Where Acadians Settled:

Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette grew out of an old Attakapas Indian trading post and prospered because it was a center of river commerce. For the Cajun people, the great adventure began in 1755 when Cajuns came to Louisiana.

A replication of a Cajun cabin at the Acadian Village in Lafayette

The local architecture of early settlers' homes is both beautiful and functional. Cypress was the wood of choice because of its durability and availability. Bousillage, a mixture of Spanish moss and mud, was commonly used as a building material along with a half timber framing system in early settlers' homes. In addition, to being an inexpensive building material, bousillage acted as an insulation. Fireplaces often opened into adjoining rooms- this heated two rooms at once for the cost of one chimney.

Lafayette began as Petit Manchac in the mid 1700s. Today you can take a walking tour of Lafayette Centre to discover a cluster of landmark buildings that reflect the growth of Lafayette as the metropolis of the Cajuns. Highlights of the tour include the Acadian-style Lafayette Museum and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

The Acadian Village is a collection of Acadian style cottages from rural Louisiana, which offers a unique vision of South Louisiana during the 19th century.

Vermilionville features Acadian and Creole structures and replications of a creole plantation home, overseer's cottage, cotton gin, chapel, school house and blacksmith shop.

http://www.lafayettetravel.com