New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

The Gouguenheim Building

Circa 1890

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

1. The Gouguenheim Building Marker

Inscription.
This building, having a second story gallery which extended over the sidewalk, was largely responsible for preventing a disastrous fire from spreading throughout the Town's business district. As flamed destroyed the block just east of here on the night of October 10, 1899, firemen decided that the best opportunity to contain the inferno would be here at Iberia Street. The decision was based on the fact that this building with its stucco walls and metal roof was more fire resistant than any neighboring structure. Thus, as the fire raged ever closer, firemen pumped water onto this building to prevent it from igniting.

Donated by the George J. Trappey Family in loving memory of Barbara Tomlinson Trappey

Erected 2008 by Iberia Cultural Resources Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is October 10, 1899.

Location. 30° 0.356′ N, 91° 49.107′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. It is at the intersection of West Main Street (State Highway 182) and Iberia Street, on the right when traveling south on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 West Main Street, New Iberia LA 70560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana — Cajun Country

and specifically in Bayou Country. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

Acadia,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Steamboat Era (a few steps from this marker); Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (a few steps from this marker); Louisiana's First Black Female Physician Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet (within shouting distance of this marker); Provost's Café and Bar/Clementine Fine Dining and Spirits (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Iberia Parish Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Essanee Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Wormser's Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Iberia.

More about this marker. One of twenty-one trilingual historical markers (Spanish, French and English) located throughout New Iberia.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

2. The Gouguenheim Building Marker

English text.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

3. The Gouguenheim Building Marker

French and Spanish text.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,011 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 17, 2017.

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