Jacques Dupre
1830-1831

Born: February 12, 1773 in New Orleans
Political Affiliation: Whig (Anti-Jacksonian)
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Education: Limited
Career Prior to Term: Major in 16th Regiment of the Louisiana Militia; Louisiana House of Representatives; Louisiana Senate
How He Became Governor: Elected President of the Senate and completed remaining portion of Derbigny's term.
Career after Term: State Senator
Died: September 14, 1846; interred in St. Landry Roman Catholic Church, Opelousas.

Jacques Dupre was elected President of the Senate, an office left vacant after Arnaud Beauvais assumed the duties of Governor when Pierre Derbigny died in office. Upon-his election as Senate President, Dupre then became Acting Governor because Beauvais had resigned. This complicated series of successions later caused a political crisis in Louisiana.

Dupre's short term featured continued improvements in the young state's infrastructure. The legislature incorporated a railroad company, a canal company and other companies to improve navigation on state waters. A Merchant's Insurance Company begun in New Orleans protected the assets of that growing segment of society. A new company instituted to refine sugar by a new process began operating as well.

To deal with what they saw as a serious social problem, the legislature passed strict slave codes at this time in response to the work of northern abolitionists and southern slave insurrectionists.

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