Louisiana is one of the most historic states in the union–and we have the towns to back it up! Our historic towns are some of the most charming and interesting places in the entire state. Here are 10 of our favorite historic towns in Louisiana:
- Opelousas
Wikicommons / Z28scrambler Known as the spice capital of the world, the production and sale of seasonings such as Tony Chachere’s products, Targil Seasonings and Savoie’s meats and products is all headquartered here.
- Zwolle
Wikicommons / Shyngo Spanish colonists settled this area, creating a dynamic town that still pays homage to this heritage through their annual Tamale Fiesta.
- St. Martinville
Facebook.com / Bernard Hipchen One of the oldest settlements in Louisiana, the town that is today St. Martinville was formerly Attakapas Post, a trading place for the Attakapan people. It wasn’t until Louisiana became a state after the Louisiana Purchase that the town was renamed St. Martinville.
- Natchitoches
Facebook.com / Amanda LeBlanc Known as the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. Its historic downtown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Louisiana.
- Arcadia
Wikicommons / Billy Hathorn This small town got put on the map when Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree came to an end nearby the town in 1934.
- St. Francisville
Wikicommons / Hank5720 Established in 1809, St. Francisville is one of the most well-preserved historic towns in Louisiana. More than six restored historic plantations offer daily tours, including the famous Myrtles plantation and the Audubon State Historic Site.
- New Iberia
Wikicommons / Chris Litherland In mid-1779, a group of 500 Malaguenos colonists settled New Iberia. The town was occupied during the Civil War by union soldiers who spent the winter of 1862-1863 in the town.
- Abita Springs
Wikicommons / Infrogmation Abita Springs was originally a Choctaw village, taking its name from nearby medicinal springs. Nearby Choctaw burial and execution grounds were in use in the area until 1880. The town gathers in the Abita Springs pavilion, which was built for the World Cotton Centennial in 1884.
- Ruston
Wikicommons / Billy Hathorn Established in the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, Ruston has grown over the years into a bustling and invigorating town, home to Louisiana Tech students.
- Breaux Bridge
Wikicommons / Ken Lund One of the most popular small towns in Southern Louisiana, Breaux Bridge is known as the Crawfish Capital of the world.
Where do you go for a taste of Louisiana history? Let us know in the comments below!
Wikicommons / Z28scrambler
Known as the spice capital of the world, the production and sale of seasonings such as Tony Chachere’s products, Targil Seasonings and Savoie’s meats and products is all headquartered here.
Wikicommons / Shyngo
Spanish colonists settled this area, creating a dynamic town that still pays homage to this heritage through their annual Tamale Fiesta.
Facebook.com / Bernard Hipchen
One of the oldest settlements in Louisiana, the town that is today St. Martinville was formerly Attakapas Post, a trading place for the Attakapan people. It wasn’t until Louisiana became a state after the Louisiana Purchase that the town was renamed St. Martinville.
Facebook.com / Amanda LeBlanc
Known as the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. Its historic downtown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Louisiana.
Wikicommons / Billy Hathorn
This small town got put on the map when Bonnie and Clyde’s crime spree came to an end nearby the town in 1934.
Wikicommons / Hank5720
Established in 1809, St. Francisville is one of the most well-preserved historic towns in Louisiana. More than six restored historic plantations offer daily tours, including the famous Myrtles plantation and the Audubon State Historic Site.
Wikicommons / Chris Litherland
In mid-1779, a group of 500 Malaguenos colonists settled New Iberia. The town was occupied during the Civil War by union soldiers who spent the winter of 1862-1863 in the town.
Wikicommons / Infrogmation
Abita Springs was originally a Choctaw village, taking its name from nearby medicinal springs. Nearby Choctaw burial and execution grounds were in use in the area until 1880. The town gathers in the Abita Springs pavilion, which was built for the World Cotton Centennial in 1884.
Established in the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, Ruston has grown over the years into a bustling and invigorating town, home to Louisiana Tech students.
Wikicommons / Ken Lund
One of the most popular small towns in Southern Louisiana, Breaux Bridge is known as the Crawfish Capital of the world.
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