National Register of Historic Places listings in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and places in your town? Some of them are super special because they tell stories about the past! In Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, there are many such places. They are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places.
This list is like a special hall of fame for buildings, neighborhoods, and other spots that have a lot of history. When a place is added to this list, it means it's important to the history of the United States. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them too. Lafayette Parish has 39 amazing places on this list!
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. government.
Why are places added to the list?
Places are added to the list for many reasons. Maybe they are:
- Very old and show how people lived long ago.
- Designed in a special way by a famous architect.
- Connected to important events in history.
- Linked to famous people who lived or worked there.
When a place is on the National Register, it helps people understand its history and encourages them to take care of it. It can also help with getting grants or tax breaks to restore and maintain these historic spots.
Historic Places in Lafayette Parish
Lafayette Parish is full of history, especially with its unique Cajun and Creole cultures. Many of the places on the National Register here are old homes, churches, and buildings that show how the area grew over time.
Notable Historic Homes
Many of the listed places are beautiful old houses. These homes often show the architecture and lifestyle of people who lived in Lafayette Parish many years ago.
- Alexandre Mouton House: This is a very famous house in Lafayette. It was built around 1800 and was once the home of Alexandre Mouton, who was a governor of Louisiana and a U.S. Senator. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about the history of the area.
- Daigle House: Located in Lafayette, this house is a great example of early 20th-century architecture.
- Elrose: Another historic home in Lafayette, Elrose shows the grand style of houses from its time.
- Charles H. Mouton House: This house, also in Lafayette, belonged to another member of the Mouton family, showing their importance in the area's history.
Important Buildings and Districts
Beyond individual homes, some larger buildings and even whole neighborhoods are recognized for their historical value.
- Bank of Scott: This old bank building in Scott, Louisiana tells a story about how towns developed and how businesses operated in the past.
- Old Lafayette City Hall: The former city hall building is important because it was where many decisions about Lafayette's growth and future were made.
- St. John's Cathedral: This beautiful church in Lafayette is a major landmark and a significant part of the community's spiritual and architectural history.
- Holy Rosary Institute: This institute in Lafayette played an important role in education, especially for African American students, showing the history of schooling in the region.
- Freetown-Port Rico Historic District: This is not just one building, but a whole area in Lafayette! Historic districts are special because they show how a neighborhood looked and functioned in the past, with many old buildings together.
- Sterling Grove Historic District: Another historic district in Lafayette, this area gives us a glimpse into the community's past through its collection of historic buildings.
Historic Places in Broussard and Other Towns
Lafayette Parish includes several towns, and each has its own unique history.
- Alesia (Broussard, Louisiana): This historic property in Broussard, Louisiana is one of several important sites in the town.
- Billeaud House: Also in Broussard, this house is part of the town's rich architectural heritage.
- Main Street Historic District (Broussard, Louisiana): Like the districts in Lafayette, this area in Broussard preserves the look and feel of an older Main Street, showing how the town center developed.
- St. Cecilia School (Broussard, Louisiana): This old school building highlights the history of education in Broussard.
- Our Lady of the Assumption School: Located in Carencro, Louisiana, this school is another example of a historic educational building in the parish.
These are just a few examples of the many special places in Lafayette Parish that are recognized for their historical importance. Each one helps us understand the rich and diverse story of this part of Louisiana.
Images for kids
-
Brandt House
-
Daigle House
-
Elrose
-
Gordon Hotel
-
Hope Lodge No. 145
-
Lafayette Hardware Store
-
Alexandre Mouton House
-
Charles H. Mouton House
-
Old Lafayette City Hall
-
Our Lady of the Assumption School
-
St. John's Cathedral
