St. James in St. James Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

The Settlement Of Freetown

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 26, 2014

1. The Settlement Of Freetown Marker

Inscription. Following the Civil War, thirty-one individuals bought lots from C. Oliver, who acquired portions of land that was formerly a part of the Pedesclaux-Landry Plantation in St. James, LA. Together, the group carved out and cultivated the land and established the parish’s first multi-ethnic settlement of property owners. Master carpenter Elfere Mitchell built Freetown Hall in the early 1900s.

The pioneering settlers and landowners were: J.C. Oliver, Celéstin Oliver, Jean-Baptiste Louis, Onzimé Louis, John León Louis, Jean Louis Jr., Joachim Paul, Victorin Moris, Narcisse Gibson, Édmond Johnson, Félix Moris, Ben Benjamin, Ursin Toussaint, Philippé Simms, Lindor Louis, Aaron Éllison, Sally Johnson, Mack Nelson, William Jackson, Alec Smith, Trazimon Communi, James Clay, Jean-Baptiste Phillippé, Joséph Scott, Constantin Boyd, Victor Jacob, Moses Lane, Paul Daniel, Théoville Pierre, Louis Joséph, and Samuel Brown.

Erected by Freetown's Family and Friends.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.

Location. 30° 2.611′ N, 90° 50.768′ W. Marker is in St. James, Louisiana, in St. James Parish. Marker is at the

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intersection of State Highway 18 and Freetown Street, on the left when traveling south on State Highway 18. Placed on the base of the Levee. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint James LA 70086, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Malarcher House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Uncle Sam Plantation (approx. one mile away); St. Jacques de Cabahanoce (approx. 1.9 miles away); Site of First Acadian Settlers in Louisiana (approx. 2 miles away); Judge Poché Plantation House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Convent (approx. 2.6 miles away); Manresa House of Retreats (approx. 3.8 miles away); Cabahanoce Plantation (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. James.

Additional commentary.
1. My Grandmother
My grandmother, Lillian Joseph Bennett Mitchell, lived at the turn around. Her store was a "Beer Garden". She had one daughter, Shirley Bennett Eagan Lewis. Shirley had 5 children. As of today 3 living children. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted August 20, 2019, by Mylah E Deliford of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 21, 2018

2. The Settlement Of Freetown Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015. This page has been viewed 1,112 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2015. 2. submitted on September 22, 2018. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.