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MADISONVILLE LANDMARKS

Madisonville is located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and is situated along the banks of the picturesque Tchefuncte River.

Seafood restaurants overlook the river where boats constantly glide. Each year one of Louisiana’s largest events, the Wooden Boat Festival, draws thousands of visitors who enjoy the festivities along the river. Madisonville is home to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, Fairview State Park, and other points of interest. The abundance of marinas, waterfront condominiums and desirable residential areas make this area a favorite for living and a prime holiday location.

In the early days, it was the site of a Tangipahoa Indian village. The first French settlers called it Coquille because of the abundance of seashells. In 1811, upon incorporation, it was renamed Madisonville in honor of President James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. He is best known as the 'father of the Constitution' based on his tireless efforts at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and for drafting the Bill of Rights.

History comes alive in Madisonville as we rediscover our romantic past in the expansion of the Northshore.

 

 

Madisonville Bicentennial 1811-2011

Vessels of Tchefuncte Past

A slide show presentation prepared for the Bicentennial Celebration of Madisonville Louisiana, depicting the many vessels that plowed the waters of the Tchefuncte River during the 20th century.

Images courtesy: Walter F. Jahncke Collection, Steven Grant Jahncke, St. Tammany Historical Society, The "Conifer", Dennis Bechac, The Olga Brewster Scrapbook Collection, Randy Hayno

Compiled by: Rusty Burns for the enjoyment of the community and to perpetuate the history of Madisonville Louisiana and the Tchefuncte River

 
 

Madisonville Bicentennial 1811-2011

The Jahncke Shipyard

A slide show production prepared for the Bicentennial Celebration of Madisonville Louisiana, depicting activity surrounding the construction of the great "Jahncke Shipyard" and the Madisonville war effort.

Images courtesy: Walter F. Jahncke Collection, Steven Grant Jahncke

Compiled by: Rusty Burns for the enjoyment of the public and to perpetuate the history of Madisonville Louisiana and the Tchefuncte River

 

Madisonville Bicentennial 1811-2011

Madisonville Faces & Places

Compiled by Rusty Burns for the enjoyment of the community and to perpetuate the history of Madisonville Louisiana

LANDMARKS

  
Tchefuncte Lighthouse

The Tchefuncte Lighthouse is one of the most popular landmarks in the area. Built in 1838, its' lamps were visible for 11 miles.  The Lighthouse Keeper's house was moved from its original location to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum.  Today, the Lighthouse enjoys a resurgence of interest for restoration. 

 

 Lighthouse
Madisonville Museum

The Madisonville Museum is located in the historic Madisonville Courthouse.  Erected in 1911, the museum and giant oak shadowing its' entrance are on the National Registry of Historic Places. Madisonville and Civil War history are displayed along with wildlife and indian culture.

 Madisonville
Riverfront

A popular weekend stop for families of all ages to admire the boats visiting the area or the river meandering slowly along, the riverfront has long been a hub of activity, important since before the Civil War.  The riverfront is the used for functions throughout the year such as the Wooden Boat Festival, Cruisin' on the River Car Show, Acoustic String Jam, Dragon Boat Festival, and various boat parades.

 

 Madisonville
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum

Located on the banks of the scenic Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum takes you on a historic journey through maritime Louisiana.The museum brings Louisiana’s maritime history to life through unique interpretive programs, exhibits, and publications. These programs include the time honored craft of boat building, hands-on field trips, constructing underwater robots, lighthouse overnights, and other exciting educational opportunities for people of all ages.

 

 

 

 

 

 LPBMM
Madisonville Branch Library (Currently Undergoing Renovations)

The building that served as the Madisonville Branch Library until damaged by Hurricane Katrina, also served as a hospital and bank in prior years.  Due to the damage it received, it is currently being renovated and its future function has not yet been determined.  The site is on the National Registry of Historic Places and it has had an illustrious career since the turn of the century as first a two story saloon, then as a bank, a hospital, and again as a bank.  After restoration in 1987, the building was dedicated as the "Patricia Chatellier Pelloat Memorial Library."

 Madisonville

 

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