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.
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The St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District focuses on developing employment opportunities, promoting economic development in disadvantaged communities, improving infrastructure, and promoting the overall welfare of the citizens of the parish. For more information on establishing and developing businesses in St. Landry Parish, contact Gerard Perron, executive director (337) 948-1391; fax (337) 407-2283. For additional resources, contact Frankie Bertrand, PCD, executive vice president of the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce, 121 W. Vine St., Opelousas, LA 70570; phone (337) 942-2683; fax (337) 942-2684. The Louisiana Electronic Assistance Program has a wealth of business information about the state. Opelousas is the site of the T.H. Harris campus of Louisiana Technical College, a statewide system of vocational-technical schools.
As noted in the opening section of this page, Opelousas has received a very significant economic boost with the opening of a major Wal-Mart distribution center. In addition, Evangeline Downs, a horse racing track currently located in Lafayette, is moving to a site near Opelousas. A large entertainment complex is being constructed as part of the new race track facilities.
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Among the other noteworthy attractions in St. Landry Parish are the Etouffee Cookoff in Arnaudville each April (phone 337-754-7993), the Sunset Festival of Herbs and Gardens in May (phone 337-662-3542, and the Atchafalaya Catfish Festival held in September in Melville (phone 337-623-4371). A separate page covers the City of Eunice and the Liberty Theater.
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Washington, located just down the road from Opelousas (and easily accessible from I-49), still maintains much of the charm of an antebellum town that was settled about 1800. Before the Civil War, it was a turning point for steam vessels that traveled up the Mississippi from New Orleans. The town has a number of fine old homes, some of which are open for tours. The style of homes ranges from board and batten Acadian cottages to plantation houses. Many stores in the commercial district also retain the old shop fronts from late in the 19th century. For more information on tour hours and admission charges, stop by the Washington Museum and Tourist Center, 402 N. Main. St., in downtown Washington, LA 70589. The museum features artifacts from steamboat era. Open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (337) 826-3626 or 826-3627.
You can also browse through the many antique shops located downtown. In addition, many visitors enjoy the food and atmosphere of a restaurant located in a renovated steamboat warehouse. The Catfish Festival, held the third weekend in March, includes music, food and special tours of the old homes. In addition, during the fall and spring, the local Garden Club hosts a concert series, “Music in Historic Sites.”
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Grand Coteau, located south of Opelousas just east of I-47, is the home of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the second oldest institution of learning west of the Mississippi River (established in 1821). The 250-acre grounds include beautiful formal gardens and tree-lined alleys. The architecture is equally impressive. The Academy hosts a Congé (holiday) each April, a fun-filled, relaxing festival that includes food, games, and a silent auction. The Academy is also open for tours 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday by appointment (phone 337-662-5275; admission charged; closed for major holidays and for special events like retreats). Grand Coteau is also the home of St. Charles Church, which dates from 1879 and was designed in the second empire style by New Orleans architect James Freret. Other points of interest are located in the Grand Coteau Historic District.
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The highlight of the festival, held in Port Barre in November and sponsored by the Lions Club, is the annual cracklin’ cookoff. (Cracklings or gratons are fried pork skins.) Visitors have a chance to sample this Louisiana treat as prepared by the very best cracklin’ cooks. Other Louisiana food items are also for sale. The festival includes a parade, music, carnival rides, and crafts. For details, phone (337) 585-6251.
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The festival is held the Saturday before Labor Day. Bring your lawn chairs and be prepared to enjoy more than 12 hours of music performed by top Zydeco artists. The festival site is in the countryside just north of Plaisance on Highway 167. For more information, contact the Festival Office, 361 Congress Street, Opelousas, LA 70570; (337) 942-2392. For schedule information, go to the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival site.
Keith Frank is in the house–that’s what the members of his Soileau Zydeco Band sang while Keith Frank made his way to the stage after landing in a helicopter at the 1999 Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Actually, Frank was at the site earlier performing on the Heritage Stage, but his airborne arrival in the evening twilight electrified the large crowd.
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Held at the Yambilee Building in April, the contest attracts a sell-out crowd every year. Phone (337) 948-6263.
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The festival is usually held during the last weekend of October. The Yambilee celebrates the harvest of yams or sweet potatoes. In addition to a variety of activities at the Yambilee Building, the festival features a parade led by the Yambilee king and queen beginning about noon on Sunday. Phone (337) 948-8848 or 1-800-210-5298.
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The area around the Court House Square is a National Historic District. Visitors can walk on old brick sidewalks dating back to 1838, and some homes date from before the Civil War. For a guided tour of the city, pick up a map at the Opelousas Tourist Center (located in the Jim Bowie Museum) or contact the center at 1-800-424-5442. During early April until the end of May, musical groups perform downtown every Friday starting about 5:30 p.m.
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