National Register Listing

Downtown New Iberia Commercial Historic District

Roughly bounded by Fulton, W. Main, Burke, Weeks, E. St. Peter, W. St. Peter & Jefferson Sts., New Iberia, LA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

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.

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.
Louisiana random facts
Iberia Parish, located in the southern part of Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chitimacha tribe, who lived along the banks of the Bayou Teche. The French were the first Europeans to settle in the area, establishing a trading post in what is now New Iberia.

In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, Spanish forces took control of Louisiana, including Iberia Parish. Under Spanish rule, the area saw an increase in population and agricultural development. Sugar cane became the primary crop, leading to the establishment of sugar plantations. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the architecture and culture of the region.

In 1803, Louisiana was acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The new American government brought changes to Iberia Parish, including the introduction of English as the primary language and the influx of American settlers. The 19th century saw economic growth in the parish, with the expansion of the sugar industry and the completion of the railroad, which connected Iberia Parish to New Orleans and facilitated trade.

Throughout the 20th century, Iberia Parish continued to grow and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the 1930s brought an economic boom, leading to the establishment of petroleum and manufacturing industries. The parish also became known for its seafood production, particularly shrimp and crab. Today, the economy of Iberia Parish is diverse, encompassing industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and seafood production. The rich cultural heritage of the area is celebrated through festivals, museums, and historic sites, attracting visitors from all over the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Iberia Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1765 - Spanish authorities establish a settlement known as "Nueva Iberia" in the area now known as Iberia Parish.
  • 1803 - Louisiana Purchase: Spain cedes the territory, including Iberia Parish, to the United States.
  • 1824 - Iberia Parish is officially established as a parish in the state of Louisiana.
  • 1839 - Construction of the first courthouse in New Iberia is completed.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, New Iberia is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1893 - The Great Fire of New Iberia destroys a significant portion of the city.
  • 1930s - Discovery of the Weeks Island salt dome leads to the development of the oil and gas industry in Iberia Parish.
  • 1941 - Naval Air Station New Iberia is established as a training facility during World War II.
  • 1970s - The shrimp industry becomes a prominent economic sector in Iberia Parish.
  • 1987 - Tabasco Sauce Museum opens in Avery Island, attracting visitors from around the world.