Opelousas And St. Landry Parish
Click here to go to the Official Website for the City of Opelousas.
Opelousas, population 20,000, third oldest city in Louisiana, is the parish seat of St. Landry Parish. It is situated at the juncture of Interstate 49 (exits 15-19) and U.S. Highway 190. Major new businesses are locating near Opelousas. In 2000, Wal-Mart opened a $90 million distribution center north of the city on a 200-acre tract located off Interstate 49 at exit 23. Initially, the center has about 600 employees, but that number could eventually double. In addition, Evangeline Downs, a horse racing track, will be relocating from Lafayette to a site near Opelousas. Plans call for construction of a major entertainment complex.
As far back as 1690, French traders carried on a lucrative trade with the Opelousas Indians (the name Opelousas means Blackleg). The exact year in which Opelousas can be considered to have been established is uncertain, but records indicate that the first land grant to a settler in the Opelousas area was made in 1782. Opelousas was part of the Louisiana Purchase acquired by the United States in 1803. It was incorporated as a town in 1821. During the Civil War, Opelousas became the state capital after Baton Rouge fell under Union control. This rich history is reflected in the traditions carried on by the people of Opelousas today.
Filed Under: Tourist Information on March 18th, 2010
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