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History ©Kent-Hutslar

History

Explore the rich history of Lafayette Parish, where indigenous Atakapa-Ishak, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Opelousa cultures once thrived. Early settlers from France, Spain, and Acadia established vibrant communities along the Vermilion River and its bayous. Jean Mouton and surveyor John Dinsmore, Jr. designed St. Jean du Vermilionville in the 1820s, evolving into Vermilionville. Later, in 1823, Lafayette Parish was carved from St. Martin Parish, named after Marquis de Lafayette, a revolutionary hero. The town evolved into Lafayette and became the central hub of Acadiana, blossoming with a railroad stop, a dynamic population, and a bustling business district. To explore more of Lafayette, LA’s history, see below.

Inspiration Journal

Lafayette's blog showcasing the food, music, culture and history at the heart of Cajun & Creole Country.

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Lafayette Weekly

Lafayette Weekly

A weekly curated playlist by local musician Philippe Billeaudeaux featuring music by Lafayette, LA musicians with a weekly rundown of live music happening in and around the area…

Cajun Music

Cajun Music

Cajun music is a central component and marker of Cajun identity and culture in southwestern Louisiana. Largely accordion and fiddle-based and primarily sung in vernacular French…

Getting to Lafayette

The city of Lafayette, LA is located in the center of Lafayette Parish at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 between New Orleans and Houston and only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.

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