Ascension Parish
A Mix of History and Culture

Over 500 years define the history of the site of Ascension Parish; a site historically identified by the important junction of the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche.

Today, Ascension Parish is a true American treasure. It is the ‘Gateway’ to a glorious and sublime portrait of time and people spanning more than five centuries. Nestled right between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish is an immense collection of diverse histories. Where names such as Gonzales, Sorrento and Donaldsonville reflect the story of a blended cultural past. Where Caribbean rhythms overlap with jazz, blues, and plantation European parlor music. Where soul food merges with Creole cuisine. Where art, agriculture and industry meld to echo yesterday and today.

Gonzales, LA – The Jambalaya Capital of the World

Rich in history and tradition, diverse in its ethnic background, Gonzales also holds the distinction of the title of “Jambalaya Capital of the World”. The Jambalaya Festival Association holds one of the largest state festivals every year in May. The lifestyle, food, and music combined with the endless commercial venues such as Tanger Outlet, Cabela’s, Lamar Dixon Expo Center, and the many accommodations available make Gonzales a great place to visit and to live.

Donaldsonville, LA – Once Louisiana’s State Capital

Maps of the Mississippi River in the Mid- 1800s show plantations lining the shores, but only one established town between New Orleans and Baton Rouge — Donaldsonville.

Today, Donaldsonville features the finest collection of historic structures in any in the Mississippi River Parishes above New Orleans. It is home to 50 blocks with some 640 buildings dating from 1865-1933. It is also home to Chef John Folse’s culinary operations and self-taught primitive artist Alvin Batiste. Right down Railroad Ave. is the River Road African American Museum, which reserves and exhibits art, artifacts, and buildings as it is related to the history and culture of African Americans in the rural communities along the Mississippi River.

Sorrento, LA

Sorrento was first known as Conway before being renamed in 1909. The town received its name from William Edenborn, a German immigrant who built the railroad through the region. He named the town Sorrento after the city in Italy where he took his bride for their honeymoon. Sorrento is home to the River Parish Community College and The Cajun Village, a collection of unique shops featuring Louisiana artists and products.

Ascension Parish A Mix of History and Culture

Gonzales, LA – The Jambalaya Capital of the World

Donaldsonville, LA – Once Louisiana’s State Capital

Sorrento, LA

Ascension Parish
A Mix of History and Culture