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Welcome to Plaquemine!

Plaquemine is an architectural lover’s dream, with its tremendous variety of architectural styles and antebellum gems. The community is older than the United States, and National Geographic has documented Indian settlements in Plaquemine from well over 1,000 years ago. In fact, peaceful Bayou Plaquemine got its name from the Illonis Indian tribe word “Piakemine,” which means persimmon, because of the abundance of persimmon trees growing along the bayou.

In the early 1800s, Bayou Plaquemine provided one of the most common routes from the Mississippi River to the interior of Louisiana, and by the mid 1800s Plaquemine became an important trade center because of its strategic bayou inlet. Easy access to water transportation also fostered other industries, including a thriving lumber industry from cypress in area swamps. By the late 1800s, Plaquemine was a major center of commerce with a railroad running through the heart of the city and thriving hotels, entertainment, restaurants and retail businesses. It was at this time that construction began on the historic Plaquemine Lock.

Many of the historic homes and buildings which line Plaquemine’s downtown streets were built in the booming days of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Agriculture and water commerce rounded out Plaquemine’s economic viability until 1961, when the lock was closed. By that time, the chemical industry was on its way. Dow Chemical Co. was the first petro-chemical company to locate here in 1958, and was followed by numerous other companies. Dow remains the largest petrochemical facility in the state. One facet of the old days remains strong – the Union Pacific Railroad running through the city, which dates to 1881, is the second busiest railway in the nation.

