Madisonville, one of the oldest permanent settlements in St. Tammany Parish, was incorporated in 1811. Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, the river front town is situated along the banks of the picturesque Tchefuncte River.
Madisonville Library
Seafood restaurants overlook the river where boats constantly glide. Each year one of Louisiana’s largest events, the Wooden Boat Festival, draws thousands of visitors who enjoy the festivities along the river. Madisonville is home to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, Fairview State Park, and other points of interest. The abundance of marinas, waterfront condominiums and desirable residential areas make this area a favorite for living and a prime holiday location.
Tchefuncte Riverfront
In the early days, it was the site of a Tangipahoa Indian village. The first French settlers called it Coquille because of the abundance of seashells. In 1811, upon incorporation, it was renamed Madisonville in honor of President James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. He is best known as the 'father of the Constitution' based on his tireless efforts at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and for drafting the Bill of Rights.
History comes alive in Madisonville as we rediscover our romantic past in the expansion of the Northshore. The oldest permanent settlement in St. Tammany, officially incorporated in 1811, Madisonville was named for President James Madison.
Points of Interest
Fairview Riverside State Park
Free Public Boat Launch
Historical Sites
Meeting & Banquet Rooms
Marinas
Fresh & Salt Water Fishing
Water Sports & Recreation
Excellent Restaurants
Bed & Breakfast Inns
Antiques
Romantic Bayous
Madisonville Light
The famous Natchez Trace ends here in Madisonville, on our lake shore. General Andrew Jackson crossed Lake Pontchartrain from here on his way to the Battle of New Orleans. Madisonville has been in the business of ship and boat building for over a hundred years. The area has also been utilized as a summer retreat for many New Orleanians since the early 1800's.
A fishing pier and boat launch, at the mouth of the river and lake, provides access to some of the best recreational and fishing areas in Louisiana. Both fresh and salt water sport fishing is available in close proximity.
Today, Madisonville still retains a comfortable and serene life-style for it's residents and visitors.
Sunset at the mouth of the Tchefuncte Rivert
In recent years, we have constructed a new bridge, a bulkhead along the river, a new Town Hall and Community Center, and a park with facilities for football, baseball and soccer for the youth, as well as tennis courts which are open to the public.
All photos on this page copyright 2007 Rodney Depriest
