Beard Congregational Church
402 Granger St., Erath, LA Local significance of the building: Education; Black
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
About National Register Listings
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.
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Hurricane Katrina, which struck Louisiana in 2005, was one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. The storm caused widespread destruction in New Orleans and other parts of the state, and its aftermath highlighted issues of poverty, race, and government response in the United States.
About Vermilion Parish
Vermilion Parish Timeline
Vermilion Parish, located in southwestern Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Atakapa and Chitimacha peoples, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance.
European exploration of the area began in the late 17th century, with French explorers claiming the land for France. However, Vermilion Parish truly began to take shape in the early 19th century, when French Acadian refugees settled in the region, fleeing from British-controlled Canada. These Acadians, who would later be known as Cajuns, brought with them their unique culture, language, and way of life, deeply influencing the identity of Vermilion Parish.
The parish's economy initially relied on agriculture, specifically the cultivation of sugarcane, but its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico allowed for growth in the fishing and seafood industry as well. The development of the railroad in the late 19th century further aided in the expansion of trade and commerce in Vermilion Parish, connecting it to other parts of Louisiana and the nation.
Vermilion Parish has also played a significant role in Louisiana's political history. The region produced influential politicians, including Dudley J. LeBlanc, a pharmacist and state legislature member who authored the legislation creating the Louisiana State Highway Department, and Governor Edwin Edwards, who served four terms as governor of Louisiana.
Today, Vermilion Parish retains its strong ties to Cajun culture, with many residents speaking both English and French, and the area continues to be known for its agriculture, fishing, and close-knit communities. Its unique blend of cultures and history make it a fascinating part of Louisiana's heritage.
European exploration of the area began in the late 17th century, with French explorers claiming the land for France. However, Vermilion Parish truly began to take shape in the early 19th century, when French Acadian refugees settled in the region, fleeing from British-controlled Canada. These Acadians, who would later be known as Cajuns, brought with them their unique culture, language, and way of life, deeply influencing the identity of Vermilion Parish.
The parish's economy initially relied on agriculture, specifically the cultivation of sugarcane, but its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico allowed for growth in the fishing and seafood industry as well. The development of the railroad in the late 19th century further aided in the expansion of trade and commerce in Vermilion Parish, connecting it to other parts of Louisiana and the nation.
Vermilion Parish has also played a significant role in Louisiana's political history. The region produced influential politicians, including Dudley J. LeBlanc, a pharmacist and state legislature member who authored the legislation creating the Louisiana State Highway Department, and Governor Edwin Edwards, who served four terms as governor of Louisiana.
Today, Vermilion Parish retains its strong ties to Cajun culture, with many residents speaking both English and French, and the area continues to be known for its agriculture, fishing, and close-knit communities. Its unique blend of cultures and history make it a fascinating part of Louisiana's heritage.
Vermilion Parish Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Vermilion Parish, Louisiana.
- 1765 - The area that would become Vermilion Parish is transferred from Spain to France.
- 1803 - The territory including Vermilion Parish is sold by France to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1844 - Vermilion Parish is officially established as a parish in the state of Louisiana.
- Late 1800s - The area experiences a boom in rice cultivation, becoming a major center for rice production in the state.
- Early 1900s - The town of Abbeville becomes the parish seat and begins to thrive as a commercial and cultural center.
- 1940s - The discovery of oil and gas in the parish leads to an increase in industrial development and economic growth.
- 1973 - The parish is severely affected by Hurricane Audrey, one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in U.S. history.
- 2005 - Vermilion Parish is hit hard by Hurricane Rita, causing widespread destruction and displacement of residents.
- Present - Vermilion Parish continues to be an important agricultural and industrial area in Louisiana.