St. Mary Parish: History, Culture and Nature

St. Mary Parish tells the story of Louisiana’s many chapters: from sugar cultivation and historic buildings to aviation, cypress lumber, and living traditions. There are also natural areas, recreational opportunities, and a recurring festival. Travelers planning a trip can shape it around their own interests in the Parish’s many facets.

Sugar Economy and History

In 1840, St. Mary Parish was considered one of Louisiana’s most important sugar suppliers. Early settlers in Louisiana turned some of St. Mary Parish’s earliest small indigo and cotton farms into sugar plantations. Another historic building is Arlington Mansion: the three-story mansion was built around 1830 on the banks of Bayou Teche. These two dates bring different chapters of regional history to life, without reducing the Parish’s history to a single era.

Cultural Heritage and Museums

The Chitimacha Museum preserves and promotes the enduring heritage and pride of the original inhabitants of South Louisiana. At the same time, the Chitimacha Tribe continues the art of basket weaving to this day. In this way, the preservation of cultural memory and a continuing craft tradition stand as distinct themes.

In Patterson, the Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum displays numerous aircraft, trophies, and memorabilia from 1930s air racing associated with aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams. The Cypress Sawmill Collection at the same museum documents the history of Louisiana’s cypress lumber industry. Aviation history and industrial history each have their own focus.

Franklin Historic District in Franklin includes more than 420 notable buildings. The Brown House Berwick’s Heritage Museum presents the history of the oldest permanently established settlement in St. Mary Parish. The two sites offer different ways to explore the past: the buildings of a historic district at one, and the Parish’s settlement history at the other.

Nature and Activities

Sailing is among the recreational activities at Cypremort Point State Park. A boardwalk leads through a marsh, and there is also an outdoor classroom for observing wildlife. The park also has a man-made, half-mile-long beach.

The Garden City Interpretive Boardwalk Trail and Franklin Hiking Trail at Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge are open year-round. Seasonal rules may change, so check the latest notices before your visit. During the day, recreational fishing from shore and boats is permitted on open waterways. State restrictions and Refuge rules apply.

Cyclists can ride through St. Mary Parish along Highway 182, also called the Old Spanish Trail. Check route conditions before setting out. This offers a different perspective on the Parish than a visit focused on its museums or historic buildings.

Festival and Special Interests

The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival takes place in downtown Morgan City every Labor Day weekend. The free five-day event includes music, food, rides, arts, and crafts. Confirm the exact dates before your trip; the program may also change from year to year.

In Morgan City, the interactive Diving & ROV Historical Preservation Museum focuses on diving and remotely operated underwater vehicles. Confirm visiting arrangements before your trip. This specialized subject in technology and history complements the other museums, which explore topics including cultural heritage, aviation, architecture, and industry.

Discover more destinations: Morgan City, Livingston, Iberia Parish, Webster, Winn, Red River Parish, St John The Baptist, Union.

See the main travel overview: Louisiana.