Poydras, Julien, 1746-1824

Planter, merchant, and philanthropist Julien Poydras was born near Nantes, France in 1746. He arrived in New Orleans ca. 1768 and settled in Pointe Coupee Parish. In addition to his store and gin on False River, he owned five plantations in Pointe Coupee Parish, one in West Baton Rouge Parish, and over 500 slaves. He also had real estate in New Orleans.

In addition to his planting, he was involved in the government of the territory and state, serving as civil commandant at Pointe Coupee and president of the first Legislative Council of the Territory of Orleans in 1804, a delegate to Congress (1809-1811), president of the Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1812, and president of the state senate in 1812-1813 and 1820-1821.

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