Plaquemine, Louisiana

Plaquemine, Louisiana
Name	Plaquemine
Settlement type	City
Nickname	"The City on the Bayou"
Pushpin label	Plaquemine
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Louisiana
Subdivision type2	Parish
Subdivision name2	Iberville
Established title	Founded
Established date	1775
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	1838
Government type	Mayor-Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Ed Reeves, Jr.
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	3.40
Area land sq mi	3.20
Area water sq mi	0.20
Elevation ft	23
Population as of	2020
Population total	6,269
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	70764
Area code	225
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	22-60750
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	2404540
Website	https://www.plaquemine.org/

Plaquemine, Louisiana is the parish seat of Iberville Parish and a historic port city situated on the Mississippi River. Founded in the 18th century, its development was profoundly shaped by the pre-Columbian indigenous culture of the same name and its strategic location for water transport. The city is renowned for the engineering landmark Plaquemine Lock, which connected the river to the Intracoastal Waterway. Today, it serves as a governmental and industrial hub within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Plaquemine culture, a Mississippian archaeological complex known for its large earthen mounds. European settlement began with the French establishment of a trading post around 1775, with the site formally platted in 1838 following the Louisiana Purchase. Its 19th-century economy was dominated by sugar cane plantations, reliant on the labor of enslaved African Americans, and river commerce. A pivotal moment in its development was the completion of the Plaquemine Lock in 1909, a feat of hydraulic engineering designed by Colonel George W. Goethals that facilitated shipping between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya Basin. The city was also a significant site during the Civil Rights Movement, including the 1963 Plaquemine movement protests led by leaders like James L. Farmer Jr. of the Congress of Racial Equality.

Geography

Plaquemine is located at 30°17′N 91°14′W on the west bank of the Mississippi River, approximately 15 miles south of Baton Rouge. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.4 square miles, of which 3.2 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water, primarily from Bayou Plaquemine which bisects the city. The terrain is low-lying and part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, with a risk of flooding managed by the federal levee system. Its location places it within the Acadiana cultural region and the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, Plaquemine had a population of 6,269. The racial makeup was approximately 55% African American, 40% White, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic or of two or more races. The median household income has historically been below the state average, with a notable portion of the population living below the poverty line. The city's demographic history reflects the broader patterns of the American South, including the Great Migration in the 20th century and subsequent shifts in the local agricultural and industrial economy.

Government

Plaquemine operates under a mayor-council system. The city's mayor, Ed Reeves, Jr., is elected at-large, while the five-member Board of Aldermen is elected from single-member districts. As the parish seat, it houses the main administrative offices and courthouse for Iberville Parish government. The city provides essential services including a police department, fire protection, and public works, and falls within Louisiana's 6th congressional district for federal representation.

Economy

The economy of Plaquemine is anchored by heavy industry and chemical manufacturing, leveraging its strategic position on the Mississippi River within the industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Major employers include Dow and Shintech, which operate large facilities in the surrounding area. While the traditional agricultural base of sugar cane and soybeans remains, it has been eclipsed by the industrial sector. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge district includes facilities here, supporting maritime logistics. Government services also constitute a significant portion of local employment due to its status as the parish seat.

Culture and recreation

Local culture is a blend of Cajun, Creole, and Southern influences, celebrated through events like the annual Iberville Parish Fair. The Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, now a museum, is the city's primary historical attraction, detailing its engineering and maritime history. The Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park provides public access to the bayou and hosts community gatherings. Culinary traditions feature prominently, with local restaurants serving Cajun and Creole cuisine staples. The city is also home to the Iberville Museum, which chronicles the history of Iberville Parish.

Category:Cities in Louisiana Category:Iberville Parish, Louisiana Category:Parish seats in Louisiana