Edgard

Why was Edgard, Louisiana, once a social hub for the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte? Edgard, the parish seat of St. John the Baptist Parish, holds a captivating history. It’s a story woven with threads of pirates, sugar plantations, and even floating ice. Right here in Edgard, in the early 19th century, Lafitte likely found refuge and camaraderie amongst the early settlers. Originally known as St. John the Baptist, Edgard was renamed in 1850 after its postmaster, Edgar Perret. The town’s Catholic church, also named St. John the Baptist, has seen its share of misfortune. Built in 1772, it was destroyed by the Poché Crevasse flood in 1821. Rebuilt, it then burned down in 1918, only to be resurrected thanks to the generous donations of parishioners. Edgard’s economy thrived on sugar. Between 1794 and 1894, numerous sugar plantations dotted the landscape. By 1899, over fifty family-owned sugar mills were still in operation. Most residents worked in the sugar industry, some even leasing land from larger plantations like Columbia Plantation to cultivate their own produce. Life in Edgard wasn’t all work. One of the most anticipated events was the arrival of the showboat at Caire’s Landing. The calliope’s music would announce the showboat’s arrival, echoing as far as Wallace, bringing excitement and entertainment to the town. Even in the late 19th century, Edgard experienced unusual natural phenomena. In the winter of 1899, ice flows from the Mississippi River jammed the waterway, halting ship traffic for days. Edgard’s history isn’t confined to pirates and sugar. It’s also the birthplace of several notable figures like musician Dave Bartholomew, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and football players Tyson Jackson and Quinn Johnson. From pirates to sugar to music and football, Edgard’s story is a vibrant tapestry of Louisiana history.