roland In 1814, when a British ship appeared off filling on one side. Lap over and seal. Cut into desired lengths. Make slits along sides declares, in the presence of George and the coast of Grand Terre, Lafitte advised Dough Recipe or top. Bake at 375 degrees until lightly Jacques Deslonde, that he has sold a Gov. Claiborne of its plans to attack New • 1 cup milk 1 browned. slave (30) Joseph (free negro) for 680 Orleans. After the battle, Lafitte and his • 1 /2 cups shortening • 1/4 teaspoon salt paistres. brothers turned up on the German Coast. Filling Recipe • 1 cup sugar 1 St. Charles Parish residents, anxious to be 1 • /2 pound dried figs • 1 /2 teaspoons vanilla 1 of assistance in the war, joined Andrew 1 • /2 pound seedless raisins (cover with government • 1 /2 teaspoons annise flavor or seeds Jackson and Jean Lafitte in the battle brandy or whiskey and soak overnight) Louisiana changes hands again • 3 eggs 1 fought in 1814. • ⁄4 cup honey • 3 tablespoons baking powder 1 • ⁄4 teaspoon black pepper 1 The coast nominally passed into French • ⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon Warm the milk. Add shortening, salt, sugar, the confederacy 1 hands again in 1800 but was transferred to • ⁄4 teaspoon allspice vanilla and annise flavoring. Beat eggs. Mix 1 the United States by the Louisiana When Lincoln became president in 1860 • ⁄4 pound candied fruit flour with baking powder. Add to the eggs • 1 cup nuts Purchase in 1803. the United States split in two. and milk. Mix well. Grind figs, raisins, orange peel, nuts and The two ecclesiastical parishes of St. On Dec. 10, 1860, Gov. Thomas O. Moore Knead dough lightly. Let dough rest 15 citron. Add spices and honey. Filling is ready Charles and St. John were made the called a special session of the Louisiana minutes. Roll a piece of the dough out. Cut to use. County of the German Coast in 1805. On Legislature. The governor recommended with knife into the desired shape. Place March 31, 1807, the German Coast was an election of members to a convention, again divided, and St. Charles was which would “determine the relations of some of the most wealthy sugar planters. "Many St. Charles residents still remember established as a single civil entity. Louisiana to the federal government.” At They had long ago forgotten the German the refrain of traveling grocerymen: that time St. Charles Parish, unlike its language and adopted the French, but the The first constitution drafted for Louisiana neighbors, voted to secede from the union. names of many of them clearly indicate the 'Watermelon, watermelon, red to the rind... was in the fall of 1811. It was approved the blood that flows in their veins. Sweet as sugar... following April. On April 30, 1812, In 1862, a post was maintained at Des Only a dime' Louisiana was admitted statehood to the Allemands by 150 federal troops. The "The German Coast, so poor and beggarly American Union. major effort in the war was along the at first, became in time the producer and Or northern borders. Left unprotected along receptacle of such wealth that what today The first parish official was a parish judge the Mississippi River, New Orleans fell to we call the ‘French Market’ really began as 'Oyster Man, Oyster Man, who was appointed by the governor. He, union troops. a ‘German’ market with the green Ger your fresh oysters from the Oyster with the justices of the peace and 12 vegetables and the staples these German Man.' jurors, governed the parish. St. Charles’ involvement in the farmers laid out for the people of New Confederacy consisted of the skirmish Orleans on Sunday mornings. "They were busy raising families and food

Page 14 | Government / The Confederacy The Creoles | Page 11                            battle of boutte    crossing                 skirmish near     the st. charles    courthouse                                            the creoles          

  available for perusal at the Louisiana State chuckle, “Mange une maine, et garde The two trains returned to New Orleans Library. Details are given on capture and lautre pour de main.” (Eat one hand; save where Butler was informed of the Battle of release. Okra Seafood Gumbo the other for tomorrow.) Boutte Crossing. During the summer months when okra was plentiful this dish was on the menu The jambalaya of the area is reminiscent life during and at least twice a week. Like so many of Spanish paella. Made with rice, seafood battle of des after the war other savory dishes of the South, it was or meat and fresh seasonings, it is a even better reheated. allemands Life during the Civil War was not easy for favorite dish of the Creoles on the coast.

