Louisiana African American Heritage Trail facts for kids
The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail is a special path that connects 38 important places across Louisiana. These places celebrate the history and culture of African Americans in the state. The trail stretches from New Orleans along the Mississippi River to cities like Baton Rouge and Shreveport. It also includes sites in smaller towns and on old plantations.
In New Orleans, you can walk to several sites. For places outside the city, you will need to travel by car. The trail features many museums dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. It also includes the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. You can also visit the first two churches created by and for free people of color. These were people who were not enslaved.
The trail also has two large plantation sites. These sites still have the living areas where enslaved people lived and worked. Some of these areas were used until the 1930s, and others even into the 1960s. Two historically black universities are also part of this important trail.
Discovering Louisiana's Rich Heritage
The idea for the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail came from Mitch Landrieu. He was the Lieutenant Governor at the time. He wanted to show how much African Americans have contributed to Louisiana's culture. He also wanted to encourage people to visit these sites. Tourism is very important for Louisiana's economy.
The state first created the trail with 26 sites in 2008. More sites were added in 2012 and 2019. In 2022, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced that the list had grown to 38 sites. This trail helps everyone learn about the amazing history and impact of African Americans in Louisiana.
Key Places to Visit
The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail includes many fascinating locations. Each site tells a unique part of the story. Here are some of the places you can explore:
- New Orleans
- Congo Square: A historic place where enslaved and free African Americans gathered. They would share music, dance, and culture.
- New Orleans African American Museum: This museum shares the rich history and culture of African Americans in New Orleans.
- St. Augustine Church (New Orleans) in Tremé: One of the first churches founded by and for free people of color.
- St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 and No. 2: These cemeteries hold the graves of many important historical figures.
- French Market: A historic market that has been a center of trade and culture for centuries.
- Amistad Research Center, Tulane University: This center has a large collection of documents about African American history.
- Around Louisiana
- Mahalia Jackson's grave, Providence Park Cemetery, Metairie: Visit the resting place of a famous gospel singer.
- Arna Bontemps African American Museum, Alexandria: This is the birthplace of Arna Bontemps, a famous writer from the Harlem Renaissance.
- Madam C.J. Walker's birthplace, Delta: The home of a pioneering businesswoman. She created hair care products and became a millionaire.
- Hermione Museum, Tallulah: This museum has an exhibit about Madam C. J. Walker.
- Melrose Plantation: A historic plantation known for its unique Créole culture.
- Laura Plantation, Vacherie: A plantation that focuses on the stories of the enslaved people who lived there.
- Evergreen Plantation, Wallace: This plantation has many original slave cabins.
- River Road African American Museum, Donaldsonville: A museum dedicated to the history of African Americans along the Mississippi River.
- Grambling State University, Grambling: A historically black university with a rich history.
- Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, Hammond: This museum preserves the heritage of African Americans in the Tangipahoa Parish.
- Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: A site important for its role in the American Civil War.
- Whitney Plantation Historic District, Wallace: This plantation is dedicated to remembering the lives of enslaved people.
- African American Museum, St. Martinville: A museum celebrating local African American history.
- St. Augustine Catholic Church and Cemetery, Natchez, Louisiana: Another historic church and cemetery.
- Black Heritage Art Gallery, Central School Arts and Humanities Center, Lake Charles: An art gallery showcasing African American artists.
- Creole Heritage Folk Life Center, Opelousas: This center preserves the folk traditions of the Creole people.
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park-Creole Center, Natchitoches: A park that tells the story of Creole culture along the Cane River.
- Southern University, Baton Rouge: Another important historically black university.
- Southern University Archives Department, Baton Rouge: This department holds historical records and documents.
- Multicultural Center of the South, Shreveport: A center that celebrates diverse cultures.
- Isle Brevelle, Natchitoches: A historic community of free people of color.
- Southern University Museum of Art, Shreveport: An art museum at Southern University.
- Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, Monroe: A museum focusing on the heritage of African Americans in the Delta region.
Learn More
- National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened in 2016
- Rural African American Museum, Opelousas
- African-Americans in Louisiana
