Bouligny, Dominique, 1773-1833

Charles Dominique Joseph Bouligny (August 22, 1773 – March 4, 1833) was a lawyer and politician, elected as U.S. Senator from Louisiana, serving 1824 to 1829. He had earlier served in the state House of Representatives. Of French and Spanish descent, he was brother to Louis Bouligny, a state representative, and uncle of John Edward Bouligny, who was elected as U.S. Representative from New Orleans.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana (then part of New Spain), he was educated by private tutors. As a young man, Bouligny served as ensign in Spain's Louisiana Regiment commanded by his father. In 1800, he was elected as a commissioner to the New Orleans municipal council (the cabildo). After the Sale of Louisiana in 1803, Bouligny (and other colonial residents) assumed U.S. citizenship. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, practicing in New Orleans.

Entering politics, Bouligny was elected to the Louisiana Territorial house of representatives in 1806. Next, he was appointed justice of the peace in New Orleans in 1807. During the War of 1812, he served on the public defense committee during the British invasion of 1814 and 1815. Bouligny was elected by the state legislature to the U.S. Senate in 1824. Bouligny served in the Senate from November 19, 1824, to March 4, 1829, serving as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the second session of the 20th Congress.

Dominique Bouligny died in New Orleans. His remains were interred in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1.