New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Louisiana's First Black Female Physician Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet
(November 21, 1868-August 26, 1946)
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, February 9, 2019
1. Louisiana's First Black Female Physician Dr. Emma Wakefield~Paillet Marker
In 1897, Dr. Emma Wakefield became the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in Louisiana. Born and raised in New Iberia to state senator Samuel Wakefield & Amelia Valentine Wakefield, Emma graduated with honors from the medical department of New Orleans University and was licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana and California. She married Joseph Oscar Paillet of Opelousas in San Francisco in 1900.
Erected by the Iberia African American Historical Society (IAAHS).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 30° 0.371′ N, 91° 49.109′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. It is on West Main Street near Iberia Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in front of the Bouligny Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 W Main St, New Iberia LA 70560, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country and specifically in Bayou Country. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. 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: Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (here, next to this marker); The Gouguenheim Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Old City Hall
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Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, February 8, 2019
2. Louisiana''s First Black Female Physician Dr. Emma Wakefield~Paillet Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2019, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,128 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2019.
