Robert Family Association: Historic Bayou Rouge Cemetery Vandalized

Two separate incidents of vandalism at Bayou Rouge Cemetery have shocked and outraged the Evergreen community.

Police are investigating leads and a reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Evergreen Police Chief Charles Mayeux Jr. said the first incident occurred on the evening of March 31. The second happened two nights later. In each case, the caretaker of the cemetery discovered the damage the next day. Over 40 gravesites were damaged, some severely. Among those damaged were several that were over 100 years old and at least one dating back to late 1800s. “Grave markers were turned over, broken and even stolen,” Mayeux said. “Some of these markers have historical significance because they date back to the mid-to later 1800s.” The police chief said a local monument company has estimated the damage at $15,000. Police have turned up some leads and the Bayou Rouge Cemetery Board has offered a $500 reward in the case. “This is horrible and disrespectful by whoever did this,” Mayeux continued. “This cemetery has survived storms, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, yet one individual or individuals vandalized and destroyed this cemetery in two nights.” According to findaagrave.com, there are 630 graves in Bayou Rouge Baptist Church Cemetery. The church was founded in 1843. The cemetery contains the graves of former U. S. Rep. Alfred Irion and several of the original pioneer families of the Evergreen area. Stebo Pearce, whose family has been in the Evergreen area for several generations, said he is “appalled at what was done.” He said he has worked in the cemetery for many years and helped plant over 800 azaleas at the cemetery. “A national TV program once said the `prettiest place in America today is the Bayou Rouge Baptist Church Cemetery in Evergreen, La.,’ and it is,” Pearce said. “We will catch them,” he added. “You can be sure of that. They will pay dearly.”