Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-06-17
Thibodaux. and its Vieinage.

No other country of the same extent in Louis
lana, or within the Union, possesses greater or
equal agricultural wealth and beauty, to that
lying in the immediate vicinity Of Thibodaux-
say from the upper limits of the parish Of La
fourche. about five miles above, extending down
to the plantation of Messrs. W. G. Il F. Webb,
at the crossing of the New Orleans, Opelousas
and Great Western Railroad, about four miles
below, including both banks of the Lafourche,
the settlements on Bayou Sec, and those on the
Terrebonne as far out as the plantation OF
Messrs. Thibodaux Brothers, forming district
of country resembling somewhat in shape a
Greek cross.
Nearly all the tillable lands in the above
scope of country, embracing superficial area
of about thirty miles, are in the highest state OF
cultivation. Some are most beautifully orna-
mented, with groves of the orange, the lemon,
the pomgranite, the banana, the peach, the
plum, and every variety of shrubbery-sur-
rounded by living enclosures OF the Cherokee
rose, box, hawthorn, and the Usage orange
The mansions of some of the planters, though
not gorgeous, are neat and present imposing
appearances when viewed from the decks OF
steamers while gliding over the bosom OF our
placid bayou-very justly acknowledged to be
the most beautiful natural water course in the
world. The forests, near by, abound in every
variety of wood peculiar to the country, and are
in themselves a mine of inexhaustible wealth !;
for without them our country would be COM
paratively worthless as sugar growing district.
The cypress, particularly, which grows and
thrives best in our swamps, is Of immense value
and importance to our planters; and from this
wood is manufactured the barrels and hogsheads
used by them for putting up their sugar and
molasses. It also enters largely, or we might
say entirely, into the construction of their
buildings, enclosures, ETC., and gives value to
our swamp lands, causing them to command
from ten to thirty dollars per acre.
The number of sugar estates now in success
full operation in the above district Of country,
is about fifty, producing sugar Of the very best
quality. The average product per annum is
about 19, 500, 900 pounds of sugar and 200, 900
gallons Of molasses, which at present prices,
would produce revenue, from these two articles
only, of over six hundred thousand dollars. The
expense for transportation to market amounts
annually to over forty-four thousand dollars
which is equally shared by the beautiful and
magnificent steamers running in the trade.
Now we would in all sincerity ask those cold
fogies, who so much dislike to see the wheel Of
progress revolving on its axis, developing the
rich and abundant resources of the country,
how is it possible that Thibodaux, the shire-town
| of the parish Of Lafourche, and the chief place
Of trade of this whole district Of country, in
habited by enterprising and go-ahead citizens,
surrounded by so much real substantial wealth,
can help but psesress, and become one of the
chief and most important interior towns Of the
State
The present age is one of progress and ad-
vancement. Coming events cast their shadow.