Portal:Mississippi/Cities/5

The city of Plaquemine is the parish seat of Iberville Parish, in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Plaquemine was noted to be settled as early as 1775. Due to its location at the juncture of Bayou Plaquemine with the Mississippi River, the village soon began to prosper and grow. By 1838, the town was incorporated, electing Zenon LaBauve as its first mayor. Plaquemine continued to grow in the antebellum era. Massive plantations were constructed in nearby regions. The town has been the seat of Iberville Parish government since its incorporation. The former Parish Courthouse on Railroad Avenue has been serving as City Hall since 1985.

The Plaquemine Lock, constructed from 1895-1909, was a vitally important link between the Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Canal, of which Bayou Plaquemine served as its northern terminus. Its design served as the proto-type for the upcoming Panama Canal locks. The locks were shut in 1961. Today, it is operated as a state park. (read more . . . )