New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Becoming New Iberia

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

1. Becoming New Iberia Marker

Inscription. 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 marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 30° 0.171′ N, 91°

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48.801′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. It 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.

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: 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 / La Nouvelle-Ibérie (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); Shadows-on-the-Teche (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Iberia.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

2. Becoming New Iberia Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2016. This page has been viewed 1,180 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2016. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.