National Register of Historic Places listings in Iberia Parish, Louisiana facts for kids
Hey there, future historians! Did you know that all across the United States, there are special places that are super important to our country's history? These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings, sites, and objects that tell amazing stories about the past.
In Iberia Parish, Louisiana, there are 32 of these cool historic spots! One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is like being extra-special famous. These places help us remember how people lived, worked, and built things a long time ago. Let's go on a journey to discover some of these awesome historic treasures right here in Iberia Parish!
Historic Places You Can Explore
Iberia Parish is full of amazing old buildings and sites. Each one has a unique story to tell about the past. Let's check out some of the most interesting ones!
Shadows-on-the-Teche: A Grand Old Home
One of the most famous places in Iberia Parish is Shadows-on-the-Teche. It's a huge, beautiful house built way back in 1834! It sits right by the Bayou Teche in New Iberia. A wealthy family named the Weeks built this home.
The house stayed in the Weeks family for a very long time, until 1958. Then, the last family member, William Weeks Hall, gave it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This means it's now protected and cared for so everyone can visit. You can even take tours to see what life was like in a grand home almost 200 years ago! It's a fantastic example of old-style architecture.
Conrad Rice Mill: A Taste of History
Have you ever wondered how rice gets from the farm to your plate? The Conrad Rice Mill in New Iberia can give you a clue! This mill, located at 307 Ann Street, was added to the National Register in 1982. It's a reminder of how important rice farming and processing have been to Louisiana's economy for many years. It shows us how food was prepared and distributed in the past.
Darby Plantation: A Glimpse into the Past
Another interesting spot is the Darby Plantation, just north of New Iberia. Plantations were large farms where many crops were grown. This one was listed on the National Register in 1973. It helps us understand the history of farming and the way people lived and worked on these large estates in Louisiana.
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany: A Place of Worship
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is a beautiful old church located at 303 West Main Street in New Iberia. It was added to the National Register in 1977. Churches like this are important because they show us the history of communities and how people gathered for worship and social events.
Auguste Erath Building: Old Shops and Stores
Imagine what shopping was like long ago! The Auguste Erath Building at 333-335 West St. Peter Street in New Iberia was listed in 1995. Buildings like this were once busy shops and businesses. They tell us about how towns grew and how people bought and sold goods.
Evangeline Theater: Movies from the Past
Do you love going to the movies? The Evangeline Theater at 129 East Main Street in New Iberia was added to the National Register in 1999. This old theater was once a popular spot for people to watch films and enjoy entertainment. It reminds us of how people spent their free time before streaming services and home theaters!
First United Methodist Church: Another Historic Church
The First United Methodist Church at 119 Jefferson Street in New Iberia is another historic church. It was listed in 1989. Like other old churches, it represents the community's history and its spiritual life.
LeJeune's Bakery: Sweet History!
Who doesn't love a good bakery? LeJeune's Bakery at 1510 West Main Street in Jeanerette was added to the National Register in 2003. This bakery has been making delicious treats for a long time. It's a great example of a local business that has become a historic landmark.
Lutzenberger Foundry and Pattern Shop Building: Industrial History
The Lutzenberger Foundry and Pattern Shop Building at 502 and 505 Jane Street in New Iberia was listed in 1998. A foundry is a place where metal is melted and shaped into different objects. This building shows us the industrial history of the area and how things were manufactured.
New Iberia High School: Learning Through Time
Your school might be new, but the New Iberia High School building at 415 Center Street in New Iberia is historic! It was added to the National Register in 1994. This building has seen many students learn and grow over the years. It's a symbol of education and community in Iberia Parish.
Olivier Store: A Community Hub
The Olivier Store on Louisiana Highway 83 in Lydia was listed in 1982. Old general stores like this were often the heart of a community. People would come here to buy everything from food to tools, and also to catch up on local news. It tells us about how people shopped and connected in smaller towns.
Pascal Building: Downtown History
The Pascal Building at 223 East Main Street in New Iberia was added to the National Register in 1985. This building is part of the historic downtown area, showing how the city center developed over time with different businesses and offices.
Southern Pacific Railroad Depot: All Aboard!
Trains were super important for travel and moving goods long ago! The Southern Pacific Railroad Depot at 402 West Washington in New Iberia was listed in 1987. This old train station was a busy place where people would arrive and depart, and goods would be loaded and unloaded. It's a cool reminder of the age of railroads.
Steamboat House: A Unique Design
The Steamboat House at 623 East Main Street in New Iberia was added to the National Register in 1979. Its name suggests it might have a unique design that reminds people of old steamboats that once traveled the bayous. It's a fun example of interesting architecture!
John R. Taylor Drugstore: Old-Time Medicine
Before big pharmacies, there were local drugstores like the John R. Taylor Drugstore at 145 West Main Street in New Iberia. It was listed in 1996. These stores didn't just sell medicine; they were often places where people could get advice and even a soda at a soda fountain!
Vida Shaw Bridge: Crossing the Waters
Bridges are important for connecting communities! The Vida Shaw Bridge on Vida Shaw Road near Louisiana Highway 344 in Loreauville was added to the National Register in 2010. This bridge helps us understand how transportation has changed and how communities have stayed connected over rivers and bayous.
Wormser's Department Store: Shopping History
Another historic shopping spot is Wormser's Department Store at 112 East Main Street in New Iberia, listed in 1995. Department stores were once huge places where you could buy almost anything you needed, from clothes to household items. This building shows us how shopping has evolved over time.
Former Historic Places
Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed from the list. This can happen for different reasons, like if the building is changed too much or if it's no longer standing.
One example in Iberia Parish is the Santiago Lamperez House at 203 Front Street in New Iberia. It was listed in 1985 but was removed in 2016. Even though it's no longer on the list, it was once considered an important part of the area's history.