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Leforts in Lafourche
A 200 Year Journey

by Paul Wallace Lefort Jr.
last updated:  21-Jan-2005 10:01:22 PM

I hope everyone enjoys reading this information, as much as I have enjoyed researching and spending time talking to many family and friends about the Lefort’s history. My original goal was to try and answer a few basic questions about where the Lefort’s in Lafourche Parish came from, but as I began to learn more, my curiosity for detailed information took over. I soon found myself trying to answer questions that required much investigation. This soon became the primary focus of my already limited free time for almost two years. For me it is an expression of appreciation and honor to my ancestors for the life I have, and a way to secure the knowledge of their existence for posterity.

The research was primarily accomplished at the Thibodaux and Nicholls State University libraries, along with the Internet and verbal conversations with some of my seasoned relatives. I regret not having this interest 20 years ago when so many older folks were alive to question. Hopefully this will encourage others to record the priceless histories of their families. Like branches on a tree we grow farther away from our roots with time, loosing sight of where we started from. This is to insure my branches know their roots. It’s a funny thing how having children can change your priorities and interest in life, which can be a good thing.

The Lefort’s have been in Lafourche Parish for nearly 200 years now and have had a positive impact on the local community as productive citizens. As I look ahead to the next 200 years, I realize how important it is to make sure generations remember their family history, and the people who made them who they are. While photography, video and compact disc were not around 200 years ago, we now have a great opportunity for our descendents to really know us in vivid detail. How priceless would it be to have a video of Alexis Lefort’s trip from France, his marriage in Plattenville, and his settling in Lafourche Parish nearly 200 years ago!

This may not be a complete and accurate record of information, but it does provide a good basis of knowledge of the Lefort’s history in Lafourche Parish. My research will continue to try and answer many questions I still have, but for now I feel enough has been obtained to give a good idea of people, places and events.

The Lefort’s history in Lafourche Parish is one example of the self-reliance and determination exhibited by so many who immigrated to America in search of a better life secured with the blessings of Liberty in the new United States of America.

Bayou Lafourche was discovered in 1699 by French explorer Pierre Le Moune, Sieur d’Iberville. He named the area Lafourche meaning "Fork", because of its split with the Mississippi River near Donaldsonville. During this early period the area was inhabited by native Indians until the 1760’s when the Spanish government took control. The Spanish invited Europeans to come and settle the Lafourche region, which began the migration of French Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755. The fertile land along Bayou Lafourche allowed the settlers to survive and prosper on the small farms they worked. The nearby waters provided excellent catch for fisherman, and there was an abundance of wildlife for food and trapping.

Alexis Eugene Lefort was the first to come here from France about 1800 around the age of 25. (This date I am presently researching.) He was a true Frenchman from the famous Atlantic port city of Nantes, France. The Lefort history continues along Bayou Lafourche for the next 200 years.