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 July 31st, 2010 No Comments »
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.
The current structure, completed in 1909, is the fourth church building erected on the site since 1799. The history of the church goes back even farther: it was first established north of Opelousas in the mid-1700s. The first marriage of Jim Bowie is recorded in the church.
The Wier House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is now the Opelousas Museum of Art. The building is located at the corner of Union and Bellevue streets. Nan Wier is the director of the museum, which features rotating exhibits. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is also open by appointment by calling 337-942-4991. Admission is $3 (free to members).
315 N. Main St., the museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Civil War Room highlights the city’s role as capital of Confederate Louisiana and subsequently as a federal post and military depot. The Geraldine Smith Welch Doll Collection contains more than 400 dolls. The main exhibit room covers history (and prehistory), culture, business, and other aspects of life in Opelousas. 
The museum also is a repository for materials related to the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. For details, write the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center,.