Destrehan, Louisiana is firmly rooted in a wonderful mix of warm Southern Hospitality and charming Cajun Culture. Century-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, marshy bayous and French Colonial architecture are frequent sights in the area. The city is home to Destrehan Plantation, Ormond Plantation, the George Prince Ferry Memorial, a popular Fall Festival, Friday night football games (go Wildcats!) and several cook-off events and charity runs.
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DESTREHAN HISTORY |
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| Destrehan is located within St. Charles Parish in Southern Louisiana, about 20 miles west of New Orleans. The population of Destrehan is around 12,000 people with total area of about 8 square miles.
Destrehan is surrounded by a number of similar communities which make up a much larger metro area and population. Destrehan is nestled between the Mississippi River bordering its south, and Lake Pontchartrain several miles to its north. Destrehan is easily accessible to Interstate-10 (via Interstate-310), Airline Drive (US HWY-61) and River Road (LA HWY-48). Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is just a few miles east of Destrehan. |
Destrehan is named after Jean Noël Destréhan (1754–1823), who was twice President of the Orleans Territory’s legislative council during his service there in 1806 and 1811.
He was elected to the United States Senate when Louisiana became a state in 1812, but he resigned after a month. He served in the Louisiana State Senate from 1812 to 1817. Destrehan Plantation, his former home, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The primary house has been restored and is one of the main attractions on the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.
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Destrehan is home to the Destrehan High School Fighting Wildcats. The Wildcats own several state championships in multiple sports, with many notable alumni including Jordan Jefferson (athlete), Shelley Hennig (actress), Gary Smith, Jr (state senator) and others.
Destrehan is also known for Destrehan Plantation, a popular local and tourist attraction. Destrehan Plantation is an antebellum mansion that once belonged to the city’s namesake, Jean Noël Destréhan, who was influential in the transition of the Orleans Territory to statehood. During the 19th century, the plantation was a major producer of indigo and then sugarcane.
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