Manila Village facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manila Village
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Ghost Town
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Manila Village Historical Marker
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 Manila Village
Location in Louisiana
Manila Village
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Jefferson Parish |
| Time zone | Central (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT |
Manila Village was a unique community in Louisiana. It was a settlement built by Filipino sailors, fishermen, and workers. This special village was located on an island in Barataria Bay, within Jefferson Parish. It was one of several Filipino settlements along the Louisiana coast.
Contents
The First Filipino Settlements
The story of Manila Village began with earlier settlements. One of the first was Saint Malo. This community was in St. Bernard Parish. Filipino sailors founded it in 1763. They had escaped from Spanish ships near New Orleans.
How Manila Village Started
Over time, more Filipino sailors arrived in Louisiana ports. Many of them also escaped from Spanish ships. These newly free sailors decided to build their own communities. They founded Manila Village around the mid-1800s, or even earlier.
Life in Manila Village
The people of Manila Village became skilled fishermen. They specialized in catching shrimp. After catching the shrimp, they would dry them. This dried shrimp was then sent to other countries. They exported their products to places like Asia, Canada, South America, and Central America.
Community and Support
The Filipino residents were very organized. On July 24, 1870, the Spanish-speaking people of Saint Malo created a social club. It was called "Sociedad de Beneficencia de los Hispano Filipinos." This club helped its members. It offered support and even bought burial places for those who passed away.
A Diverse Community
By 1938, Manila Village was a thriving place. About 200 people lived there. Most residents were Filipino. However, the community was also home to people of Chinese, Mexican, and Spanish backgrounds. This mix of cultures made the village special.
The End of the Villages
Sadly, both Saint Malo and Manila Village faced destruction. They were hit by powerful hurricanes. Saint Malo was destroyed by the 1915 New Orleans hurricane. Manila Village met a similar fate. It was wiped out by Hurricane Betsy in 1965.
What Remains Today
As of 2016, very little of Manila Village is left. Only a small piece of the island remains. It is about one acre in size. The powerful storms changed the landscape forever.
Remembering Manila Village
Even though the village is gone, its history is remembered. In Jefferson Parish, there is a place called Manila Plaza. It is located in front of the Jean Lafitte Town Hall.
Historical Markers
Manila Plaza has several historical markers. These markers honor important people and events. They tell the story of the area's Filipino-American history. Manila Village was the largest of the Filipino settlements in Louisiana during the late 1800s.
