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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Woman Owned Restaurants

March is Women's History Month, and to celebrate, we're showing support to local, female-owned businesses. These eateries are diverse in the types of food offered; some…

Trivia in Lafayette

Unleash your inner genius and gather your trivia squad! From cozy pubs to bustling breweries, Lafayette boasts a vibrant scene of local trivia nights catering to every curious…

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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