Rapides Parish Governors

Four 19th century Rapides Parish residents served Louisiana as governor.Joseph Marshall Walker (1784-1856), a Bayou Rapides cotton planter, was governor 1850-53 -- the first to be installed in the newly-designated Baton Rouge capital. During his administration improvements were made in water and railway transportation, telegraph lines built, levees and drainage improved and a state banking system established.Thomas Overton Moore (1804-1877), a Bayou Robert planter, was governor 1860-64, including the two-months period of independence when Louisiana seceded from the Union but had not joined the Confederacy. During his term the capital was twice moved to escape the Federal troops' invasion.<br><br>James Madison Wells (1808-1899), a Bayou Boeuf plantation owner, was elected lieutenant governor of federally-occupied Louisiana in 1864 and served as governor from 1865 to 1867. He sought reconciliation between Unionists and Secessionists.Newton Crain Blanchard (1849-1922), born and reared on Bayou Jean de Jean, was governor 1904-08. His administration was known for progressive reform.