National Register Listing

Le Vieux Presbytere

205 Rue Iry Lejeune, Church Point, LA
Le Vieux Presbytere is of state significance in the area of architecture as a rare and important example of a method of construction associated with Louisiana's very significant French Creole architectural tradition.

Bousillage construction is a primary characteristic of Louisiana's Creole architectural heritage. In this building technique, frame walls, with French joinery, are infilled with a combination of clay, Spanish moss, and sometimes animal hair. Once this material is in place within a wall, it dries and hardens to form a solid structure which, in many ways, is analogous to reinforced concrete. Bousillage construction, as it was practiced in Louisiana, should be viewed as the lineal descendent of a medieval European form of construction known as half-timbering. In this case, mud and Spanish moss were substituted for the lime, plaster, and straw used in half-timbering.

Le Vieux Presbytere is a significant example of this building tradition in two respects:

1) Of the roughly 200 surviving examples in Louisiana, virtually all are only one story. The Division of Historic Preservation is aware of only one other bousillage structure in the state of more than one story (the two-story Prudhomme-Rouquier House in Natchitoches).

2) Perhaps of even greater interest is the building's extremely late date of construction (1887) -- i.e., in the era of industrial lumbering when it would have been much easier to use milled lumber and balloon frame construction. In this, Le Vieux Presbytere shows the extraordinarily long time this ancient building tradition persisted in rural Louisiana despite technological advancements. In short, here is a building from 1887 constructed in the same manner as a building from the early colonial period. The staff of the Division of Historic Preservation knows of only a very few other examples of bousillage construction from a comparable date.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
Louisiana is home to several unique cultural traditions, including Mardi Gras, a festival that is celebrated in the weeks leading up to Lent. Mardi Gras is known for its elaborate parades, colorful costumes, and festive atmosphere.
Louisiana random facts
Acadia Parish, Louisiana has a rich history that dates back to its settlement by French explorers in the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Attakapas and Coushatta Native American tribes. However, it was not until the establishment of Fort St. Jean Baptiste in present-day Natchitoches in 1714 that French influence began to shape the region.

In 1755, the Acadians, French-speaking settlers from Canada, were expelled by the British from Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia) in what is known as the Great Expulsion or Grand Dérangement. Many of these exiled Acadians, commonly known as Cajuns, found refuge in South Louisiana, including Acadia Parish. They brought with them their vibrant culture, language, and traditions, which have greatly influenced the region ever since.

The area that is now Acadia Parish was originally part of St. Landry Parish and was formed as an independent parish in 1886. The city of Crowley, founded in 1887, became the parish seat. The town was named after Pat Crowley, an Irish-American who played a pivotal role in the development of the area by creating the Louisiana Western Railroad, which contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region.

Throughout its history, Acadia Parish has been primarily agrarian, with cotton and rice as the main crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought economic diversification and led to the emergence of new industries. Today, Acadia Parish is known for its thriving agriculture, oil and gas production, as well as its popular Cajun and Creole cuisine, music, and festivals, making it a vibrant and culturally significant part of Louisiana's history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.

  • Pre-18th century: The area that would become Acadia Parish was home to Native American tribes, including the Attakapas and Opelousas tribes.
  • Mid-18th century: French settlers begin arriving in the area, establishing small farms and communities.
  • 1763: The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War, with France ceding the territory to Spain.
  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase occurs, transferring the area from Spanish control to the United States.
  • Early 19th century: Settlers from various backgrounds, including Acadians, Germans, and Anglo-Americans, continue to migrate to the area.
  • 1843: The region becomes part of St. Landry Parish.
  • 1886: Acadia Parish is established as a separate parish by the Louisiana Legislature, with Crowley chosen as the parish seat.
  • Early 20th century: The region experiences growth and development, with the economy centered around agriculture, particularly rice and sugarcane cultivation.
  • 1927: The Great Mississippi Flood devastates the area, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  • 20th century onward: Acadia Parish continues to develop, diversifying its economy and maintaining its agricultural roots.