Louisiana African American Heritage Trail facts for kids

The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail (French: Sentier de l'héritage afro-américain de la Louisiane) is a special path that connects 38 important places across Louisiana. These places help us learn about the amazing history and culture of African Americans in the state. You can find sites from New Orleans all the way to Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Some spots are in big cities, while others are in smaller towns and even on old plantations.

The New Orleans African American Museum is one of the many stops on the trail.

The trail includes many interesting places. There are museums dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. You can also visit the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Two of the first churches started by and for free people of color are also part of the trail. The trail even features two large plantation complexes. These places still have the old slave quarters where people lived and worked. Some were used until the 1930s, and others even into the 1960s. Two historically black universities are also on the trail.

The idea for this heritage trail came from Mitch Landrieu when he was Lieutenant Governor. He wanted to show how much African Americans have helped shape the culture of Louisiana and the United States. He also hoped to encourage more 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 places were added in 2012 and 2019. In 2022, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced that the list had grown to 38 sites.

Discovering Important Places

The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail helps us explore many significant locations. These sites teach us about the past and celebrate the contributions of African Americans.

Sites Added in 2008

When the trail first started in 2008, it included many key locations:

• New Orleans
  • Congo Square: A historic spot where enslaved and free African Americans gathered.
  • New Orleans African American Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans.
  • St. Augustine Church (New Orleans) in Tremé: An important church in a historic neighborhood.
  • St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 and No. 2: Historic cemeteries with many notable burials.
  • French Market: A famous market with a long history.
  • Amistad Research Center, Tulane University: A center for studying ethnic history and civil rights.

• Mahalia Jackson's grave, Providence Park Cemetery, Metairie: The resting place of a famous gospel singer.
• Arna Bontemps African American Museum (birthplace of a writer from the Harlem Renaissance), Alexandria: A museum honoring a famous writer.
• Madam C.J. Walker's birthplace, Delta: The birthplace of a successful businesswoman.
• Hermione Museum, Tallulah, Louisiana: This museum has an exhibit about Madam C. J. Walker.
• Melrose Plantation: A historic plantation known for its Créole culture.
• Laura Plantation, Vacherie: A historic plantation that tells the story of its residents.
• Evergreen Plantation, Wallace: Another important plantation site.
• River Road African American Museum, Donaldsonville: A museum focusing on African American history along the Mississippi River.
• Grambling State University, Grambling: A historically black university.
• Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, Hammond: A museum preserving local African American heritage.
• Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson: A historic site from the Civil War.
• Whitney Plantation Historic District, Wallace: A plantation museum dedicated to the history of slavery.
• African American Museum, St. Martinville: A museum in St. Martinville.
• St. Augustine Catholic Church and Cemetery, Natchez, Louisiana: A historic church and cemetery.
• Black Heritage Art Gallery, Central School Arts and Humanities Center, Lake Charles: An art gallery celebrating black heritage.
• Creole Heritage Folk Life Center, Opelousas: A center preserving Creole traditions.
• Cane River Creole National Historical Park-Creole Center, Natchitoches: A park dedicated to Creole history.
• Southern University, Baton Rouge: Another historically black university.
• Multicultural Center of the South, Shreveport: A center celebrating diverse cultures.
• Isle Brevelle, Natchitoches: A historic community.
• Southern University Museum of Art, Shreveport: An art museum at Southern University.
• Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, Monroe: A museum in Northeast Louisiana.

See also

• National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened in 2016
• Rural African American Museum, Opelousas
• African-Americans in Louisiana