Jacques Philippe Villere was the first native-born Louisianan to serve as governor of Louisiana from 1816 to 1820. He served as major-general commanding the 1st Division of Louisiana Militia during the Battle of New Orleans. On December 23, 1814, British forces reached the Mississippi River at Villere Plantation and established their headquarters in the plantation's main house. Villere later retired to this plantation, known as Conseil, where he successfully cultivated sugar until his death.