Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
Alesia
Bank of Scott
Billeaud House
Billeaud, Martial, Jr., House
Brandt House
Broussard, Valsin, House
Comeaux House
Daigle House
Downtown Lafayette Civic Center
Ducrest Building
Dupleix House
Elrose
Evangeline Hotel
First United Methodist Church
Freetown-Port Rico Historic District
Gordon Hotel
Holy Rosary Institute
Hope Lodge #145
Janin Store
Lafayette Central Business District
Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Plant
Lafayette Elementary School
Lafayette Hardware Store
Latiolais, Alexandre, House
Main Street Historic District
Martin, Sidney, House
Mouton, Alexandre, House
Mouton, Charles H., House
Oil Center Historic District
Old Guaranty Bank Building
Old Lafayette City Hall
Our Lady of the Assumption School
Roy, J. Arthur, House
Roy-LeBlanc House
St. Cecilia School
St. John's Cathedral
St. Julien House
Sterling Grove Historic District
Vermilion Inn
Acadian House
Attakapas Chapel
Bayou Vermilion
Bayou Vermilion District
Beau Bassin House
Beaver Park
Boucvalt House
Broussard House
Buller House
Cathedral-Carmel School
Coussan House
Dr. Edwin L. Stephens
Emmanuel Baptist Church
François Coulee
General Alfred Mouton
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette
Gordon Square
Historic Village Map
Holy Rosary Institute
James Domengeaux
Jean Jacques Alfred Mouton Monument
La Place des Créoles
Lafayette Museum / Le Musee de Lafayette
Le Petit Bayou: Ferry
Mouton House
Mouton Kitchen
Oaks of Ile Copal
Pierre Dugat Home Site
Pillars of Progress
School House
St. Cecilia School
St. John Cathedral Oak
St. Mary's Orphanage
The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist
The Forge
The Presbytery
Trappers Cabin & Boat Shed
Vermilion River
Vermilion River
Vermilionville Historical Timeline
Vermilionville Historical Timeline
In the late 18th century, the Acadians, or "Cajuns," displaced from their homeland in present-day Nova Scotia, Canada, arrived in the region. They brought with them a unique culture and language, which still strongly influences Lafayette Parish today. The Acadians settled in the prairies and bayous of the area, becoming farmers and fishermen.
During the antebellum period, Lafayette Parish experienced significant economic growth and development as cotton plantations flourished. The labor needs of these plantations were largely met by enslaved African Americans. The Civil War and Reconstruction after the war brought significant changes to the area, as Lafayette Parish was occupied by Union troops and experienced the challenges of rebuilding after the conflict.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil in the region sparked an economic boom, transforming Lafayette Parish into a center for the petrochemical industry. The oil and gas industry continues to play a significant role in the local economy today. Throughout the 20th century, Lafayette Parish has experienced demographic shifts and cultural exchanges, resulting in a vibrant mix of Cajun, Creole, and other cultural influences that make it a unique and culturally rich area.
Brief timeline of the history of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana:
- 1823 - Lafayette Parish is established on March 27.
- 1824 - The city of Lafayette is founded as Vermilionville.
- 1836 - Vermilionville is renamed Lafayette in honor of General Lafayette.
- 1884 - The University of Southwest Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) is founded.
- 1910 - The Boustany Bridge, connecting Lafayette and Broussard, is completed.
- 1942 - Camp F-1 (now Camp Hearne) is established as a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.
- 1955 - The Lafayette Municipal Auditorium is completed.
- 1960 - Lafayette General Hospital opens its doors.
- 1997 - Lafayette Regional Airport undergoes a major expansion.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina causes significant damage to Lafayette Parish.
- 2015 - Lafayette Parish celebrates its bicentennial.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.