Visitors will find a feast of sights and activities in Plaquemine. Among the many attractions are the Plaquemine Lock, now a state historic site; the Iberville Museum, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the downtown district with its numerous architectural gems, fishing at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, the cypress cottages of north Plaquemine, the Depot Market (located in the old train depot), and the antique hearse on display outside Wilbert’s Funeral Home. Historic City Café is a haven for history buffs, offering 100 photographs of life here in the early 1900s. And, of course, it is a golfer’s paradise, too, with The Island Country Club being part of the Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail.
PLAQUEMINE AREA ATTRACTIONS
ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
The magnificent St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church was built in the late 1920s. The huge Roman Basilica style building is 70 feet wide by 250 feet long and is considered the purest example of Italian Romanesque architecture in the South. It features massive exterior columns matched by huge oak doors. Inside, the long walkway to the altar is marked by more columns and intricate stained glass windows made in Germany after World War II. The balastrino altar, handsome campanile and portico, plus the use of marble for the altar and communion rail, add to the elegance of this great cathedral.
Located next to it is the St. John Parish Life Center, which was originally built as a Catholic school. It has been renovated to now accommodate meetings, gatherings and office space. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., weekend hours vary depending on services.
PLAQUEMINE LOCK STATE HISTORIC SITE
Bayou Plaquemine served as a vital waterway from the Mississippi River to the interior of Louisiana during the1800s and into the mid 1900s. Because of its importance both as a major transportation route and a force for economic prosperity, Congress authorized the construction of a lock here in the late 1800s. Construction began in 1895 and was completed in 1909.
It is historically significant for a number of reasons:
  • It was designed by Col. George W. Goethals, who was later the chief engineer of the design and construction of the Panama Canal.
  • When it was completed, it had the highest freshwater lift of any lock in the world at 51 feet; and featured a unique engineering design that utilized a gravity flow principle.
  • The lockhouse is quite a unique structure in itself, with a Dutch-influenced style that features gleaming white tile and massive circular windows.
  • The lockhouse has been re-named the Gary J. Hebert Memorial Lockhouse in honor of the late Plaquemine publisher and editor who fought a four-year battle in the 1970s to save the structure and a portion of Bayou Plaquemine. At that time, city and state officials wanted to demolish the building and fill in the bayou to make way for a four-lane highway. He was responsible for having the area put on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting it from demolition.
  • Now a state historic site, it includes a museum, visitors’ center, and an open air pavilion with a display of various water craft used when the lock was operational.
  • Located at 57730 Main Street. Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Children to age 12 – free, age 13 to 61 - $2; and senior citizens – free. Phone: (225) 687-7158 or 1-877-987-7158.
PLAQUEMINE WATERFRONT PARK
Even the prolific writer Longfellow recognized the beauty of Bayou Plaquemine. The moving poem Evangeline depicts the heroine  making her way down Bayou Plaquemine in her quest to find her beloved Gabriel. While access to the Mississippi River was cut off when the lock was closed in 1961, the bayou now features an extensive
boardwalk system for fishing and picnicking. Future phases of the park to be completed by the summer of 2003 include floating piers from the pavilion, which will allow the docking of boats; a park area complete with bathrooms, picnic pavilions, fish cleaning area and lighting; and a pump system to bring freshwater into the bayou.
WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN PLAQUEMINE
The best way to enjoy the beauty of downtown Plaquemine’s architectural gems is to take a walking tour of the area. Starting from St. John Church heading south, you’ll see:
  • St. John Rectory – an 1880s building, it is home to the pastor of St. John Church. The rectory was completely restored in 1995.
  • Just a block down on the left is St. Basil’s Academy at 32515 Church Street. It was originally built as a mansion in 1850, but is most well remembered as both the Catholic school and residence of the Sisters Marianites of the Holy Cross from 1859 until 1976. It is now the home of former Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Robert L. Freeman.
  • Just across from St. Basil’s is the Fremin Home at 23520 Church Street. Typical of a mid 1800s Louisiana colonial raised cottage, it has been restored to its grandeur.
  • A few steps away at 57725 Court Street is an eloquent three-story Queen Anne home featuring elaborate millwork trim. This 1895 beauty features encircling two-story galleries, multiple dormers and a slate roof topped by a “Widow’s Walk.”
  • Further down Church Street are First United Methodist Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows; the 1904 building now housing the Iberville Chamber of Commerce; and the massive Joseph Wilbert home, with architecture reminiscent of the steamboat days.
  • Heading up Meriam Street and over to Eden Street is another prominent residence, the Schwing/Middleton home, which was built on a Spanish land grant prior to 1842. It was damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War.•And, in the final block of Eden Street are several buildings which have been restored. At the corner of Eden and Plaquemine Streets is the Roth Building, a two-story brick building featuring retail space. Next to it is Barker’s Pharmacy, the oldest pharmacy in the state; and the People’s Bank Building, which dates back to 1899. The large building next to it was originally built as a post office in 1935. And finally, at 23410 Eden Street is the handsome Brusle Building, built in 1889. It is now a law office and private residence.
PLAQUEMINE CITY HALL
Originally named the “Great Temple of Justice,” the massive three story brick building surrounded by oak trees on Railroad Avenue now serves as Plaquemine’s City Hall. It was built in 1907 as the seat of parish government and served in that capacity until 1985 when a new parish courthouse was completed. The building now houses city government, utilites and court offices.
ST. LOUIS PLANTATION
St. Louis Plantation home was built in 1857 by U.S. Rep. Edward J. Gay and today is the private residence of the Gay family. It was named for the City of St. Louis. It has six columns and a gallery across the front, along with a rooftop belvedere. The home also has a cellar, which is quite rare among plantations; and is another Iberville property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It can be viewed from River Road but is not open for tours.
THE ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB
Sweet. How else can you describe a championship golf course carved out of a sugar plantation? As a matter of fact, sugarcane still grows in the field next to The Island. This par 72-course is one of only six courses named initial members of Louisiana’s famed Audubon Golf Trail. This challenging course features 54
as well as Bayou Plaquemine and Bayou Jacob. Of the 18 holes, only one doesn’t bring water into play. But, astute golfers (and the locals) know to watch the swaying of the sugarcane in adjacent fields to determine wind direction. It’s a sweet course in a tranquil setting.

Located on Hwy. 77 one mile south of La. Hwy. 1. Pro shop and course hours: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. -  6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Monday. Phone: 225-685-0808.

OLD TURNERVILLE

While the homes on the walking tour are not open to the public, two charming homes in Old Turnerville (north Plaquemine) are open for tours. Marietta’s House is a large raised cottage featuring a wide front gallery. Built in 1879, it is furnished with an impressive collection of antiques and accessories from the Empire, Victorian and Napoleon III periods. Miss Louise’s House, located next door, is an 1880s cottage framed by wisteria vines. It includes an antiques and gift shop, is the proverbial “grandma’s house” with lace curtains, fancy porcelain, oil lamps, faded family portraits and inviting wicker furniture on the back porch. Located on Nadler Street. (Turn off La. Hwy. 1 on Schnebelen Street and take a right on Nadler Street.) Hours: By appointment. Phone: (225) 687-5337.

