On this site C.C. Duson drove a stake and said: "On this spot I will build a town and name it for my wife, Eunice." An auction of lots was held here to start the town, Sept. 12, 1894. Depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places. — — Map (db m85828) HM
Among first to record Cajun music, bridging old and new tunes, styles and dances influencing generations. French side Un des premiers à enregistrer la musique Cadienne. Son melange de styles influence encore les artisted des nos jours. — — Map (db m175143) HM
English Original site of Arnestor Johnson's Dry Goods Store. Said to be the first to sell Cajun boudin in the 1940s. A south Louisiana delicacy. French Le premier site du Magasin de Grosserie D'Arnestor Johnson, soi-disant le premier . . . — — Map (db m180945) HM
Second oldest institution of learning in Louisiana, opened in 1821 by Mother Audé and Sister Layton, Religious of the Sacred Heart. The Society was brought to America in 1818 by Blessed Philippine Duchesne. — — Map (db m20027) HM
Early and important center of Catholic education. Noted for its Creole architecture. Town developed around Academy of Sacred Heart, founded in 1821, and St. Charles Jesuit College, founded in 1837. — — Map (db m69329) HM
The Atchafalaya Basin is made up of three floodways - The West Atchafalaya Floodway, The Morganza Floodway and the Lower Atchafalaya Basin Floodway - which together are designed to move floodwaters south to the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to the . . . — — Map (db m117196) HM
The Flood Control Act of 1966 authorized the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water Project, which provided funding for the construction of the system that now transfers water from the Atchafalaya River into Bayou Teche and the Vermilion River. Efforts to . . . — — Map (db m114155) HM
Big Alabama Bayou Big Alabama and Little Alabama Bayous are now cut off by levees, but once were bustling waterways, full of fisherman, trappers, hunters and more. The town of Sherburne, now long gone, once stood on the banks of the Big . . . — — Map (db m129800) HM
Bottomland hardwood forests are seasonally flooded and are commonly known as swamps. These areas once covered great regions of the South but are now a patchwork system of fragmented lands.Great swamps had many things that attracted early visitors. . . . — — Map (db m135040)
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 . . . — — Map (db m127819) HM
Acadian House
Built 1971
This building, which once served as the Opelousas Tourist Information Center, was
constructed to resemble a typical Cajun home of the 1800s. Popular from 1765 to
1900, the Acadian House was made from Louisiana . . . — — Map (db m224354) HM
Here, on October 21, 1863, during the Great Texas Overland Expedition, Union troops under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks, forced Confederates, under Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, to evacuate Opelousas and move his defensive line 7 miles north. 12 days later, . . . — — Map (db m85920) HM
In 1897, when there were few local schools for Blacks, the 7th District Baptist School was founded and housed in the original church building on this site. It was 1 of 2 private schools for area Blacks. — — Map (db m98730) HM
Named for Joseph Bloch (c. 1833-1900), who emigrated from France and operated a successful mercantile store on this corner from the late 1850s until the later part of that century. The building that housed the store was known as the Miramond . . . — — Map (db m147018) HM
Named for J. Adam Budd who owned a building on this corner for many years, where he operated a saloon. Another business also located in the Budd Bulding in the early 1900s was an Elk Restaurant owned by chef Charles A. "Didee" Lastrapes, who later . . . — — Map (db m146840) HM
One of the earliest buildings to occupy this corner was built by Mrs. Ann Meremon as a memorial to her late husband, Jean Meremon. Bataille Dry Goods operated on this site in 1847. Later, Joseph Bloch owned the store from 1860 through the 1890s. . . . — — Map (db m147244) HM
Construction began in November 1919 and was completed the
following year, opening as the home to Christman & Riseman
Hardware and Furniture Store. The building was later leased
to Collins Conrad of Breaux Bridge, who renovated it and
opened The . . . — — Map (db m145719) HM
This turn of the century doctor's office, built by Dr. Ertemon Lafleur, was originally located one mile west of the junction of Louisiana highways 103 and 104 in the community of Prairie Ronde. The office is a reminder of how medical practice has . . . — — Map (db m107590) HM
Built in the 1880s by Emar Andrepont, this building is typical of an old "general" country store. Originally built in the rural St. Landry Parish community of Prairie Ronde, the store operated for nearly 100 years. It was first owned by Emar, and . . . — — Map (db m107923) HM
The J.S. Clark walkway is a tribute to J.S. Clark High School, its faculty, staff, students and the people of Opelousas, Louisiana.J.S. Clark High School was an endemic institution located at 1100 E. Leo Street in Opelousas, Louisiana. The school . . . — — Map (db m108010) HM
The expansion of the Teche Federal Bank on Landry Street in Opelousas led to the relocation of the Jarrell Home to Le Vieux VillageThe history of the house dates back to 1898 when it was the property of Dr. Vincent Boagni, a noted Opelousas . . . — — Map (db m107988) HM
This giant live oak tree is over 350 years old and
is named in honor of legendary adventurer and
hero of the Battle of the Alamo, Colonel
James "Jim” Bowie, who lived in Opelousas
for part of his life.
