In the 19th and 20th centuries, it gained prominence as the locus of a Creole de couleur (multiracial) culture,[2] centered around the Melrose Plantation and the adjacent St. Augustine Parish (Isle Brevelle) Church.

Melrose Plantation is a National Historic Landmark.

In 1836, the Red River shifted into an eastern channel, known as the "Rigolette de Bon Dieu.

"[3] Lyle Saxon wrote a short story titled "Cane River" published in 1926.

[4] The Cane River and Creoles also feature in Saxon's 1937 novel Children of Strangers.