Fun facts about Ascension Parish, Louisiana

   20 something years ago, I left my hometown in search of a fresh start in a new place. I drove from Zachary to Prairieville - which I had never even heard of at the time. As I exited the interstate on to Highway 73, I noticed cows, fields, flowers, and very few buildings. A quiet little town seemed perfect to me. I now call Dutchtown home. I love the people, the sense of community, and the convenience to everything from grocery stores to the bowling alley. Here's a few interesting facts about Ascension. Feel free to add to my list!

1. Did you know Gonzales has an airport? A few years ago my boss asked me to pick her up at the Gonzales airport and I died laughing. Little did I know she was serious. The airport is located off Hwy 44 between the interstate and Pelican Point Subdivision.

2. Ascension is one of the fastest growing parishes in the state. Goodbye small town, hello new neighbors! The info below shows growth over the years according to U.S. Census.

1950     population 22,387

1980     population 50,068

2000     population 77,347

  2010     population 107,886

  2018     population 124,672

I have been in the real estate industry for 20 years, serving Ascension, Baton Rouge, and the surrounding areas. Watching the growth has been amazing. 

3.Ascension was named in honor of Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. Ascension, in Christian belief, is the ascent of Jesus Christ into Heaven on the 40th day after his resurrection. 

4.Many of the gorgeous Live Oak trees in the parish are registered on the historic Live Oak Registry. One of the largest has a circumference of approx. 34 feet. THAT IS HUGE!!

5. Floyd Melancon built Floyd's Jewelers on Burnside. We are family on my dad's side...some where down the line. Floyd's was open from 1957-2006.

6. Several movies were filmed in the area including:

The Curios Case of Benjamin Button,

All The Kings Men, & 

The Long Hot Summer. 

7. Famous Athletes from Ascension Parish:

Glenn Dorsey graduated from East Ascension High School. Glenn was an LSU BCS champ and Lombardi winner. He played for Kansas City and the San Francisco 49ers.

John "Hot Rod" Williams graduated from St. Amant High. Hot Rod played college basketball at Tulane. He played pro for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, and the Dallas Mavericks.

Jarvis Green graduated from Donaldsonville High and played college ball for LSU. This 2x Super Bowl Champ played for the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and the Houston Texans. 

8. Ascension Parish is home to the internationally known Cajun Chef, John Folse. 

9. The Parish is home of the Jambalaya Fest and is also known as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World". 

10. The first brick home in Gonzales was built on Burnside near Cornerview. 

11. According to the book "The Early Years, Gonzales, Louisiana" by Doris LeBlanc, a real estate ad in the newspaper posted in the early 1900's listed lots for sale for $25 to $100. WOW! The cost of land in Ascension has changed so much, so fast. If y'all see any land posted for $25 for sale in the area, call me right away! HA. 

That's all I have for now. How long have you been in Ascension Parish? 

Brandy