explorewestfeliciana
Ghost Port Town- Bayou Sara
West Feliciana Parish, LA
Once one of the busiest port towns on the Mississippi — now gone — John James Audubon came here in 1821 and drew 1/3 of the birds for "Birds of America" in the area. John J. Audubon's painting of the Carolina Parrot — now extinct —was signed, Bayou Sara, Louisiana.
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1790 John Mills Founded Bayou Sara
West Feliciana Parish, LA
Bayou Sara Founded by John Mills in 1790 as a trading post and cotton port. Bayou Sara was the river port for the Felicianas and was one of the largest shipping ports between Natchez and New Orleans before 1860.
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June 18, 1821 John J Audubon arrived @ Bayou Sara
West Feliciana Parish, LA
June 18, 1821, John James Audubon arrived at Bayou Sara from New Orleans on the Steamboat "Columbus"
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John J. Audubon Found What He Had Long Hoped For — HERE
West Feliciana Parish, LA
In 1821, one appreciative visitor to this unique place was the naturalist and artist John James Audubon. He was mesmerized by the natural beauty of the woods, streams, and the wealth of birds he saw here. When Audubon departed the Columbus steamboat at Bayou Sara, on June 18, 1821, he did not expect to see what he found. Somewhat distraught, financially strapped, and lonely for his family, Audubon was surprised to find a world he did not know existed. His excitement is expressed in his journal entry of June 1821. "The aspects of the country entirely new to us, distracted my mind from those objects that are the occupation of my life — the rich magnolia covered with its odoriferous blossoms, the holly, the beech, the tall poplar, the hilly ground, even the red clay. I looked at with amazement and such entire change in so short a time appears often supernatural and surrounded once more by thousands of warbler and thrushes, I enjoy nature." Shop at the Historical Museum in the Heart of St. Francisville Books — Souvenirs — Gifts 11757 Ferdinand St. — To Book John Flippen as John J. Audubon Interpretive Guide — Contact: West Feliciana Historical Society +1 (225) 635-6330
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Audubon's Famous Carolina Parrot was from Bayou Sara— Now EXTINCT.
West Feliciana Parish, LA
John James Audubon's famous Carolina Parrot — Plate 26 Birds from Bayou Sara. They are now EXTINCT
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Bayou Sara & Mississippi Meet
West Feliciana Parish, LA
The mouth of Bayou Sara. To discover more about the town of Bayou Sara —visit the West Feliciana Parish Historical Museum, located in the heart of Saint Francisville. Tourist Counselors are available to answer any questions.
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Bayou Sara Destroyed by Floods & Fire
West Feliciana Parish, LA
Picture of 1912 flood in Bayou Sara. Consistent challenge of flooding and fire, eventually destroyed the port town.
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Birds Eye View Bayou Sara — Today
West Feliciana Parish, LA
Birds Eye View of Bayou Sara Site
explorewestfeliciana
West Feliciana Historical Society Museum
Saint Francisville, Louisiana, United States
Gallery of Local Historic Exhibits, Shop with Gifts & Books, and Friendly Tourist Counselors, available to answer any questions. Courtyard is always open. +1(225)635-6330