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Thibodaux: Heart of Lafourche

Exploring the history, culture, and community of Louisiana's Queen City of Lafourche.

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Thibodaux: An Overview

The Queen City

Thibodaux, situated along the banks of Bayou Lafourche, is the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. It is recognized as a principal city within the Houmaโ€“Bayou Caneโ€“Thibodaux metropolitan statistical area. Known affectionately as the "Queen City of Lafourche," Thibodaux serves as an important regional hub.

Governance and Demographics

The city is governed by an at-large mayor, currently Kevin Clement, and a seven-member city council. As of the 2020 census, Thibodaux's population was 15,948. The demographic composition reflects a diverse community, with significant White and African American populations, alongside smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.

Educational Center

Thibodaux is home to Nicholls State University, a vital institution contributing to the academic and cultural landscape of the region. The city is also served by the Lafourche Parish Public Schools system, ensuring educational opportunities for its younger residents.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

Early Settlement and Development

The area's initial inhabitants were Native American tribes, notably the Chawasha. European settlement began in the 18th century, with French, Spanish, and Acadian immigrants establishing plantations, often utilizing enslaved African labor. The formal incorporation of Thibodauxville in 1830, named after planter Henry Schuyler Thibodaux, marked the beginning of its development as a center for the burgeoning sugar cane industry.

Civil War and Reconstruction Era

During the American Civil War, Thibodaux experienced occupation by Union and Confederate forces. The post-Reconstruction period was marked by significant labor disputes and violence. The infamous "Thibodaux massacre" of November 23, 1887, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 35 African American workers and their families, a tragic event stemming from labor strikes and racial tensions, which effectively suppressed labor organizing for decades.

Innovation and Progress

Thibodaux holds a place in postal history, pioneering one of the first rural free delivery routes in Louisiana and the second in the United States in 1896. This innovation highlights the city's early engagement with improving public services.

Geographical Context

Location and Elevation

Thibodaux is strategically located in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, situated on the northwestern bank of Bayou Lafourche. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 5.47 square miles (14.2 km2), exclusively land. The elevation averages 13 feet (4.0 meters) above sea level, placing it within the low-lying coastal plain characteristic of the region.

Climate Data

Meteorological Overview

Thibodaux experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the Gulf Coast region. The data below provides a summary of temperature and precipitation averages based on historical records.

Climate data for Thibodaux, Louisiana (1991โ€“2020 normals, extremes 1893โ€“present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high ยฐF (ยฐC) 87
(31)
88
(31)
93
(34)
94
(34)
99
(37)
102
(39)
104
(40)
105
(41)
100
(38)
99
(37)
92
(33)
90
(32)
105
(41)
Mean maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 77.4
(25.2)
79.8
(26.6)
83.1
(28.4)
86.5
(30.3)
91.5
(33.1)
94.3
(34.6)
95.9
(35.5)
96.1
(35.6)
94.3
(34.6)
89.7
(32.1)
83.8
(28.8)
80.1
(26.7)
96.8
(36.0)
Mean daily maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 63.8
(17.7)
67.9
(19.9)
73.9
(23.3)
79.4
(26.3)
86.0
(30.0)
90.5
(32.5)
92.0
(33.3)
92.1
(33.4)
88.8
(31.6)
81.8
(27.7)
72.7
(22.6)
66.3
(19.1)
79.6
(26.4)
Daily mean ยฐF (ยฐC) 54.2
(12.3)
58.2
(14.6)
63.9
(17.7)
69.6
(20.9)
76.6
(24.8)
81.9
(27.7)
83.6
(28.7)
83.5
(28.6)
79.9
(26.6)
71.4
(21.9)
62.2
(16.8)
56.4
(13.6)
70.1
(21.2)
Mean daily minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) 44.5
(6.9)
48.5
(9.2)
53.8
(12.1)
59.7
(15.4)
67.3
(19.6)
73.2
(22.9)
75.2
(24.0)
74.9
(23.8)
71.1
(21.7)
60.9
(16.1)
51.8
(11.0)
46.5
(8.1)
60.6
(15.9)
Mean minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) 27.3
(โˆ’2.6)
32.2
(0.1)
35.8
(2.1)
43.3
(6.3)
54.7
(12.6)
65.8
(18.8)
69.9
(21.1)
68.9
(20.5)
59.2
(15.1)
44.5
(6.9)
34.1
(1.2)
30.0
(โˆ’1.1)
25.7
(โˆ’3.5)
Record low ยฐF (ยฐC) 10
(โˆ’12)
6
(โˆ’14)
23
(โˆ’5)
30
(โˆ’1)
34
(1)
50
(10)
59
(15)
57
(14)
37
(3)
27
(โˆ’3)
20
(โˆ’7)
9
(โˆ’13)
6
(โˆ’14)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.76
(146)
4.38
(111)
4.85
(123)
4.94
(125)
5.91
(150)
8.67
(220)
8.41
(214)
8.48
(215)
5.96
(151)
4.72
(120)
3.80
(97)
5.25
(133)
71.13
(1,807)
Average precipitation days (โ‰ฅ 0.01 in) 12.5 9.6 9.1 8.3 8.9 14.6 17.5 15.8 11.4 8.3 7.9 10.2 134.1

