Opelousas in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
19th Century Outhouse, c. 1890
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, December 21, 2018
1. 19th Century Outhouse, c.1890 Marker
Originally located in the community of Prairie Rhonde, next to the Emar Andrepont home, this 19th century cabinette was donated by the family of Dewey Ledoux and moved to the village in 1992.
While outhouses typically featured two seats, one for adults and one for children, this outhouse features an uncommon three seat design. Often times, crescent moon and star cutouts were used on the door of outhouses which goes back to Colonial times. In a time when few people could read, the crescent moon was the symbol for women while the star cutout was for men. The cutout also let light into the outhouse as there were usually no windows. For rural families, newspaper or pages from old catalogs were used for toilet paper.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.
Location. 30° 31.908′ N, 92° 4.461′ W. Marker is in Opelousas, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish. It can be reached from East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. 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, Acadia, 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sugar Kettle, c. 1800 (here, next to this marker); La Chapelle House (a few steps from this marker); Doctor's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Venus House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosa B. Scott (Anderson) (within shouting distance of this marker); J.S. Clark High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Pacific Freight Depot (within shouting distance
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, December 21, 2018
2. 19th Century Outhouse, c.1890 Marker
More about this marker. The City of Opelousas Tourist Information is located on the grounds of Le Vieux Village Historical Park & Heritage Museum at the eastern entrance of Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 517 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2018.
