Centenary College's Main Academic Building

East Feliciana Parish is located in the state of Louisiana and was established in 1824. The area that is now East Feliciana Parish was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Houma, Bayou Goula, and Choctaw. The first European explorers arrived in the 18th century, with French, Spanish, and English colonizers all laying claim to the land at various times.

The parish takes its name from Felicite de Gálvez, the wife of Spanish colonial Governor Bernardo de Gálvez. The Spanish influence on the region can still be seen today in the architecture and cultural traditions of East Feliciana Parish. In the early 19th century, the area experienced an influx of settlers, mostly from other parts of the United States, attracted by the fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture.

During the American Civil War, East Feliciana Parish was the site of several significant battles and military actions. The town of Clinton, the parish seat, was occupied by Union forces for much of the war, while the Confederate Army made strategic use of the area to control access to the Mississippi River. Many historic homes and buildings in the parish still bear the scars of this turbulent period in history.

Today, East Feliciana Parish preserves its rich heritage through a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the numerous antebellum homes, visit the East Feliciana Historical Society Museum, or attend local festivals and events that showcase the traditions and customs of the area. The parish continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy.