Formerly La Chapelle. Founded in 1843 by Father Antoine Desire Megret, a native of Abbeville, France, on land purchased from Joseph LeBlanc. City incorporated by state, 1850. Became parish seat of Vermillion, 1845. Home of Louisiana Dairy . . . — — Map (db m100657) HM
Bancker was once a thriving community consisting of four large plantations. This area was originally settled by Acadians, as well as families of Spanish, German and Danish descent. William Cade donated property along the Vermilion River for the . . . — — Map (db m106268) HM
For years the Vermilion River provided the main means of transportation. Two ferries served as a link across the river. The Bancker Ferry was located on this site. — — Map (db m106269) HM
Four plantations once thrived near Bancker. Hope Mill and Gertrude were west of the river. Live Oak and Cade were on the east side. Only Live Oak remains. — — Map (db m106272) HM
Believed to be the first school in Vermilion Parish to educate freed southern slaves. Pastored by Rev. James A. Herod, the Father of African American education in Vermilion Parish. — — Map (db m104916) HM
In 1945, renowned documentary filmmaker Robert Flaherty was commissioned by the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey to make a film as part of a public relations project. Flaherty directed filming of Louisiana Story on location at Avery . . . — — Map (db m105025) HM
English Translation On July 25, 1843 Père Antoine Désiré Mégret purchased 160 arpents from Joseph LeBlanc for a church, rectory and cemetery. Joseph LeBlanc was buried here in 1854. The oldest marked grave is of Eufemie Broussard 1852. . . . — — Map (db m106277) HM
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church was built on this spot in 1897. The church was destroyed by a storm in 1909. Funds which were low due to crop failure delayed reconstruction for 3 years. — — Map (db m106270) HM
English: Père Antoine Desiré Megrét born in France on May 23, 1797 arrived in Louisiana in 1842 and was sent to Vermilionville (now Lafayette) as pastor of St. John's Parish. In 1843 he purchased from Joseph LeBlanc one hundred . . . — — Map (db m106263) HM
Saint Mary Magdalen ChurchFour churches dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalen have stood on this site purchased from Joseph LeBlanc by Père Mègret in 1843. The present church was built in 1911 under the pastorate of Père Laforest. . . . — — Map (db m26140) HM
On this site was the first of our city's three Masonic cemeteries & served Masons and Protestants alike. It has been virtually unused since 1905, although the latest tombstone reads 1954. The earliest recorded death was 1868. A.G. Maxwell donated . . . — — Map (db m104915) HM