A Brief History

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 that 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.

Plaquemine is the largest city in the Parish of Iberville, and serves as the seat of parish government. Today, it is a quaint, yet busy community supported by a variety of businesses and government operations. Our friendly residents welcome you.