Edgard, Louisiana, is a small, historically rich town located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish. It has served as the parish seat since the mid-19th century and retains much of its rural charm and historical cha... read moreracter. Originally known as St. John the Baptist, the town was renamed Edgard in 1850 in honor of Edgar Perret, the local postmaster. Its roots are deeply tied to sugarcane agriculture, which shaped both the economy and culture of the area.

One of Edgard’s most prominent landmarks is the E.J. Caire & Co. Store, which opened in 1855 and operated for over a century. This store is a well-preserved example of 19th-century commercial architecture and stands as a symbol of the town’s longstanding community life. Another important site is Evergreen Plantation, considered one of the most intact plantation complexes in the South. The property includes dozens of original structures, such as the main house and 22 slave cabins, offering an in-depth look at the daily life and labor on a Louisiana sugar plantation.

Edgard also reflects the diverse cultural history of the German Coast, a region settled by German immigrants in the 1700s. This heritage influences local traditions and community identity. The town is served by West St. John High School, which has played an important role in local education. With its preserved landmarks and layered history, Edgard offers a meaningful view into Louisiana’s plantation past and its enduring rural traditions.