Labadieville on Bayou Lafourche

If you’re looking for a hotel in Labadieville, you can first consider the destination in terms of your travel interests: The town is on Bayou Lafourche; it is also home to the architectural and religious history of St. Philomena Church, as well as several road sections designated as Louisiana Byways. These themes offer different points of interest—local history and architecture on the one hand, and a named road route on the other. The key is which connection is most relevant to your travel plans.

Labadieville on Bayou Lafourche

Labadieville is on Bayou Lafourche. St. Philomena Church is located on Bayou Lafourche at Highway One. The town was originally called “Brulee Labadie.” According to local tradition, Labadieville was named after French settler Jean Louis Labadie. The original name and the traditional explanation for the current name are not the same: “Brulee Labadie” is the former name, while Jean Louis Labadie is part of the local naming tradition.

St. Philomena: Construction, Architecture and Preservation

St. Philomena Parish in Labadieville was founded in 1855; the present-day St. Philomena Church was built in 1888. These dates mark different milestones: the founding of the parish and the construction of the present-day church building. The church’s Gothic features include pointed arches and tracery inserts. Pointed arches refer to the shape of the arches, while tracery inserts refer to the ornamental design; both features are associated with Gothic architecture.

In June 2013, the parish approved a renovation that enhanced the original architecture and preserved the church. St. Philomene Catholic Church and Rectory in Labadieville, Assumption Parish, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 27, 1983. Thus, the 2013 renovation decision and the 1983 historic designation are two separate dates.

Other Historical Perspectives

The area’s history extends beyond the church. The Washi tribe historically lived in the Labadieville area. After 1750, Acadians, French, Germans, Islenos, and Spaniards were among the settlers in the area. The Religious Community of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception was also founded in Labadieville.

The town is also linked to an event in military history: During the Battle of Georgia Landing, Confederate troops retreated to Labadieville and opened this section of the Lafourche to the Union. Along with the church’s history and the settler groups mentioned above, this episode offers another historical point of interest for travelers who want to understand Labadieville not only by its location, but also by its local history.

Three Designated Louisiana Byway Sections

With Louisiana Byways, the precise route description matters. The section of LA 1 from Labadieville in Assumption Parish north to the northern end of Pointe Coupee Parish is designated as a Louisiana Byway. Another designated section of LA 1 runs from Labadieville in Assumption Parish south to Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish.

On LA 308, the section from Labadieville in Assumption Parish south to Golden Meadow in Lafourche Parish is designated as a Louisiana Byway. The endpoints therefore differ: To the north, the northern end of Pointe Coupee Parish is named; for the southern sections, the endpoints are Grand Isle on LA 1 and Golden Meadow on LA 308. If you’re planning a drive, this comparison helps distinguish each road and its named endpoint. Byway designations may be subject to legislative changes.

Discover more destinations: Belle Rose.

Go to the main travel overview: Assumption Parish.