Source: NOAA, NCEI

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Thibodaux's population has seen fluctuations over the decades. The 2020 census recorded 15,948 residents, an increase from the 14,566 recorded in 2010. The city's population density is substantial, reflecting its urban character within Lafourche Parish.

Racial Composition

The racial makeup of Thibodaux is diverse. As of the 2020 census, the population was predominantly White (53.8%) and Black or African American (37.98%), with smaller percentages identifying as Asian, Native American, or other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted 4.63% of the population.

Household and Economic Data

In 2020, there were 5,548 households. The median household income and family income figures provide insight into the city's economic standing. A notable percentage of families and individuals live below the poverty line, indicating socioeconomic challenges within the community.

Civic Structure

Local and State Representation

Thibodaux operates under a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor elected at-large and a city council representing various districts and at-large positions. The city's state and federal representation includes members of the Louisiana Legislature and the U.S. Congress, reflecting its integration into the broader political landscape of Louisiana and the nation.

Educational Institutions

Academic Landscape

Thibodaux is a significant educational center, anchored by Nicholls State University. The city's K-12 education is managed by the Lafourche Parish Public Schools, which oversees several elementary, middle, and high schools serving the community. Additionally, private Catholic schools and charter schools provide alternative educational pathways.

Higher Learning

Beyond Nicholls State University, residents have access to Fletcher Technical Community College, further enhancing the educational opportunities available. These institutions play a crucial role in workforce development and community enrichment.

Information Dissemination

Local News

The primary local newspaper serving Thibodaux is The Daily Comet, which has a long history dating back to 1889. It functions as a key source of local news, community information, and civic discourse.

Arts and Heritage

Spiritual and Cultural Roots

Thibodaux's cultural identity is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. St. Joseph Co-Cathedral houses relics of Saint Valรฉrie, an early Christian martyr, who is invoked for protection against hurricanes. The city's history also includes notable figures like Richard D'Alton Williams and Governor Francis T. Nicholls, who are interred in local cemeteries.

Distinguished Individuals

Figures of Influence

Thibodaux has been the birthplace or residence of numerous notable individuals across various fields. These include professional athletes (Eric Andolsek, Jarvis Green, Greg Robinson), political figures (Henry S. Thibodaux, Francis T. Nicholls, Billy Tauzin), legal professionals (Charlton Beattie, Adrian Joseph Caillouet), artists and writers (Kody Chamberlain, Theodore Ward, Mary Gauthier), and historical figures like Confederate General Braxton Bragg. The list also includes individuals associated with significant historical events and cultural contributions.

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References

References

  1.  Fred B. Kniffen, et al., The Historic Indian Tribes of Louisiana: From 1542 to the Present, Louisiana State University Press, 1987, p. 55.
  2.  Carl A. Brasseaux, Acadiana: Louisiana's Historic Cajun Country, Louisiana State University Press, 2011, pp. 46-47.
  3.  The Southern Reformer (Jackson, Mississippi), January 22, 1844, p.3; The Pittsfield Sun (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), January 25, 1844, p. 3.
  4.  Jimmy L. Brian, Jr., ""Whip them like the Mischief:" The Civil War Letters of Frank and Mintie Price," East Texas Historical Journal, Vol. 36, Iss. 2, Art. 13 (1998), p. 74.
  5.  Rebecca J. Scott, Degrees of Freedom: Louisiana and Cuba After Slavery, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2005, p. 84.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Thibodaux, Louisiana Wikipedia page

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