The Confederates continued along the Old the people of the South. Government was 3 • /4 cup oil The local Indians, too, influenced the Spanish Trail to Des Allemands. Under a unstable. Sugar, cotton and other crops • 2 pounds okra, cut flag of truce, the Confederate commander could not be sold. There was no money to • 2 fresh tomatoes, diced culinary traditions of the people. Their informed Hall of the operations at Boutte lend, and merchants could not afford to • 1 1/2 cup chopped onions greatest and most well-known influence is 3 the use of file’ for thickening the ever- crossing and demanded an immediate give credit. • /4 cup chopped celery 1 popular gumbo. File’, the powdered leaf of surrender. • ⁄4 cup oil 3 Slaves refused to work or ran away from • /4 pound peeled, deveined shrimp the sassafras tree, was first introduced to Hall surrendered his command of four plantations and farms. Many families left • 8 large or 12 small crabs the settlers by Indians on the streets of officers and 137 enlisted men. The union for Texas to make a living. Women and • 2 teaspoons salt New Orleans. 1 prisoners were marched to New Iberia and children worked the farms. Naturally, • /2 teaspoon pepper later transferred from there to Vicksburg, Confederate money depreciated in value. • 2 quarts hot water Slaves from the West Indies and Africa 1 Miss. Seven were executed on the spot. By 1864, butter sold for $5 per pound; • /2 cup flour contributed their talents as well in the use eggs, $5 a dozen; and milk, $2.50 a quart. of spices in preparing produce and game Butler then sent a large force led by Col. Heat oil. Add okra and tomatoes. Fry native to the area. From the black Africans James W. McMillan of the 21st Indiana up The people learned to use substitutes. until okra is no longer sticky, about 30 came the use of heavy iron cookware for the Mississippi River by boat with orders to Old-fashioned remedies took the place of minutes. Make a dark brown roux by simmering the soups, stews and bisques cooking flour in hot oil. Add onions and form a junction with Thomas at Boutte medicines. Cloth was woven and sewn at popular along the coast. They also celery. Fry 10 minutes. station. home. The women wore their handmade introduced the people of the area to okra. sunbonnets while they toiled in the fields. Place roux, okra, hot water, salt and McMillian’s forces landed 6 miles above Shoes were made of wood, bits of leather, pepper in a large saucepan. Bring to a colonization — Hahnville and proceeded into the swamps cloth and paper. The bare necessities of boil. Add crabs and simmer 30 minutes. and pursued the union soldiers to Des life were all that could be expected from Add shrimp. Continue cooking 15 the italians Allemands. their efforts. minutes. Adjust seasoning. Serve over When the Italians joined the people of the boiled rice. When all was over, the rebels dumped The years following the war were difficult German Coast in the late 1800s they brought the culinary and religious traditions their 12 pounders into the bayou and for the people of St. Charles Parish. Makes 6 two-cup servings or 12 one- of the old country with them. retreated by way of Raceland. Changes came, which were to affect both cup servings. Remove hard shell, the culture and economy of the area. feelers and other inedible parts of crab. McMillian’s men captured 50 prisoners. Break remaining pieces into 4 sections. Today they celebrate the Feast of St. Canister shots and a 12-pound cannon ball There were fewer men and no slaves to Joseph much as they did in the old have been dug up in the area. Many work on the plantations. Economic * From Mam Papaul’s Country Creole country. The St. Rosalie celebration, which volumes giving names of Confederate development came slowly to the river Basket. began during a time of epidemic disease at soldiers who fought in the war are parishes. Carpetbaggers came. Railroad the turn of the century, is traditional in the

Page 16 | Battle of Des Allemands / Life During and After the War Colonization – The Italians | Page 9         french acadian       fare                government      after the war                                                                                                                                      