The Jim Bowie Oak is a charter . . . — — Map (db m145660) HM
Named for the family of Felix King (1819-1897), who owned a general merchandise store on this corner as early as 1847. King also served as President of the Board of Police for some years. When King went out of business, other merchants occupied the . . . — — Map (db m187463) HM
The La Chapelle house stood at the corner of Union and Grolee streets in Opelousas for more that a century. Clerk of Court records indicate the home was built by Herbert La Chapelle, a French Canadian who moved to Opelousas where he purchased land . . . — — Map (db m107726) HM
These offices of prominent Opelousas attorneys have been used for over 100 years and the owners have preserved the original atmosphere of the past. — — Map (db m145717) HM
French for "the old village," Le Vieux Village is a park created by a collection of restored historic structures from Opelousas and surrounding areas of St. Landry Parish. The village depicts the unique and diverse historical and cultural heritage . . . — — Map (db m107525) HM
This Monument is dedicated to the men and women of St. Landry Parish who honorably served our country and to those who paid the Supreme Sacrifice for Freedom World War II Korean War Vietnam War Erected by the Opelousas Elks Lodge #1048 B.P.O.E . . . — — Map (db m147589) WM
The first Methodist Church in Louisiana began here in 1805 and is called "The Cradle of Louisiana Methodism." The first conference of Louisiana Methodists convened here in 1847. — — Map (db m114178) HM
In 1805, Elisha W. Bowman was sent as a Missionary to Louisiana by Bishops Whatcoat and Asbury, reaching Appelousas territory in late 1805. He organized a Methodist Society in Opelousas early in 1806, which was as near as can be . . . — — Map (db m114154) HM
In 2009, a former century old Union Pacific freight depot was restored to become the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum.Opelousas was one of the many railway destinations for thousands of homeless children rescued from the streets of New York City from . . . — — Map (db m107838) HM
(panel 1)
Lt. Fr. Joseph "Verbis" Lafleur was born to Valentine and Agatha Dupre Lafleur on January 24, 1912 in Ville Platte, LA and later moved to Opelousas, LA in 1926. From St. Landry Catholic Church, he was accepted by the Diocese . . . — — Map (db m86781) HM WM
Named for Manon Baldwin, a Free Woman of Color and one of the first known businesswomen in Opelousas. The businesses she owned included a tavern and boarding house that were operated on this corner until her death in 1858. — — Map (db m145918) HM
Built by Davenport, Iowa Ironworks Company, the Mary Jane Steam Engine was a wood-burner and, at its best speed, traveled 25 miles per hour. Records indicate the train was used for at least 50 years before it was retired. In 1959, civic organizers . . . — — Map (db m107491) HM
Myrtle Grove Cemetery was once known as the "Protestant Cemetery."
In April 1837, the City of Opelousas named a two man-committee to locate four arpents (an old French unit of
land measurement) of property for a public burial ground. A sexton . . . — — Map (db m145718) HM
This three story Romanesque Revival building has
been an Opelousas landmark for over a century. Begun
in 1890 and completed the following year, at the time
it was one of the largest federal buildings in the state.
