Isn’t it remarkable that St. Charles Parish, though small at 295 square miles, bursts with a rich history? Created in 1807, St. Charles Parish was one of Louisiana’s original parishes. It was named for Saint Charles Borromeo who died in 1584.
The story of St. Charles Parish begins long before its official establishment. The French discovered the lower Mississippi River, and the Spanish explored it. Yet, it was German settlers who first made this area their home. In 1699, Pierre Baptiste Le Moyne explored the bayous and lakes around the area. The French knew the river shores well. However, there were no French settlements in the area as late as 1715.
Antoine Crozat, a merchant, gained exclusive trading rights in Louisiana in 1712. He then passed these rights to John Law, a Scottish financier. Law developed a plan to colonize Louisiana. His company was called the Mississippi Company.
Karl D’Arensbourg arrived. He became the first lawman in St. Charles Parish. For 40 years, he served as commandant and judge for the German Coast. Around 1760, British troops forced Acadians from Nova Scotia to Louisiana. Some Acadians settled in St. Charles Parish. They lived among the Germans.
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase made St. Charles Parish part of the United States. The German Coast had thrived under three flags: Spanish, French, and finally American. In 1807, St. Charles Parish was officially formed. Governor William C.C. Claiborne defined the roles of community officers. The parish judge held the powers of the clerk, sheriff, coroner, and treasurer.
The Louisiana legislature added the office of sheriff in 1810. The sheriff also served as tax collector. In 1845, a constitutional provision made the sheriff an elected position. Sheriffs in Louisiana enforce all laws. They provide patrol and investigations. They operate the parish correctional center. They also collect all taxes.
For over 200 years, St. Charles Parish and its neighbors were the breadbasket for New Orleans. They produced sugar and other exports. In the early 20th century, oil refineries and petrochemical plants appeared. They were built on former sugarcane fields. St. Charles’ riverbanks became part of the bustling Port of South Louisiana. It is the largest tonnage port district in the western hemisphere. Some grand plantation homes remain. They remind us of an earlier time.
Easy access to New Orleans boosted St. Charles’ population. It grew from 30,000 in 1970 to 53,000 in 2010. The Hale Boggs Bridge over the Mississippi River was completed in 1983. It is an important transportation route. It has contributed to the region’s growth. The Interstate highway and proximity to the New Orleans airport have drawn shipping businesses to St. Rose.
Today, St. Charles Parish balances its rich history with modern progress. The echoes of its German, Acadian, and American past resonate. They are a testament to its enduring spirit.