Swamp People
The people of south Louisiana stem from many diverse and varied ethnic backgrounds. The cooking, music, dancing, and folklore of this region reflect their origins in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
The first Europeans to colonize south Louisiana were the French, who arrived in 1698. During the mid 1700's French settlers from Nova Scotia (Acadia) came to south Louisiana where they adopted a hunting and fishing existence and came to be known as Cajuns (a corruption of Acadian).
During the next century, many additional ethnic groups came to south Louisiana. Some of these joined with the Cajuns in developing a unique culture intimately bound to the natural history of the swamp. As you pass through the exhibit and learn about the natural history of the swamp, you will see how the history of man in south Louisiana revolved around the abundant plant and animal life of this lush, fertile environment.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 55.177′ N, 90° 7.826′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in Audubon. It is on Magazine Street. Located within the Audubon Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans LA 70118, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least
this page online
More about this marker. Located within the Audubon Zoo, at entrance to Louisiana Exhibit.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 994 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2018.
