Why does this tomb exude such significance? It marks the resting place of the Lacarrière family. Let’s delve into the story of one of its most remarkable members Arsène Lacarriére-Latour.
Arsène Lacarriére-Latour was born in Aurillac France in 1778. He died in Saint-Mamet-la-Salvetat in 1837. He stands out as a distinguished French architect. He dedicated a significant portion of his career to the Americas. He also served as an engineer during the War of 1812.
After studies at the Académie Royale d’Architecture in Paris Lacarriére-Latour sailed to Saint-Domingue now Haiti. He went to manage family properties amidst rising unrest. Political turmoil forced him to become an officer. He was an officer for the French army. Following the army’s defeat he sought refuge in the United States in 1804.
Lacarriére-Latour found himself in New York. There he befriended Edward Livingston. Livingston was an American politician. He was also the brother of Robert R. Livingston. Robert R. Livingston was a key figure in the Louisiana Purchase treaty with France.
Moving to New Orleans Lacarriére-Latour’s architectural skills quickly gained recognition. He helped shape the city’s French architectural style. In 1810 he became the urban planner of Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is now the capital of Louisiana.
During the War of 1812 Lacarriére-Latour served as a principal engineer. He fought alongside General Andrew Jackson. His reconnaissance work was invaluable. It helped save New Orleans from British forces. In 1816 he penned his war memoirs.
After the war Lacarriére-Latour joined French exiles in Philadelphia. They gathered around Joseph Bonaparte. Together they hatched a plan for a colony in Texas called Champ d’Asile. The colony failed in 1818. Lacarriére-Latour maintained friendships with influential figures. These figures included three U.S. presidents. He also knew the Lafitte brothers the famous buccaneers.
From 1817 he worked as an architect and advisor in Havana Cuba. His visionary reports were sent to King Ferdinand VII of Spain. After 1830 Lacarriére-Latour returned to France. There he reunited with his family.
The Paris foundry Lacarriére was established in 1825. It specialized in gas lighting fixtures. The firm received honorable mentions and medals at the 1834 1839 and 1844 Paris Expositions des produits de l’industrie française. It was represented over twelve times at the Expositions Universelles.
In 1875 the company had transformed to Lacarriére Delatour et Cie. They cast a chandelier designed by Corboz for the new Opéra Palais Garnier. By 1900 Lacarriére et Cie provided the torchères for the Point Alexandre III. It was inaugurated for the Exposition Universelle.
Arsène Lacarriére-Latour’s life was full of adventure. His impact stretched across continents. As you stand before this tomb remember a life dedicated to architecture engineering and a relentless pursuit of vision. The Lacarriére family’s legacy lives on.