Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent

Life & Legacy

Gilbert Antoine de St. Maxent (also spelled Saint–Maxent; 1724 – August 8, 1794) was a French merchant and military officer who played a major role in the development of French and Spanish Louisiana.
St. Maxent was born in Longwy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, in Lorraine, France.
In 1747 he moved to New Orleans, the French colonial capital of Lower Louisiana. He enlisted in the French Army and in 1749 married the wealthy Elizabeth La Roche (1734–1809), with whom he had nine children, including Maximilien François de St. Maxent, who became a colonial governor of West Florida, Elizabeth St Maxent, wife of governor Luis de Unzaga, and Felicite de Saint Maxent, wife of governor Bernardo de Galvez. He used the dowry to open a business on Conti Street to supply fur traders.
In 1753 he was promoted to colonel and commandant of the Louisiana Regiment, by Governor Louis de Billouart Kerlerec. He was to distinguish himself in battles defending Louisiana against incursions by the British and Chickasaw in the French and Indian War during the Seven Years' War.