About Lafayette

Lafayette is a progressive city in the heart of Cajun Country and is embedded in culture and tradition. Its rich French heritage is blended with Spanish, American, Indian and African influence.

It is 15 miles west of the Atchafalaya Basin and 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. It is interlaced with forests and bayous and has a subtropical climate. As of 2010, it had a population of 120,623 making it the 4th largest city in the state.

It hosts many festivals year round including Mardi Gras and is known for its delicious spicy Cajun food, lively Cajun music and many historic attractions. It is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette which is the 2nd largest university in the state.

The first known inhabitants were the Attakapas Indians in the 1700’s followed by the Spanish occupation in 1766.

The greatest cultural impact on Lafayette was the expulsion of approximately 18,000 French speaking Catholics from Canada in 1755 after they refused to pledge allegiance to the British crown and Anglican Church. The exiles ended up in many different locations and in 1784, the King of Spain allowed them to settle in South Louisiana.

In 1803, Louisiana became the possession of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase. In 1821, an Acadian by the name Jean Mouton donated land to build a Catholic Church and in 1822, the bishop created the church parish of St John the Evangelist of Vermilion. A settlement grew around the church and the Louisiana Legislature created Lafayette Parish in 1823. Mouton donated additional land for a courthouse and the town of Vermilionville became the new parish seat and was renamed Lafayette in 1864.

In 1971, Governor Edwin Edwards signed a bill designating the 22 parish area of Acadiana with Lafayette being geographically located in the heart of this region.

The qualities that make this area unique can be traced back to these early settlers. The term “Acadiana” signifies all that is great in south Louisiana and encompasses the well known “work hard/play hard” attitude exhibited by the people who live here.

So come celebrate the rich culture, customs, traditions and history with us and

Laissez les bons temp rouler – Let the good time roll.