THE ANTIQUE HEARSE

A funeral home is a place most folks don’t want to visit, but Wilbert Funeral Home has a unique piece of history displayed on its property. It’s an antique horse-drawn hearse very similar to the one used by Wilbert’s from the 1850s until the 1920s. Inside the hearse is a basket that was used at that time to carry bodies prior to the introduction of stretchers. Located on Fort Street at Railroad Avenue, the hearse is encased in glass for its protection.
PLAQUEMINE AREA RESTAURANTS

BURGER KING

Burger King offers fast breakfast and sandwich foods. Located at 24630 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Phone: 687-7904.

CAJUN COUNTRY CAFÉ

This small, family oriented restaurant has some great home-cooked plate lunches, along with po-boys, sandwiches, salads, a variety of seafood, and rice and gravy. Located at 24205 Eden Street in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: (225) 685-0105.

CHINESE INN RESTAURANT

If Cajun cooking doesn’t appeal to you, then Chinese might. The Chinese Inn is a popular full service Chinese restaurant with a complete line of soups, fried rice, lo mein, egg foo young, and Cantonese chicken, beef, pork, seafood and duck dishes. It also offers a buffet at both lunch and dinner, along with lunch specials. Located at 25375 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: open daily  for lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and dinner 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Phone: (225) 685-2020.

FAT DADDY’S

A friendly, down home atmosphere and great po-boys keep folks coming back to Fat Daddy’s. The small restaurant also serves barbeque dinners, seafood dinners, muffulettas and a variety of salads. Located at 57950 LaBauve Avenue in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone: (225) 687-1826.

THE ISLAND BAR & GRILL

If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a round of golf at The Island Country Club, you won’t have to leave to find good food. And The Island’s Bar and Grill is open to the public for lunch daily, so everyone can enjoy its local Cajun dishes, seafood, lunch specials, salads and sandwiches. It’s a casual atmosphere amidst the world-class course named to the prestigious Audubon Golf Trail. Located on La. Hwy. 77 one mile off La. Hwy. 1 in north Plaquemine. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone (225) 685-0808 Ext. 2.

JACK IN THE BOX

If a quick meal is all you’ve got time for, Jack in the Box has sandwiches, salads and even offers breakfast foods. Located at 24550 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: open 24 hours daily. Phone: (225) 687-1525.

LEE’S CAFÉ

The daily lunch specials are the highlight of Lee’s Café, a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Plaquemine. Featuring a different special each day, its lunches could be a Louisiana staple, red beans and rice; steak, rice and gravy, baked chicken, barbeque ribs, or shrimp etouffee. The restaurant also serves fried catfish, shrimp and chicken dinners and hamburgers. Located at 23921 Harmason Street in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Phone: (225) 687-3735.

MCDONALD’S

This traditional American restaurant serves breakfast items, along with sandwiches and salads. Located at 24520 Hwy. 1 in Plaquemine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30 a.m.-midnight. Phone: (225) 687-2115.

MIRANDA'S

Known for its great home cooking, Miranda's offers a wide variety of dishes including great Italian spaghetti, steaks and seafood. It is located in the heart of Plaquemine's Historic District at 23466 Eden Street. Hours: Monday & Tuesday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Saturday 4 -9 p.m. Closed on Sundays. Phone: (225) 687-2577.

PEGGY SUE’S DINER

Just on the outskirts of Plaquemine is a country restaurant that’s keen on home cooked meals and seafood. Peggy Sue’s also offers full Southern breakfasts and the friendly atmosphere to match. Lunch specials provided daily. Located at 22903 Hwy. 1 in north Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday 5-9 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: (225) 687-8403.

PIZZA HUT

If you’ve gotta have pizza, Pizza Hut is the place to go. It’s Italian fare also includes “p’zones” toppings and cheese folded into a pizza crust and baked; along with salads. Located at 24925 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Phone: (225) 687-3321.

POPEYES

Spicy fried chicken is a Southern specialty, and that’s exactly the specialty at Popeyes. Of course, mild fried chicken is also offered, along with other Louisiana specialties like red beans and rice, rice dressing, and other Cajun dishes. Popeyes also serves breakfast. Located at 24615 La. Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Phone: (225) 687-0811.

SUBWAY SANDWICHES & SALADS

Subway is known for its great po-boy sandwiches made to order on fresh made breads. Its menu also includes low fat sandwiches and salads. Located at 24555 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Phone (225) 687-2499.

