Since the 1970s, St. Francisville has been aware of the importance of Historic Preservation. At that time, a survey was conducted of the important old buildings in the downtown. The
result was that over 140 structures were listed in the National Register of Historic Places as an Historic District. Many diverse architectural styles have been made use of in our town, most of them reflecting the regions of the Carolinas from whence the builders had recently arrived to
this frontier. There is even a hint of our neighboring Frenchmen in some structures, though
Anglo styles predominate.
To enhance the preservation efforts of the town's residents, the Town Fathers chose to
become a Main Street Community in 1993. Initially, this program was self initiated, but
in 1994 the St. Francisville Main Street Program became a part of the Louisiana Main Street
and the National Main Street Center. Through this partnership of more than five years, our
town has profited greatly. More than 30 buildings have received Facade Grants from the Louisiana Main Street. Since the beginning in 1993 through the outstanding work done
most recently on the Grandmother's Buttons old bank building, and in 2000-2001 the Feliciana Masonic Lodge #31, F&AM, $58,500 in Facade Grants have generated nearly 1/2 million dollars in private investment. One sign of our success is being listed in Larry Brown's little book - "The 200 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America". The St. Francisville Historic District Commission, a five member board, oversees the activities of the Main Street Program. 
Promotion, Organization, Economic Revitalization, are joined with the Design or preservation
aspect of the Main Street philosophy. St. Francisville Main Street has initiated such retail and special events as the "Sidewalk Sales" for downtown shops; the "Small Town 4th of
July Celebration" with a children's parade and fireworks; and most recently an extremely
successful "Art in the Park" which featured a juried show and sale of area artists, and was highlighted by an exclusive showing of watercolor landscapes by Charles Reinike of the New Orleans Art School
c. 1935-40. This has created the opportunity for implementation of a new St. Francisville Arts Council and more exciting shows and activities are in the works!
This Main Street Manager is also the director of the St. Francisville Economic Development Commission. Through this medium we are able to promote the Town of St. Francisville as a tourist destination, and encourage new businesses to relocate here, as well. Our downtown is ideal for an electronic retail site or various other opportunities.Organization translates to committees, committees, committees! Main Street assists with the promotion and production of the Audubon Pilgrimage, Christmas in the Country, The Day the War Stopped, "Art in the Park", and greeting the many annual riverboat visitors. We provide tokens of St. Francisville to the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Commission, and the St.Francisville, Overnight!
In other words, if you need to advertise or produce an event, paint you house with appropriate historic colors, create the proper gift to greet a huge group, or find a spot for your new business - call the St. Francisville Main Street office! (225)635-3873
Email inquiries to: sfmainst@demco.net
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