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The Civil War in Acadiana

5 Locations ~ Curated by Gordon Eatley
It 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 Team
Embark 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. Hughes
Using 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 Lafayette
Highlighting 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…
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About

Acadiana Historical

Acadiana 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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