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St. Landry Parish History

Current-day St. Landry Parish is recognized as the site of one of Louisiana’s oldest European settlements – le Poste des Opelousas, which was established by the French government in 1720 as an administrative territory.

The area’s history actually stretches back much farther than this, going all the way back to at least 10,500 B.C. Evidence of this inhabitation has been found in three excavated prehistoric dwellings found within the parish.

Back in the 16th century, the area was occupied by the Atakapa Indians, a warlike tribe who frequently preyed upon its neighboring tribes – the Choctaws, the Alabamans and the Opelousas Indians. The three tribes banned together against the Atakapa, ultimately driving the tribe from the land – making way for the Opelousas to take control over the acquired land.

According to local legend, the premier white settler to the area was Michel de Birotte, a French trader who came around 1690. A number of years later, Louisiana’s French government constructed le Poste des Opelousas, a point which would become a popular stopping point for those traveling from New Orleans to Natchitoches.

In 1765, three years after acquiring the territory of Louisiana from France, the Spanish constructed a military and trade post located slightly north of the current-day city of Opelousas. While settlement to the area was not diligently encouraged, nearly 100 families located in and near the area by 1769.

The mix of settlers included soldiers from Spain, Italy and Switzerland who came to the area as part of the Spanish military; immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland and Germany who found that the fertile lands were ideal for agricultural endeavors and cattle raising; and French-speaking Acadian exiles.

The United States eventually secured control of the territory in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. Two years later, the Territory of Orleans was divided into 12 counties, with one being the County of Opelousas. In 1807, the county was split again, this time into 19 parishes, which included St. Landry Parish, also regarded as the Empire Parish. The parish provided governmental services for the majority of southwest Louisiana and was recognized as the cattle kingdom of the U.S. (that is, until Texas’ entrance into the federal union).

Opelousas was designated as the parish’s seat and was incorporated as a town in 1821 (Opelousas is deemed Louisiana’s third oldest city). In 1862, as the Civil War was being played out, the Union seized Baton Rouge, resulting in the designation of Opelousas as the capital of Confederate Louisiana. After nine months, in 1863, Opelousas endured occupation by the Union army and the capital was once again relocated to Shreveport.

After the war, the area began to expand in all aspects, and today, St. Landry Parish is home to over 90,000 – with approximately 23,000 residing within Opelousas, also commonly referred to as “The Big O.” The area’s rich history and diversified culture is still treasured to this day, which is evidenced through its wide array of festivals and events.

HISTORY OF THE ST. LANDRY PARISH AIRPORT
The St. Landry Parish Airport was constructed by the United States Government as a military airport. In April of 1942, a parish bond election was held and passed authorizing $100,000 to purchase property for the airport with the understanding that the United States Government would grant $800,000 for construction. In July of 1944, the 537-acre airport site was purchased for $61,093, and in 1946-47, the runways were constructed. The St. Landry Parish Government is the owner of the airfield and established the St. Landry Parish Airport Authority by an ordinance on October 7, 1947 to administer the affairs of the airport.

In the early 1980s, a new terminal building was constructed that now houses the airport administration, as well as a pilot’s lounge, flight planning room, conference room and general lobby. A 13,500-square-foot hangar was also added in the late 1990s. The airport now has 10 hangars, one terminal and a large aircraft parking area.

Serving the needs of aviators for nearly 60 years, the St. Landry Parish Airport is located in central Louisiana, 22 miles north of Lafayette, in the city of Opelousas. Ahart Field offers hometown friendly people and service, without the hassle of dealing with controlled airspace.

A 6,000-foot north/south runway and a 4,000-foot crosswind runway allow access for most general aviation and business aircraft. Competitive fuel prices on both 100LL and JET-A fuels with 24-hour service make a great incentive to stop by.

Our terminal building offers a flight planning room, a pilot’s lounge, a conference room and wireless Internet. Rental cars and catering are also available with prior arrangement. St. Landry Parish Airport offers assistance with hotel accommodations as well. Feel free to call us with any specific requests at (337) 407-155

FAMOUS RESIDENTS
Perhaps the most renowned citizen of Opelousas is Jim Bowie, noted as the innovative inventor of the Bowie knife. Born in Sumner County, Tennessee, in 1795, Bowie’s family relocated to Louisiana in what is now Catahoula Parish around 1802. In 1804, Bowie’s father, Rezin, relocated once again to Opelousas. Jim Bowie remained in the Louisiana area until 1824, when he sold his holdings in Opelousas and traveled to Texas.

There are many stories of Jim Bowie’s life, but one thing is for certain. Jim Bowie met his death at the age of 37 while fighting during the famous Battle of the Alamo in March of 1836.

Further famous residents include Clifton Chenier, a revered Zydeco musician; Rodney (Rod) Milburn, American gold medalist; and noted chefs Paul Prudhomme and Tony Chachere.