In 1933, the Federal Court . . . — — Map (db m146177) HM
Operating under several different names, a hotel once occupied this spot; an inn and tavern is recorded being here in the late 1700s. Most notably was the Eagle Hotel where the legislature convened during the Civil War when Opelousas served as the . . . — — Map (db m145949) HM
Organized on April 26, 1910, the Union Bank & Trust Company purchased this site from J.B. Sandoz for $7,000 and built the current structure. Prior to this, the property had been home to a restaurant, barber shop, saloon and warehouse, but the . . . — — Map (db m147014) HM
After the Union occupation of New Orleans and surrounding territory in the spring of 1862 the state offices were moved to Opelousas. From here Governor Thomas Moore issued an address to the people urging them to continue the struggle, and the state . . . — — Map (db m85895) HM
English:
Poste des Opelousas founded by French traders middle of 18th century. Headquarters district of Opelousas under Spanish 1769. Parish seat of "Old Imperial St. Landry" 1808. State Capital 1862-1863.
French:
Poste des . . . — — Map (db m85896) HM
St. Mary's Academy, founded by Fr. Raymond for boys, 1855, combined with Academy of the Immaculate Conception for girls opened by the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1856. St. Joseph's School, 1874, renamed Holy Ghost, was founded by the . . . — — Map (db m85217) HM
Site of first public school for People of Color in Opelousas. Also known as St. Landry Parish Training School. School constructed on property donated by the City of Opelousas in 1918. — — Map (db m85216) HM
Opelousas First and Famous Birthplace Of Zydeco Music
Birthplace Of Swamp Pop Music
First Protestant (Methodist) Church In Louisiana & Oldest Methodist Church
West Of The Mississippi - 1806
First Masonic Temple West Of The Mississippi- . . . — — Map (db m134002) HM
Charles Pitre owned a building on this corner for many years. The Pitre building housed several businesses, including Eddy's Pool Hall. and Saloon and the Eddy Hotel. In 1904, the building was destroyed by fire. In 1911, Union Bank and Trust . . . — — Map (db m146178) HM
Preston Fontenot, better known as 'Sweet', was a member of the J.S.
Clark High School class of 1961. Preston was a very popular and
intelligent student. He was a member of the 1958 and 1959 AA LIALA
state track championship teams, but 'Sweet's . . . — — Map (db m224355) HM
On June 20, 1994, an assault occurred at Fairchild Air Force Base by a gunman during which 4 personnel were killed and 23 wounded. Rosa B., a civilian nurse at the base hospital, risked her life as a first responder to prevent further loss of life. . . . — — Map (db m108137) HM WM
1) Sweet potatoes introduced and promoted throughout the area by John Sibille, brought prosperity and made Sunset the largest shipping point for yams in the world during the 1940's and 1950's. In the 1940's, Sunset became known as the "Sweet Potato . . . — — Map (db m107613) HM
On April 4, 1809, Louisiana cotton planter Jean Henri Lastrapes became the proud father of a new baby boy. Because this was his seventh son, he immediately sent workers out to gather seven small live oak trees, intending to surround his home with . . . — — Map (db m107480) HM
Established at the turn of the 20th century by
Dr. Creighton Shute, this building served as
a general merchandise store and pharmacy.
This property is of significance in U.S. history as
Clyde Barrow, of the notorious Barrow Gang,
received his . . . — — Map (db m145872) HM
James Bowie lived here with his family from 1815 to 1824. The Bowies operated several sawmills along the bayous of St. Landry Parish. The famous Bowie knife became a legend in Opelousas prior to his heroic death at the Alamo. — — Map (db m85968) HM
This small, single frame wood structure was built in 1948 as a house of worship for the African American Methodist congregation in the small, rural St. Landry Parish village of Palmetto. The church purchased a parcel of land located at the end of . . . — — Map (db m107925) HM
Side 1Established circa 1798; Opelousas oldest cemetery. Located on land donated by Michel Prudhomme in 1796. It is the final resting place of numerous New York Orphan Train Riders and many veterans of wars dating back to the American . . . — — Map (db m114225) HM
Founded as the "Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Post of Opelousas" by Capuchin monks. First recorded church ritual performed in 1756: first pastor Fr. Valentin. In 1796 Michel Prudhomme donated 120 arpents of land for the present . . . — — Map (db m86739) HM
The second largest Catholic Church in the south was established in 1776 and was named after the Bishop of Paris in 1650. Two former pastors are buried beneath its floor. Jim Bowie, hero of the Alamo was baptized and married here in 1814.
