New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Becoming New Iberia
October 7, 2016
1. Becoming New Iberia Marker
In 1779, a group of about 500 Spanish settlers moved from Malaga, Spain to the banks of Bayou Teche and founded the city of "Nueva Iberia," named after their Iberian Peninsula. It is the only town still in existence in Louisiana to be founded by Spaniards during the Colonial Era. Local French-Canadian "Acadians," or "Cajuns" as they have come to be known, who were exiled from their homeland of Nova Scotia in the late 1700s, preferred to call the city "Nouvelle Ibérie." Following the Louisiana Purchase, English settlers adopted "New Town" as the city's name. Settled by compromise, even our name "New Iberia" is reflective of the coming together of cultures.Each group brought from their European homelands distinct languages, cultures and rules of law that governed the city. Native Americans and African Americans also contributed to the melding of these cultures to create a distinct flavor not found anywhere else in the world. Be sure to see the trilingual plaques on buildings throughout the Main Street area for more information on New Iberia's History.
Erected by City of New Iberia.
Topics. This historical
October 7, 2016
2. Becoming New Iberia Marker
Location. 30° 0.171′ N, 91° 48.801′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. Marker can be reached from East Main Styreet (State Highway 182) near Civic Center Circle, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 445 East Main Street, New Iberia LA 70563, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Félicité (here, next to this marker); Frédéric Henri Duperier (here, next to this marker); The Original New Iberia Fire Bell (a few steps from this marker); New Iberia (a few steps from this marker); Saint Peter's College (within shouting distance of this marker); Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederick Larned Gates (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Weeks' Grove (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Iberia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2017. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2016. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2016. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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