Madisonville, Louisiana
Population: 677
Located in St. Tammany Parish
Being one of the oldest communities in Louisiana, Madisonville is a flavorful gumbo of all the great things southeast Louisiana has to offer. Originally named “Cokie”, from the French word Coquille meaning shell, the town’s name was changed in 1811 to honor President James Madison. Because of its position on the Tchefuncte River, the town’s history has always been shaped by water. Part of the town actually rests on the now extinct Jahncke Shipyard. At its height, the shipyard employed over 2000 people. During the 1920’s-1940’s, a mass exodus of New Orleanians came to Madisonville via large steamers every weekend during the summer. As a result of this rich history, the town has eight sites listed on the National Historic Register. The dwellings on the register range in architecture from Greek revival to Creole cottage. Most notable of these are: the Regent Square Home located at 206 Covington Street, the Madisonville Bank located at 400 Cedar Street; the Otis House located within Fairview State Park, and the old Madisonville Town Hall/Jail located at 203 Cedar Street. Be sure to get a glimpse of these historic structures. Today, Madisonville is anticipating the grand opening of the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. From the time of the Indians to the explorers, there are millions of historical remnants scattered throughout the Tchefuncte and Lake Ponchartrain. Unfortunately, as each day passes, a little bit more of our history is lost to decay and human development. This museum will celebrate Madisonville rich and wonderful nautical history. The museum is over 30,000 square feet and have a 250-seat theater. It will be among the world’s most prominent marine archeological and educational institutions. While visiting Madisonville be sure to plan some time to see this. After the museum, it is imperative that every visitor sees the Fairview-Riverside State Park. Located just east of town, this park is a wonderful respite from a hot day. The park grounds surround the Otis House, an early Victorian home originally built in the 1880’s by the sawmill magnate W. T. Jay. Frank Otis purchased and renovated the home in the 1930’s and donated it and the surrounding area to the state. Tours are offered of the home, be sure to check with the park representative for times. Additionally, for the overnight visitor, the park offers 81 campsites, all with electricity and water hookups. Tent camping is also available. No visit to Madisonville is complete without taking a drive south through town to the shores of Lake Ponchartrain. (Turn south at the only red light in town. Just follow the road until it dead-ends at the lake.) Initially this drive will take you past some of the most beautiful homes in Madisonville. As you wind your wind south by the Tchefuncte River, you will begin to break out of town and into marsh habitat. As you continue to the end of this road, begin looking to your left. There you will see the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse. Built in 1838, this lighthouse is a monument to the area’s nautical history. Although only currently accessible by boat and in grave disrepair, plans are currently underway to restore the lighthouse to its once grand stature. For the fisherman in the family, Madisonville is a paradise. At the point where the Tchefuncte meets Lake Ponchartrain, speckle trout and redfish are abundant. From the shores of Fairview State Park, catfish, sac-a-lait (crappie/white perch), bream, and bass can be caught with little effort, and because of the park’s beauty, it is the perfect place for a little one to make his or her first catch. Furthermore, if pleasure boating is more your style than fishing, the Tchefuncte is one of the most scenic rivers in the state. With its moss-draped cypress and oak lined banks, an afternoon cruise will bring you such delight that it will almost be sinful. If possible be sure to time your visit during one of Madisonville’s three annual boating events. The first is on New Year’s Eve Crew of Lights. It is the traditional Ring in the New Year on the Tchefuncte. A lighted boat parade proceeds on the Tchefuncte through town. At the strike of mid-night, a long fireworks display occurs. It is truly a sight you will never want to forget. On the Sunday before Mardi Gras, there is the annual Mardi Gras Boat Parade. For those wanting the New Orleans flavor of Mardi Gras but with a small town twist, this is the place to be. After the boats parade in succession down the Tchefuncte, they tie up along side Water Street. You are encouraged to walk along and catch throws. No one worries about broken down floats here. Once you experience this kind of Mardi Gras, you will look forward to it every year. This is, absolutely, how it should be. The Wooden Boat Festival is Madisonville’s greatest claim to fame. It is the largest in the Southern U.S. and is held during the third weekend of September each year. With almost 40,000 visitors, the event is just one big celebration. There is literally something to do for everyone of every age. From the Children’s Village to the boat building contests, the town comes alive with excitement. People travel from all over the world to see the festival. The Tchefuncte becomes so jammed with boats; you can literally walk from one boat to the next without ever getting your feet wet. It is just one big party. All the proceeds from the event go to support the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Source: cajunimages.com Find homes for sale in Madisonville Louisiana
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