In the . . . — — Map (db m86742) HM
Jesuit priests brought sugarcane into south Louisiana in 1751. Soon, a thriving industry was born in Louisiana.A product of the late 18th and 19th centuries, these sphere-shaped kettles which were made from cast iron, were primarily used in the . . . — — Map (db m107597) HM
Major Amos Webb, who built Arlington Plantation in nearby Washington, Louisiana, bought additional land near the north bank of Bayou Bouef in 1836, and built Macland Plantation for his son, Dr. Louis Archibald Webb in circa 1842.The Thislethwaite . . . — — Map (db m155005) HM
In late August of 1779, men of the Opelousas Post Militia left from
this place to join other militia units to attack British forces in the
lower Mississippi Valley. They crossed the Atchafalaya swamp to join
Brig. General Bernardo de Gálvez, the . . . — — Map (db m172278) HM
Originally located on Court Street on the east-west route of the Union Pacific Railroad, this building was once used as a freight depot and it is one of the last train depots of its kind in Louisiana. The depot was used until the late 1980s, when . . . — — Map (db m107839) HM
The Venus House was the first building to be relocated to Le Vieux Village in 1973. This French Creole style home was donated by the Earl Fontenot family. The home was originally located in the small community of Grand Prairie. In 1975, the house . . . — — Map (db m107490) HM
This building is typical of a two-room country schoolhouse. It was built at a time when horse drawn carriages transported children to school. The school's original location was the northern St. Landry Parish community of Whiteville.Generally, each . . . — — Map (db m108008) HM
Plaisance School was built in 1921 at a total cost of $4,500.00. Funds for construction were donated by Julius Rosenwald Fund - $1,200.00; the Plaisance black community - $3,100.00; and the St. Landry parish school authorities and the white . . . — — Map (db m107477) HM
Steamboat travel was frequently affected by low water, immovable rafts of debris, underwater snags and shifting sandbars, including one at the junction of Bayou Courtableau and the Atchafalaya River called Le Petit Diable ("The Little . . . — — Map (db m114305) HM
Busy port during steamboat days; named after the Barre family. In 1765 Charles Barre bought 8800 arpents from Jacque Guillaume Courtableau, 1st Commandant, Opelousas Post. Here Bayou Courtableau gives birth to Bayou Teche. — — Map (db m85865) HM
Port actif à l'époque du bateau
à vapeur. Appelé d'après le nom de la
famille Barré. En 1765 Charles Barré
acheta 8800 arpents de terre à
Jacques Guillaume Courtableau, le
premier Commandant du Poste des
Opelousas. C'est ici que le
Bayou . . . — — Map (db m136231) HM
"While Texas will mourn the loss of her brave sons, she will treasure the memory as the glorious martyrs of our common country's independence." The above words echo from the report of Colonel O. M. Roberts regarding men of the 11th, 15th & 18th Tx. . . . — — Map (db m20025) HM
In memory of two unknown soldiers of Semmes Battery 1st Confederate Light Artillery who lost their lives on 10/15/1863 during the Battle of Little Carrion Crow Bayou. Their names may have been forgotten but their devotion to duty and country have . . . — — Map (db m85894) HM
The width of Bayou Courtableau at the Town of Washington was too narrow to maintain steamboat operations until a turning basin was completed in 1848, allowing steamboats to reverse course and head back downstream. Originally called the . . . — — Map (db m114285) HM