  Senate. Although he resigned as governor formerly of the plantation. This area, called information on the concessions and John and St. James Parishes. to assume this position, he was never Free Town, is now known as Lucy. habitations on both sides of the Mississippi seated. Hahn retired to Hahnville in 1872. River from New Orleans to the German With the intermarriage among the colonists He settled on his sugar plantation and Freed negroes often took the surnames of Coast. From the right bank village are the French culture became dominant. thereafter published the St. Charles their former owners. Illicit sexual unions, found the families of Troxoler, Boch, Many Schexnaydres, Haydels, Oubres, Herald, which is still in existence today as which produced children of mixed racial Wagner, Batz, Batern, Dubs (Toups), Troxlers, Tregres and Hymels grew up the St. Charles Herald-Guide. His home heritage, were known to have occurred. Heidels (Haydel), Ritter, Horn, et al. From believing themselves to be French was located on what is now lot No. 5. Many of these children not only carried the the census of the “Old German Village” on because the French language was spoken name of the former owners of their parents the West Bank are the names of Monthe, at home. Louisiana emerged from the war was a but also bore resemblances to them. Lucy Raeser, Marx, Rommel (Rome), Weller, Republican state. Many freed slaves now was known for its populous of mulattoes, Reynard, Henche, Grabery, Schench, The inhabitants of the area still bear were in local and state political positions. or people of mixed white-black heritage. D’Arensbourg, et al. French and German names. Kinler, Becnel, Muntz, Webre, Kerr (Caire), Records show there was a public school According to the census of 1724, the East Zooringen, Hahn, Rixner, Wichner, etc. negroes during system in the parish in 1870, although Bank settlement of Hoffen on the German the period there is reason to believe that three Coast is now located in St. John the Of French Acadian origin are St. Amant, schools existed in the parish before that Baptist Parish. The “Old German Village” St. Cyr, St. Martin, St. Pe, Boutte, Fortier, Before the Civil War negroes were divided time. Until 1887 there were no schools was three quarters of a mile from the Trepanier, Bethancourt, Trudeau, Brou, into two groups – Free negroes and opened to African Americans. The school Mississippi on the West Bank. The “first” Poche, Bourgeoius, Folse, Baudouin, slaves. Many of the free were educated then had over 100 students. Old German Village was located a mile and possessed property. They enjoyed and a half from the Mississippi and economic prosperity and political prestige. At the first LTA Convention held in New adjoined the “second” village. A typical census survey: The slaves, on the other hand, were Orleans in 1872, the radicals were charged 39. Andreas Tragefer (now Tregre), uneducated and possessed little, if any, with providing schools, which served no In the process of acculturation German or Donairwoerth, Bavaria. Catholic; property. useful purpose except to provide salaries names took on new spellings. French and 37 years old; hunter. His wife at for “higher ups.” The public school fund in Spanish officials recorded what they breast. Three arpents cleared. Two The former slaves suffered most during 1870 totaled over $500,000, but over thought should be written since very few of years on place. A good worker well this period. After the glorious days of $370,000 was expended for 350 teachers the Germans were literate. Records show lodged. His yard 90 x 90 staked off freedom came a period of realization that in New Orleans. many different spellings for the names with palisades. Well cleared. Birds they would have to work on their own to Schexnayder and Zeringue. have caused a great deal of damage. make a living. Before to the war, children of plantation One cow from the company. One pig. owners were educated by tutors hired by These Germans had grown up in the era Federal officers advised them to return to one or more families in the community. following the Thirty Years War. 1726: Four arpents cleared. the plantations and work for a wage or a These tutors lived at the plantations and Consequently, there were few schools in share of the crop. In some instances were treated as family. Europe. plantation owners gave land to their slaves 1731: Husband, wife, two children; two negroes; two cows. in order for them to begin living on their Children of slaves were not given the In 1766, 216 Acadians exiled from Canada own. privilege of any type of formal education. It joined the Germans on the “coast” of the * Andreas Traeger was the progenitor was not until after the war that schools Mississippi. Having first established of all the Tregre families in Louisiana. After the war Darensbourg bequeathed to were built for their education and not until themselves near the Old Red Church, they his former slaves each a section of ground 1969 that schools in the parish were fully gradually moved into what are now St.

Page 18 | Negroes During the Period Colonization – The Germans | Page 7                                       yesterday, today,        tomorrow                                                                                                      

  the influx of new residents who support the used on the main floor. Homeplace November 1896, translated by Mr. Sidney characteristic energy and frugality, the construction and development of industry, features an intricate hand carved staircase Louis Villere, of New Orleans, this group of Germans cleared and farmed the land and St. Charles Parish boasts many desirable of oak. The brick and stucco pillars Germans was from the Alsac-Lorraine built their homes along the coast of the home sites and recreation areas. supporting the main gallery have area. These people, led by the Chevalier Mississippi. The area became known as unfinished capitols and bases. D’Arensbourg, settled as colonists in the the “Cote des Allemans,” or the "German Hunting and fishing as well as developed Bonnet Carre Spillway area near the Coast." recreation sites are popular among the Homeplace during its early days had a present day boundary of St. Charles and natives and those who have adopted this series of owners including Gallaird, Forier St. John Parishes. The first church in the area was known as parish as home. and LeBranche. St. John the Baptiste des Allemand. It was D’Arensbourg became the leader of the established near the present site of Edgard ’ The original sugar kettle, plantation bell, two settlements. Records from the 1700s in 1723. keller s grits mills, well, brick walks and pigeonierre make frequent mention of his name. homeplace can still be seen on the grounds. Floods, fevers, the lack of farming From 1723 to 1740 the Germans had a plantation implements and draft animals and Indian chapel of their own, St. Jean des forays made life difficult. With Allemands, located on the German Coast Built in 1790s, this French Colonial raised ormond at the place referred to as Trinity cottage is of West Indian type — one of plantation Plantation. the few left today. A sneak staircase from From the Calendar of La. Ormond Plantation near Destrehan was one of the rooms of the main floor to the built by Pierre Trepagnier toward the end Colonial Documents Vol. III: When the church in Edgard fell into service room is an emergency measure. of the Spanish regime in 1790. 1755 Sale: George Heydle sells to Jean disrepair, the church community re- The interior is simple. Floors are of Its 60-foot front and rear walls are Jacques Maillard two arpents of land for established the parish in what is now cypress, mantles of wood, but marble is 500 livres payable in three months. Destrehan. In 1740 the church parish in Signed by D’Arensbourg, Maillard and Destrehan became known as St. Charles the mark of George Heydle. Borromeo. Thus, the oldest continuous Catholic church in Louisiana had its 1764 Marriage Contract: Francois beginnings in 1723 in St. Charles Parish. Vasseur and Marie Jeanne Madert married the same day. They will follow The first church built at St. Charles the usage and ordinary custom Borromeo was a log cabin structure. After practiced by this colony as to any suffering the perils of a fire in 1806 it was present or future possessions. Nicholas rebuilt and given a coat of red paint. Thus, “Maiyr,” Jacque and Nicolas Materne, the “Red Church” became a landmark for uncles and Jean Lampert, beaufrere of boats on the river. Marie all appear for the bride. Note that the re-establishment of the All sign by their marks except church in Destrehan left the West Bank D’Arensbourg and what presumably is with no church from 1740 to 1771. This did the signature of the first named witness. not deter the residents on the West Bank The endorsement gives the bride’s from attending church, however. The water surname as “Madre.” vehicles used to carry produce down the Rendering of Keller’s Homeplace Plantation river to New Orleans also provided