SUPER CHUNK FRIED CHICKEN

Big country fried pieces of chicken are Super Chunk’s claim to fame. But this small country restaurant also offers plate lunches and seafood platters. Located at 24990 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Phone: (225) 685-1000.

TACO BELL

The only restaurant to offer a full line of Mexican food in the area is Taco Bell, located at 24529 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Phone: (225) 687-0109.

TOM’S SEAFOOD

Can’t make up your mind between seafood and Chinese, then Tom’s Seafood may be just the place! Tom’s offers a variety of fish, oyster and shrimp dinners, along with po-boys and Chinese lunch specials and Chinese shrimp, beef and chicken dinners after 2 p.m. Located at 25015 Hwy. 1 South in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:45 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone (225) 687-9454.
PLAQUEMINE AREA ACCOMMODATIONS

OLD TURNERVILLE BED & BREAKFAST

Imagine spending the night in a cottage of antiques amidst a quiet neighborhood seeped in history. That’s what you’ll find at Old Turnerville Bed and Breakfast. Of course, Southern hospitality is a priority here, but you’ll also find the conveniences of TV, air conditioning and ceiling fans. Accommodations are provided in Miss Louise’s House and Marietta’s House, late 1800 cypress cottages which have been fully restored. The stay includes a tour of the two homes and a Southern breakfast.

Located on Nadler Street in north Plaquemine. Rates: $65 single, $85 for four. Phone: (225) 687-5337     

RAISING CANE BED & BREAKFAST

In the midst of downtown Plaquemine’s historic district is a quaint bed and breakfast featuring private quarters with numerous ammenities, Victorian decor and a secluded patio area adjacent to a lush backyard. It’s called Raising Cane, but you’ll be thrilled with the accommodations.

Located at 57835 Fort Street in Plaquemine. Phone (225) 687-6814 for more information.
PLAQUEMINE AREA SHOPPING

PLAQUEMINE DEPOT MARKET

Another of Plaquemine’s historic buildings, the 1926 brick railroad depot at the corner of Railroad and Main Streets, has been converted into the Plaquemine Depot Market, a bargain shopper’s delight. Featuring antiques, collectables, crafts, custom framing and framed art, cypress, jewelry, pottery, gifts, sportswear and more, it offers fun and exciting finds. Hours: Thursday-Saturday (no Sunday hours) Phone: (225) 687-9998.

FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Featuring Lampe Berger lamps, silk arrangements and a variety of gift items, Flowers For All Occasions is located at 57924 LaBauve Avenue in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Phone: (225) 687-8600.

REFLECTIONS OF TASTE, INC.

A two-story, 105-year-old home is the setting for Reflections of Taste’s fine line of gift selections. It offers Louisiana products, plus a wide variety of gift items for men, women and children. Located at 23610 Eden Street in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Phone: (225) 687-1212.

SIRS GIFTS, INC.

This beautifully restored cottage stocks Hasslock china, pewter, baby gifts, Raising Cane china and fine crystal. It also offers a line of Louisiana products, including sugarcane products and the works of local artists. Located at 24040 Eden Street in Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or by appointment. Phone: (225) 687-3602.

GOUDEAU’S HEALTHMART PHARMACY

While Goudeau’s offers all the products traditionally sold at a pharmacy, it also has an extensive gift section. Among its stock are Louisiana postcards, novelty gifts, Louisiana books and Christmas ornaments. Located at 57930 LaBauve Avenue, Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: (225) 687-4349.

SLOANE FLORALS, ANTIQUES & FINE GIFTS

The upscale Sloane Florals, Antiques & Fine Gifts is located in an old gas station which has been totally renovated and expanded. The old building provides the perfect ambiance for the specialty and one of a kind gifts of Sloane’s. It also carries flowers and specialty gifts with a Louisiana influence. Located at 57805 Plaquemine Street, Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 .m.-5 p.m. Phone: (225) 687-2056 or 1-887-687-2056.

 GARDEN ON EDEN

Located in the historic old Plaquemine Post Office, Garden on Eden is known for its fantastic selection of crosses, its carved sandcastings made in Louisiana and its pottery and garden accessories. An eclectic shop, it also features suncatchers, candles and tapestries. Located at 23430 Eden Street, Plaquemine. Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, and open some Saturdays. Phone: (225) 687-7533.