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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US CAJUNS
Our Louisiana
With so many different people reaching the area, communication become a slight burden. Many of our historical records are in either French, Spanish or English. Today, our main language is English, but in the most southern part of the state, many speak a dialect called Cajun-French. It is a mixture of mostly French with African, Native American, Spanish, and English words and phrases. Each community has a slightly different Cajun-French dialect depending on what bayou you are on. Our Cajun-French speaking ancestors were at one time not allow to speak our language. They were punished in school, and so, they refuse to teach their children the language out of fear. With each passing generation, less and less of our people know how to speak or even understand our Cajun-French language.
As with our language, our food is a delightful mixture of cultured cuisine. From gumbo to po boys to a good ol’ spicy seafood boil, you will find a array of items on the menu. Due to our close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and our inlet waterways, seafood is in an abundance. It is almost always incorporated into recipes and onto our dinner tables.
Most of our way life is fading and our population is declining due to coastal erosion and rising waters. Hurricanes have impacted our lives for many generations. With each hurricane that wrecks havoc on our state, more people pack up and leave. Some just don’t have a choice. We have lost not only our homes and replaceable property, but also old pictures, heirlooms and treasured documents that can never be replaced. Sadly, some of our people have even lost their lives to these dangerous storms.
The best way to support our people is by visiting our state. We have a lot to offer from food, music, art, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures like fishing and hunting. If you never been to a Louisiana Festival, you are missing out on a good time!
A GLIMPSE OF LOUISIANA HISTORY
Louisiana was home first to the indigenous tribes. In the 1500s, the first explorers make their way to the Americas. The French were the first to settle in what is know as New France. By the early 1700s, France had five colonies including La Louisiane. After the Seven Years’ War, France lost three of New France’s colonies to England and the Louisiana Territory was ceded to Spain. After taking control of the Acadia Colony [todays, Nova Scotia], the English deported the Acadians, who would not take the oath of King George III. Some Acadians migrated south with some 400 families making the long journey to gulf coast to the bayous and swamps of today’s Louisiana. In the 1800s, France regained control over the western part that Spain held in a secret Third Treaty of San Ildefonso. In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from the French for $15 million. On April 30, 1812, Louisiana join the Union as the 18th State.
Click on any of the titles below to learn more.
NATIVE AMERICANS
Louisiana Tribes
There are 4 federally recognized tribes and 11 state recognized tribes in Louisiana, today.
FIRST EXPEDITION
The New World
In 1528, the first European explorers reach the mouth of the Mississippi River.
NEW FRANCE
Acadian History
In 1755, the English gained control of New France [Today’s Nova Scotia] and deported thousands of Acadians.
FRENCH RULE
La Louisiane (1682-1762) & (1801-1803)
in 1682, LaSalle claimed land in the name of his French King. The French would lose the territory to Spain after 80 years of controlling the region.
SPAIN RULE
Provincia de Luisiana (1762-1801)
After acquiring the Louisiana Territory from France in the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1762, Spain ruled the land for 40 years.
ENGLISH RULE
Treaty of Paris (1763)
The British controlled only the Florida Parishes of today’s Louisiana, but before the 1803 Louisiana purchase, the English ruled the eastern half of the Louisiana Territory.
LOUISIANA PURCHASE
United States (1803)
In 1803, the United States purchased all of La Louisiane from France.
THE UNION
18th State (30 APR 1812)
After being admitted into the Union, Louisiana had a flood of new settlers. German and Irish as well as settlers from eastern US poured into the state.
LOUISIANA TODAY
Union, Justice and Confidence (2023)
Today, visitors can see the French and Spanish influence in architecture and fine arts. Likewise, our famous food is inspired by our mixed culture.