Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1978

Abstract

The Creole Area of Louisiana: The southern Louisiana river parishes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans—especially St. John, St. James, Iberville, and Ascension parishes—represent a culturally unique and economically the richest area of the state during the pre-Civil War period (1810–1860). Sociologically, these river parishes represent an area primarily settled by Creole gentlemen-planters. These second-generation Louisianians were the upper echelons of New Orleans society and maintained a very cosmopolitan lifestyle. More often than not, the young gentlemen were educated and traveled abroad. This cosmopolitan lifestyle was reflected in the grand homes they built. Being Creole-settled, this area's cultural and architectural landmarks are very different in style and scale from those of other cultural areas of the state. For example, the architecture of the Florida Parishes is older, more of a cottage-type in style, and smaller in scale than that of the Creoles. The Creole homes are forty to sixty years younger, influenced by the Greek Revival, and grander in scale. No organized touring exists today, which is a cultural oversight. Many of these homes are inhabited and renovated, especially: Oak Alley (Bon Séjour), San Francisco, Tezcuco, Houmas House, and Evergreen. All of the above homes except Evergreen are open for tours. Other homes which could be viewed in a half-day tour are St. Joseph, Felicity, Ormond, Waguespack, and Hymel. However, in order to embark on a tour with a logical time and space framework, some organizing issue, facts, and a place are desirable. Such a place, by emphasizing the issue and presenting the facts, could provide the tourist with a better understanding of the cultural, sociological, and economic factors which affected the development of this area.

No better place for this function exists than the Valcour Aimé site. The area of 12 acres encompasses the remains of the largest and most significant gardens "of the English style" in Louisiana, and probably on the Gulf Coast of the United States. The design principle and actual layout of these gardens is entirely different from the formal French gardens (as at Rosedown) usually associated with Louisiana plantation homes. Valcour Aimé - Patriarch and Leading Citizen: Valcour Aimé was a patriarch and a leading citizen of St. James Parish. He built Felicity and St. Joseph as wedding presents to two of his daughters. His wife was Josephine Roman, sister to Telespore Roman (who built Oak Alley). His sugar mill was the first and largest in St. James Parish during his heyday; in fact, it was the largest sugar mill in America for some time. He was considered a humanitarian for his contributions to and upkeep of the St. James Church and Jefferson College. An introduction to the man, his peers, and their environs through his gardens could leave the visitor with a lasting appreciation for and understanding of the culture in this area.

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