Featured Stories
Who Dare the Hoodoo Lady: Julia Brown
In Acadiana’s St. John parish, Julia Brown was a Hoodoo priestesses lived in a very small town called Frenier surrounded by Manchac Swamp. “In the town Julia was known for her charms and her curses,…
Lâche pas la Patate: The Quarter Pole Training Center: The Remnant
A white sign with red letters tells you that you found the right place—the last operating bush track in the state...
Allons Chez Tee Maurice: Tee Maurice Race Track and Dance Hall, 1902-1983: Furlongs and Fais Do Dos
The rhythmic sound of hooves flying across the dirt. The cheers of racegoers. The melody of a fiddle and accordion lingering in the evening air. Feet shuffling to a two-step or Cajun waltz. The voices…
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Tasty History: Acadiana's Oldest Restaurants
6 Locations ~ Curated by Claire BordelonThe history of some of the oldest restaurants in Acadiana.
The Civil War in Acadiana
5 Locations ~ Curated by Gordon EatleyIt is 1860, and Abraham Lincoln was Just elected, the first Republican to win the White House. The Southern States had threatened secession if the Republicans won, and by the time Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, seven states had left the union. [1]
South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas formally declared that the threat to Slaveholders' rights was the cause of their departure, and Georgia cited unfair general Northern economic policy toward the southern states. Louisiana…
Louisiana's Designated Memorial Highways and Roadways
33 Locations ~ Curated by The Acadiana Historical TeamEmbark on a journey through Louisiana’s history with a tour of the state’s designated memorial roadways. These roads honor the people and events that have shaped our communities, from leaders and veterans to cultural icons and pivotal historical moments. Unfortunately, many of these stories remain untold. Our project seeks to change that by shedding light on the achievements, service, and sacrifices recognized through the state’s roadway naming program. By exploring these memorials, we aim to…
The Screwmen of New Orleans: The Men Who Helped Build a Cotton Empire
10 Locations ~ Curated by Laura M. HughesUsing enormous wooden screws and muscle power, New Orleans Screwmen packed cotton bales tightly into ships, helping fuel the city's nineteenth-century prosperity. Their fascinating story reveals a world of labor, immigration, race, and cultural exchange. This ten-stop tour invites you to discover that history where it happened. Developed by historian Laura M. Hughes through her M.A. thesis research at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the tour brings an overlooked past into the present.
Historic Businesses of Acadiana: Past and Present
20 Locations ~ Curated by Students at UL LafayetteHighlighting historic businesses is crucial because they embody resilience and innovation, offering inspirational stories that demonstrate how they’ve weathered challenges over time. These businesses are more than just economic entities; they become integral to the community's identity, often shaping local culture and traditions. By preserving and sharing their legacies, we honor their contributions and provide valuable lessons for future generations, reinforcing the importance of longevity and…
About
Acadiana Historical
A project by Robert CarrikerAcadiana Historical is a platform for students of history and historians who reside in Acadiana to interpret and curate the history around them; whether that history is in Louisiana or farther afield.
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