What Is Cajun | Explore Lafayette Louisiana History (2024)

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What Is Cajun | Explore Lafayette Louisiana History? ›

The word Cajun began in 19th century Acadie. The French of noble ancestry would say, "les Acadiens

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana's Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America. Their history dates back to the 18th century, when Canada's Acadians were expelled and settled in Louisiana. More than two centuries later tourists visit for a rare taste of the genuine Acadian experience.

The Acadians became Cajuns as they adapted to their new home and its people. Their French changed as did their architecture, music, and food. The Cajuns of Louisiana today are renowned for their music, their food, and their ability to hold on to tradition while making the most of the present.

Lafayette, LA is known as "The Hub City" because of its proximity to major roadways heading north, south, east and west that lead locals and visitors to explore smaller towns.

Cajun, descendant of Roman Catholic French Canadians whom the British, in the 18th century, drove from the captured French colony of Acadia (now Nova Scotia and adjacent areas) and who settled in the fertile bayou lands of southern Louisiana. The Cajuns today form small, compact, generally self-contained communities.

Back in France, Lafayette helped launch the French Revolution in 1789. He served in the National Assembly and drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man. He proudly sent the key to the Bastille to Washington, who was serving as the President of the United States.

The word Cajun began in 19th century Acadie. The French of noble ancestry would say, "les Acadiens", while some referred to the Acadians as, "le 'Cadiens", dropping the "A". Later came the Americans who could not pronounce "Acadien" or "'Cadien", so the word, "Cajun" was born.

Cajun people are ethnically and ancestrally French; nationally, they are American citizens. Initially, Cajuns were less eager to integrate into American society, but this changed after World War II.

For Cajuns were—and are—a subset of Louisiana Creoles. Today, common understanding holds that Cajuns are white and Creoles are Black or mixed race; Creoles are from New Orleans, while Cajuns populate the rural parts of South Louisiana.

Acadians are the ancestors of present-day Cajuns. Originally from the West Central part of France, they were peasants recruited as part of France's efforts to colonize Canada in the 17th century. They settled in areas that are known today as the Maritime Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island).

What is special about Lafayette, Louisiana? ›

Lafayette contains a unique French culture because of its Cajun and Creole heritage. To help preserve the language, Lafayette offers several French immersion schools, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, and several "French Tables," where residents and visitors gather to speak French.

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834), often known simply as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat, a general in the American Revolutionary War and a leader of the Garde nationale during the French Revolution.

Lafayette's Original Name Was Vermilionville

It's true: Lafayette was not always known as Lafayette. The region that would become today's Lafayette was once named St. Jean du Vermilionville, but the name soon was shortened to Vermilionville.

The Cajuns were and are mainly Roman Catholic. Experts suggest that the traditional culture cannot be understood unless the central role of the Catholic church is considered. On the one hand, their Roman Catholic beliefs set the Cajuns apart form the surrounding population, which was mainly Baptist and Methodist.

Having been under British rule since 1713, the Acadians were removed by authorities at the outset of the French and Indian War because of their refusal to take an unqualified oath of allegiance to the British crown.

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the Louisiana Colony became a colony of Spain. Unknowingly, the Acadians moved from France and other parts of the American colonies to Louisiana with the belief that France still had control of Louisiana.

Lafayette, Louisiana: Authentic Cajun Music, Food and Swamp Tours.

Lafayette is the hub of Acadiana, a region of southern Louisiana that was settled by French-speaking Acadians, also known as Cajuns, in the 18th century. The city is known for its Cajun and Creole culture, its music, food, and festivals.

Lafayette Square, the second oldest park in the City, was founded in 1788 and was originally called “place publique.” The Square is named after the American Revolutionary War Hero, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.

The Acadians, ancestors of present-day Cajuns, were people of French ancestry who settled in what is now Canada before migrating to Louisiana.