Charles "Chalou" Trepagnier Building
This building built in 1868 served as the Ascension parish Courthouse and jail. On June 1, 2017, the Ascension Parish Council officially changed the name to Charles "Chalou" Trepagnier Building in honor of his 51 years as a law enforcer.
Born to cariogero Trapani from Salaparta, Sicily, and Virginia Cantella from Gibellina, Sicily, on March 12, 1906. At his baptism the priest misspelled his name Carlogero Trapani to Charles Trepagnier and this became his Americanized name. Chalou and his siblings Phillip, Joe, Frank, Victor, Virginia, Mary and Margret worked hard on their dad's farm and in his grocery store on Front Street in Donaldsonville. At the age of 18 Chalou became deputy and jailer and lived in the jail. He married Mary Falsetta and they had four children Virgie, Charles III, Anthony and Rosemary. His exploits in the line of deputy and chief of police are legendary, He died September 14, 1985.
Mr. Chalou respected everyone and everyone respected him.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 30° 6.292′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes, in Acadiana Cajun Country, and in Greater Baton Rouge. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Great River Road Region. 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Donaldsonville (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana Square (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Francis T. Nicholls (about 400 feet away); War Veterans Memorial
More about this marker. Mounted on the wall of the old Ascension Parish jail building.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,042 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2018.
