In 1911 a number of speeches were given at the 100th anniversary celebration of St. Tammany Parish. The event took place in Bogue Falaya Park in Covington, but several public officials from other area towns were invited to tell about their municipalities. Here is the one given by Judge Thomas A. Burns.
A FEW HISTORICAL NOTES FROM MADISONVILLE, LA.
It has been said that Madisonville antedates New Orleans in time of settlement. Going back to the Spanish regime the beautiful banks of the Tchefuncta, now occupied by the town of Madisonville, was the point of landing or embarking of the Spaniards as they passed to and fro from their settlements to inland stations, and on to Baton Rouge, where they were strongly established.
They built the road from Madisonville running west to Ponchatoula, and from thence to Baton Rouge, giving it the name of "King's Highway." It was their overland route between the two points, and it was traveled frequently.
The noted Lafitte and his men found safe rendezvous on the banks of the Tchefuncta. Later, Mr. Joseph Baham, a French gentleman, came from Mobile and settled at the spot chosen as a settlement and landing place by the Spaniards, making a plantation of the spot. The old plantation residence is still to be seen in the town, surrounded by modern dwellings. The plantation was afterwards laid off in town lots and sold. Thus it was transformed into a village.
The Choctaw Indians lived near the village. Peace and harmony existed between them and the white people. One of their greatest chiefs, Mingo, spent much of his time in the village ,frequently slept under an oak tree on the bank of the river. This tree is known as "Old Mingo." It stands a fitting monument to his memory.
General Andrew Jackson entered Madisonville by the King's Highway," having marcned into that road a mile from town, when he left the "Kentucky Road." Here he embarked, with his troops, crossing the lake in vessels, and reaching New Orleans in time to prevent its capture by General Pakenham. -
The plantation home of General Morgan, the friend of General Jackson, was near Madisonville. After the General's death it passed into other hands. It is a fine old place,and in a good state of preservation. General Morgan's body rests in the town cemetery.
Madisonville became a summer resort for visitors from New Orleans, and a resting place for travelers journeying to or from the city. They crossed the lake in fine steamers, which ran on regular, schedule time.
During the Civil War, while no battle took place in or near the town, the shot and shell of the enemy reminded the inhabitants that they, too, had a part in the great conflict. Recovering from the ravages of war the place has increased in population and in prosperity.
It is a point for lumber export. Here were shipped the products of the surrounding country. The landing place of the Ft. Biloxi Spaniards has become the thriving town of 1911.
St. Tammany Farmer Newspaper April 29, 1911
