Note 233 — Chapter XVI

This point derived its name from the fact that Iberville, on his ascent of the river in 1699, cut down a number of trees which obstructed one of the channels, thus changing the course of the river so as eventually to cut off the point. The name means cut-off point.

Pointe Coupée gives its name to one of the most fertile parishes in Louisiana. The parish also has an interesting history. The mouth of Red River, in the northern end of the parish, is the spot where De Soto is thought to have died. Frenchmen from Canada, Illinois, and Vincennes settled at Pointe Coupée prior to 1712—before the founding of New Orleans. Slaves were introduced in 1719, and attempts made at cotton culture as early as 1785. Efforts to introduce sugar cane began in 1776, but for a number of years met with small success.—Ed.