Jean Lafitte in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Manila Village
At the turn of the 19th century, in nearby Barataria Bay, a group of Filipinos built raised structures on stilts above the water which became known as Manila Village. These shrimp drying platform structures became the forerunners of the Louisiana shrimp drying industry. Local fisherman Quintin de la Cruz spearheaded the construction and development on Manila Village. The platform community flourished for several decades until Hurricane Betsy completely destroyed it in 1965.
Erected by Filipine-Louisiana Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 44.092′ N, 90° 7.555′ W. Marker is in Jean Lafitte, Louisiana, in Jefferson Parish. Marker is on Jean Lafitte Boulevard (State Highway 45) south of Church Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2654 Jean Lafitte Boulevard, Lafitte LA 70067, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clark Cheniere (here, next to this marker); Town of Jean Lafitte (approx. 2.3 miles away); Barataria Preserve (approx. 3.4 miles away); Sinking Land, Rising Water (approx. 3.4 miles away); Poblacion de Barataria (approx. 5.1 miles away); Woodlawn High School and the Struggle for Racial Equality (approx. 6.8 miles away); Mary Plantation (approx. 9 miles away); Bellechasse Plantation (approx. 11.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jean Lafitte.
More about this marker. Located in front of the Town of Jean Lafitte municipal building.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,101 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2017.