The beautiful town of Madisonville is found on the southern tip of Louisiana and is the meeting point of the Tchefuncte River and Lake Pontchartrain. The quaint picturesque town is a small waterfront community just a short ways (24 miles by the Causeway Bridge) across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans and boasts a warm and friendly townspeople who envelop both tourists and new residents with open arms. With under one thousand full time residents calling Madisonville home; the smaller population provides an intimate setting along side the slow moving Tchefuncte River. Many fun and exciting local events take place year round and several historic landmarks keep residents busy, as inquisitive tourists flock to this, hidden gem of a town.
Madisonville was founded in the year 1800 by Jean Baptiste Baham, and the town was originally named Coquille, or Cokie as was its nickname in the local area. Coquille means “shell” in French, and what the locals at that time were referring to the many piles of sea shells, possibly oyster shells, which were located at the site. Native American Choctaw Indians, had been living in the area for many generations, and the shells were a mark of their passing. Soon though, by 1810, the town proper was renamed Madisonville in honor of President James Madison.
During the years leading up to the Civil War, Madisonville was a flourishing community, supplying building materials and products to the larger regional city of New Orleans. However, the war shut down all trade with the city and the local economy deteriorated. For several decades following the war, times were tough and Madisonville suffered greatly; until shipbuilding helped rejuvenate the town. Jahncke Shipbuilding was a growing company prior to World War I, however when the United States became involved in the war, Jahncke Shipbuilding was commissioned by the US government to build six wooden US Navy cargo ships, though only 4 were actually completed. Employing over 2000 wokers at one time, Jahncke Shipbuilding constructed the The SS Bayou Teche, SS Balabac, the SS Pontchartrain and the SS Abbeville.
There are few remnants of the old shipyard still in existence. If you walk along the downtown Riverfront today, you will see it filled with many different shops and restaurants. For example, if you want it all? Morton’s Seafood Restaurant and Friend’s Restaurant located almost on opposite ends of Water Street (a tremendous 4 blocks) are two outstanding local dining experiences. Don’t stop there though, two more restaurants located just a short distance away, are Coffee’s Boiling Pot for hot fresh seafood, and for the absolutely best succulent steaks you must visit Keith Young’s Steakhouse. My stomach is growling just thinking about the filets… So… For boiled seafood, gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, shrimp creole, oysters on the half shell, crab meat au gratin, SOMEBODY PLEASE STOP ME…!!! Louisiana food is like no other and… well… Madisonville is the place to be if you want authentic Louisiana down home cooking. Wow!
Water Street can also be a place for families to sit and watch the boats which traverse the river to and from Lake Pontchartrain. Fishing is a favorite pastime for local residents, and along with recreational boating can be enjoyed throughout most of the year due to the mild climate. These small-town activities and the warm climate are two of the main attractions to Madisonville, contributing to its charm. Local restaurants are always serving up something good and there is always a reason to celebrate on the town calendar!
The town has several events throughout the year to keep tourist and residents alike entertained; Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. One of the biggest maritime festivities across several states and a must see for any visitor to Madisonville is the annual Wooden Boat Festival. Held in September and over 40,000 visitors strong; all arriving to partake in the lively list of festivities, including a tremendous collection of antique and classic wooden boats, boat making contests, arts and crafts, kid’s games and contests, and much much more. Did we mention the food? Also available is a grand array of delectable Cajun cuisine which makes the mouth water just thinking about it. I must stop talking about food…!
Other festivals which take place throughout the year include the Christmas Celebration and the Fourth of July Celebration, also for those who like to celebrate Mardi Gras, Madisonville celebrates in style, with an appealing small town feel allowing families to enjoy the celebration together, without the New Orleans craziness. Along the river gather the Mardi Gras Boats of the notorious Krewe of Tchefuncte, for the annual Madisonville Boat Parade. Bring your camera, but don’t fall in the River trying to catch beads! The waterfront is also home to several other activities which take place during the year; such as car shows, chili cook offs and live music.
One cannot visit Madisonville without a tour through the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, and along with this historic museum; Madisonville has a total of 8 registered sites within the National Register of Historic Places, many chosen for their historic architecture.
- The Dendinger House, also known as Regent Square, which is located at 206 Covington St.
- The Jay House, also known as the Otis House, located within the seclusion of Fairview Riverside State Park.
- The Madisonville Bank, located at 400 Cedar St
- The Madisonville Boarding House, located at 703 Main St
- The Madisonville Town Hall, located at 203 Cedar St
- The McCaleb House, located at 906 Main St
- The Sardy House, located at 810 Main St
- Tchefuncte River Range Rear Light, or better known as the Madisonville Lighthouse. Built in 1838, and re-built many times, the lighthouse served as the guide path for sailors crossing Lake Pontchartrain and into the Tchefuncte River basin for safe harbor.
The Madisonville Museum is another favorite place to go to enjoy; what life was like in historic Madisonville? Built in 1911, the museum is located in the historic courthouse downtown.
We must mention, just minutes away by either boat or car is the gorgeous Fairview Riverside State Park. With vehicle access just east of Madisonville, off of Hwy 22, Fairview Riverside has sweeping grand live oak trees gracing the grounds of the peaceful and serene park. However when you walk along the water’s edge, you look across the river to the far bank at a beautiful and alluring cypress lined forest; haunting and deadly, rich in wildlife.
Madisonville also boasts a wonderful educational system which offers children in the area an excellent foundation for the rest of their lives. Madisonville Elementary School is a prime example; ranked a 10 out of 10 by www.GreatSchools.org, and also has the honor of holding the number one ACT average composite scores in the state; and ACT scores which are well above state and national averages. Great job!
Madisonville is a place where families and friendships thrive, where community involvement and participation are a way of life. This small town has a beautiful and welcoming group of people who are hardworking and lively to boot. The town is a lovely waterfront community steeped in Cajun history and South Louisiana friendliness. “How you doing baaabby?” “Hey Boo!” “You look nice today Cher'”. Charming colloquialisms spoken around old friends. Madisonville has all the appeal of a small, tucked away village, with the convenience of New Orleans just across the lake.
A grand live oak tree stands near the entrance of the Madisonville Museum and it’s small role as Father Time, for this tree has recorded the history of the town for many years. If only it could speak what secrets would it tell? From the Civil War, and before… When Choctaw Indians were still hunting and fishing along the river’s edge? Maybe you can still hear the word “Coquille” whispered on the wind…?
***
If you would like to buy or sell a home in Madisonville, LA; please contact us at 985-867-8670, or at marc@mmsre.com
Thank You
Marc Pellettiere
