Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On East Landry Street near South Academy Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On State Highway 182, 0.2 miles south of Judson Walsh Drive (Parish Route 1-250), on the left when traveling south.
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
On West Church Street near North Market Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On North Main Street near Bellevue Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On West Bellevue Street near North Court Street, on the left when traveling east.
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
On North Main Street at East Bellevue Street on North Main Street.
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
On South Market Street north of Ronald Reagan Highway (East Landry Street) (U.S. 190), on the left when traveling north.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) near South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling east.
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
On West Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Court Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On East Landry Street (U.S. 190) at South Main Street (State Route 182), on the left when traveling west on East Landry Street.
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
On East St. Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On West Bellevue Street at South MArket Street, on the left when traveling east on West Bellevue Street.
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
Near East Landry (U.S. 190) east of South Campus Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On Ronald Reagan Highway (U.S. 190) near Court Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On North Lombard Street at East Bellevue Street, on the right when traveling north on North Lombard Street.
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
On East Bellevue Street at Lombard Street, on the right when traveling west on East Bellevue Street.
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
Near South Academy Street near Ronald Reagan Highway (U.S. 190), on the left when traveling south.
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
On North Main Street (State Highway 182) north of East Church Street, on the right when traveling north.
(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
On North Court Street north of East Landry Street (U.S. 190), on the right when traveling north.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Campus Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near Ronald Reagan Highway (U.S. 190) 0.3 miles west of Wallior Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On South Court Street south of East Landry Street (U.S. 190), on the right when traveling north.
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
On South Court Street north of East Landry Street (U.S. 190), on the right when traveling north.
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
On South Court Street at Bellevue Street, on the left when traveling north on South Court Street.
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
On Ronald Reagan Highway (U.S. 190) west of South Court Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Ronald Reagan Highway (U.S. 190) west of South Court Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On East Prudhomme Street east of Viking Lane, on the right when traveling east.
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
On Ronald Reagan Highway (Vine Street) (State Highway 190) east of South Academy Street (Highway 3253), on the right when traveling east.
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
On East Landry (U.S. 190) south of Campus Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On South Court Street at Bellevue Street on South Court Street.
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
On Ronal Reagan Highway (Route 190) east of S. Academy St., on the right when traveling east.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On East St. Landry Street (U.S. 190) west of South Court Street, on the right when traveling west.
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 East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of Court Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On East Landry Street (U.S. 190) 0.1 miles west of South Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On South Union Street (State Highway 182) at East Andrus Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Union Street.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Acedemy Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On North Union Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling north on North Union Street.
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
On East Church Street east of North Main Street (Louisiana Highway 182), on the right when traveling west.
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
On North Main Street (State Highway 182) north of East Church Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) near South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On Ronald Reagan Highway / East Landry Highway (U.S. 190) at Wallior Street, on the left when traveling west on Ronald Reagan Highway / East Landry Highway.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
Near East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling east.
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
