Governor Jacques Dupre

JACQUES DUPRE was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 12, 1773. His education was limited and attained through private tutoring. During the War of 1812, he served as a major in the 16th Regiment of the Louisiana militia and participated in the Battle of New Orleans. Dupre entered politics in 1816, serving as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, a position to which he was reelected in 1822 and 1824. He also served as a member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1829 to 1839. On January 14, 1830, Dupre was elected president of the senate, and consequently, he assumed the duties of the governorship, finishing out the unexpired term of Governor Derbigny. During his tenure, the merchant’s insurance company was authorized, the state’s first railroad was launched, the seat of government was moved back to New Orleans, and a bayou development company and a canal expansion company were both incorporated. After leaving office on January 31, 1831, Dupre returned to his senatorial seat. He also served as a Whig presidential elector in 1832, 1836, 1840 and 1844. Governor Jacques Dupre passed away on September 14, 1846, and was buried at the St. Landry Church Cemetery in Opelousas, Louisiana.