City of PLAQUEMINE

A few miles up river from St. Gabriel, Bayou Plaquemine provided an outlet from the Mississippi River to much of South Louisiana. The bayou got its name from the persimmon trees which lined its banks. Indians called the persimmons pikamine and used them to make bread. A settlement named after Bayou Plaquemine was established at its junction with the Mississippi River. The bayou became the main travel route to southwest Louisiana and the Teche country, and Plaquemine developed into an important river town.

The Iberville Parish Courthouse, 1848-1906; Plaquemine City Hall, 1906-85. Built by George and Thomas Weldon of Mississippi is one of Louisiana’s oldest public buildings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

St. Basil’s Convent was built in 1849 as a large private home on La. 1 in Plaquemine, La. Seven years later it became a Catholic Convent operated by the Marionite order for well over a hundred years. Today the complex is a small hotel and elegant restaurant.

Old Variety Plantation three miles from Plaquemine, La. on the Bayou Road is a Louisiana raised cottage built of solid cypress. Completely restored as a private residence, it is open by appointment only.

Type of Government: Mayor / Bd. of Selectmen (6) Legislative Charter
Police: 27 fulltime officers / 11 patrol car.
Fire Department: 20 employees /60 vol. / 11 vehicles, Hazmat unit.
Fire Rating: 3 in city.
Health Care: Riverwest Medical Center.
Recreation & Culture: International Acadian Festival, Plaquemines Lock, Museum.