Members of the McIlhenny family - proprietors of the eponymous Tabasco Sauce
Edward McIlhenny introduced numerous varieties of azaleas, Japanese camellias, Egyptian papyrus sedge and other rare plants to the Island's natural landscape.
During his time in Haiti, he clashed with Haitian president Philippe Sudré Dartiguenave over economic issues, which resulted in McIlhenny suspending Dartiguenave's salary, causing a diplomatic crisis and inviting private criticism from the U.S. State Department.
Avery Island is the headquarters of the McIlhenny Company, makers of Tabasco sauce.
A bon vivant and gourmet, McIlhenny was closely acquainted with many luminaries of the food world, such as James Beard and Paul Prudhomme.