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Historic Downtown Plaquemine
Walking Tour
Plaquemine is an architectural lover's dream, with its tremendous variety of architectural styles and antebellum gems. The National Register District offers architectural styles made of cypress - the lumber industry's legacy over a century ago. The best way to enjoy the beauty of downtown Plaquemine's architectural gems is to take a walking tour of the area.
Starting from Saint John Church heading south, you'll see:
- St. John Rectory – a 1880s building is home to the pastor of St. John Church. The rectory was completely restored in 1995.
- St. Basil's Academy at 32515 Church Street is just a block down on the left. It was originally built as a mansion in 1850, but is most well remembered as both the Catholic school and residence of the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross from 1859 until 1976. It is now the home of former Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Robert L. Freeman.
- The Fremin Home at 23520 Church Street, just across from Saint Basil's. Typical of a mid-1800s Louisiana colonial raised cottage, it has been restored to its grandeur.
- 57725 Court Street is an eloquent three-story Queen Anne home featuring elaborate millwork trim and is only few steps away. This 1895 beauty features encircling two-story galleries, multiple dormers and a slate roof topped by a "Widow's Walk.”
- First United Methodist Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows, an office building constructed in 1904, and the massive Joseph Wilbert home, with architecture reminiscent of the steamboat days are visible as you continue further down Church Street.
- The Schwing / Middleton home is another prominent residence which was built on a Spanish land grant prior to 1842 is visible as you're heading up Meriam Street and over to Eden Street. It was damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War.
- In the final block of Eden Street are several buildings which have been restored:
- At the corner of Eden and Plaquemine Streets is the Roth Building, a two-story brick building featuring retail space.
- Barker's Pharmacy, the oldest pharmacy in the state, and the People's Bank Building, which dates back to 1899.
- A large building which was originally built as a post office in 1935.
- Finally, at 23410 Eden Street is the handsome Brusle Building, built in 1889. It is now a law office and private residence.
- Also in the downtown area near St. John Church are significant City attractions -
the historic Iberville Museum, which used to serve as the City Hall and before it the Parish Courthouse, the historic Plaquemine Lock Historic Site with its one-of-a-kind gleaming white tile lockhouse, the award-winning Mark A. "Tony" Gulotta Bayou Waterfront Park, and the Plaquemine Depot Market Square, which boasts the historic depot building and adjacent property being transformed into a beautiful marketplace area.