Page 20 | Keller’s Homeplace / Ormond Plantations Colonization – The Germans | Page 5                                   colonization –       the germans                  destrehan manor       house                                                  

  introduction fields. The mighty Mississippi, which once served the plantations, now serves the St. Charles is one of the original 19 civil industrial economy. parishes of the Territory of Orleans created in 1807 from the county of the German the early days Coast. Hahnville, the parish seat, is located on the Great River Road just a few The natives of St. Charles Parish were American Indians. Indian artifacts ranging miles south of the original settlement of from arrowheads to dug-out canoes have D’arensbourg (now Lucy). been found in the parish. St. Charles Parish has an area of 295 Rendering of Destrehan Manor House square miles and is bordered by St. John, Sites of old villages have been located on Lafourche and Jefferson Parishes. Despite the St. Charles side of Bayou Gauche and Civil War and for many years after. children of the Destrehan family. its proximity to New Orleans, it has Lake Salvador and near Hahnville, Killona In 1914 the Mexican Petroleum Co. maintained its own unique identity through and Good Hope. Among the tribes that The house was built under purchased the house and the years. The area, which is now largely lived in or near St. Charles Parish were the the direction of Charles, a plantation lands. In 1972, industrial, was once the site of prosperous Chitimacha, Washa, Chawasha, free mulatto. Accounts The architectural the house and plantations that produced indigo, rice and Quinipissa, Tangipahoa, Acolapissa, Bayou read: “House was built by style [of surrounding land were sugar cane as well as vegetables for the Goula, Tensas, Okalosa, Choctaw, Tunica and Houma. Charles.” But records show Destrehan Manor donated to the River New Orleans market. the contract allowed House] is rare in Road Historical Society plantation labor. Records for restoration and is now During her long history, St. Charles Parish When Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, indicate that his pay this area. The listed on the National has been ruled under French, Spanish, reached the mouth of the Mississippi in consisted of one cow and Gothic roof style Historic Register. French Republican, United States, April 1682, he claimed Louisiana for her calf, 50 quarts of rice shows a typical Confederate and again United States France. Louisiana at the time extended as in chaff and 50 quarts of house of the West governments. These international and far north as Illinois. corn in husks. Indies. Thick political upheavals have affected the culture, growth and progress of the parish. The settlement established two forts. The architectural style is walls, brick and These French forts were under the rare in this area. The cypress are Along the river the view of tankers, grain command of a Native American by the Gothic roof style shows a common to the elevators and chemical plants belie the name of Tonti. After establishing the typical house of the West structure. rich cultural history of the area. The old settlement, La Salle sailed for France. Indies. Thick walls, brick and the new have amalgamated. Large When La Salle failed to return from his and cypress are common industrial complexes now sit side-by-side voyage, Tonti began an expedition to find to the structure. Additions were made to with raised plantation cottages, saltbox him. A letter, which Tonti left with the chief the house in 1820 to accommodate the 14 houses, modern subdivisions and cane of the Quinipissa near Hahnville, was

Page 22 | Destrehan Manor House Introduction / The Early Days | Page 3 bibliography                                                                                             

  From left: Holy Rosary Church in its Taft location; Ellington Plantation in 1902 (now the site of Monsanto Park); Hirsch Store in Ama. Photos courtesy Patrick Yoes.

For additional copies, contact the St. Charles Parish Council Office at P.O. Box 302 Hahnville, LA 70057 or download this pamphlet online at www.stcharlesparish-la.gov.

From left: Bayou Gauche in the early days; Schexnaydre family posing in front of Ormond Plantation; the old Hahnville High School located next to the courthouse. Photos courtesy Patrick Yoes.