Spanish Lake (Ascension Parish) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spanish Lake |
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 Spanish Lake
Location in Louisiana
Spanish Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bluff Swamp, Iberville / Ascension parishes, Louisiana, United States |
| Coordinates | 30°17′30″N 91°02′12″W / 30.29167°N 91.03667°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
Spanish Lake (also known as Lac Espagnol in French) is a beautiful lake located in the Bluff Swamp area of Louisiana. You can find it right on the border between Iberville Parish and Ascension Parish.
A Look Back in Time
Early Settlers
Long ago, people from France and Spain came to settle in this area. They were some of the first European families to live near what is now Spanish Lake. Their history is part of why the lake has its name.
Governor Unzaga's Plans
A Spanish governor named Luis de Unzaga was in charge of Louisiana between 1769 and 1777. He was known as 'le Conciliateur,' which means 'the Peacemaker.' Governor Unzaga worked to create new settlements for European families.
He helped French Acadians and people from Malaga, Spain, find new homes. These new communities were in the rich Mississippi River region. Some of the places he helped create include the Unzaga Post in Pointe Coupee in 1771, the parish of Saint Gabriel in 1773, and Fort Manchac in 1776. These settlements helped shape the history of the area around Spanish Lake.
Water Sources and Nature
Spanish Lake gets its water from several smaller waterways. These include Alligator Bayou, Brand Bayou, Bayou Braud, and Bayou Paul. These bayous help keep the lake full and healthy.
The lake is also an important part of the Bluff Swamp Wildlife Refuge and Botanical Gardens. This is a national non-profit organization. It works to protect and preserve nature. The refuge has saved about 901 acres (3.6 square kilometers) of the Bluff Swamp. This means the area around Spanish Lake is a safe home for many plants and animals.
