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Lafayette is a city in southwest Louisiana. With a population of around 126,000 as of 2019, it is the fourth-largest city in Louisiana. Lafayette serves as the parish seat of Lafayette Parish. The city has a unique blend of Cajun and Creole cultures influenced by its French and Spanish heritage.

History of Lafayette

The area where Lafayette sits today was once inhabited by the Atakapa Native American tribe. In the 1700s, French-speaking Acadians who were exiled from Acadia, Canada settled in the area. In 1821, businessman Jean Mouton purchased a tract of land and founded the city, naming it Vermilionville after the nearby Vermilion River. In 1884, the city was renamed Lafayette in honor of the French general Marquis de Lafayette who fought alongside the colonies during the American Revolutionary War. For more on the history of Lafayette, visit the Lafayette Wikipedia page.

Population and Demographics

According to 2019 census data, Lafayette has a population of 126,143 people. It is the 15th largest city in Louisiana and the 212th largest city in the United States. The racial makeup of Lafayette is 63.63% White, 30.45% African American, 0.29% Native American, 2.32% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.48% from other races, and 1.80% from two or more races. 4.56% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major industries and employers in Lafayette include:

• Oil and gas - Many oil and gas companies are headquartered in Lafayette due to its proximity to offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Major employers include Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, and Weatherford International.
• Healthcare - Major healthcare employers include Lafayette General Health, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and Acadian Ambulance Service.
• Education - The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College employ thousands in the city.
• Retail - Retailers like Walmart, Albertsons, and Target have a major presence. The Mall of Acadiana is the largest shopping mall in the region.
• Government - Lafayette Consolidated Government employs over 2,000 people.

For more on the Lafayette economy and job market, visit the Lafayette Economic Development Authority website at www.lafayette.org or 601 E. Jasper St, Lafayette, LA 70508, (337) 593-1400.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Lafayette include:

Acadian Village

Acadian Village (311 Greenleaf Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506) is a replica 19th century Cajun settlement depicting the lifestyles and folklore of the Acadian people. Historic homes and buildings have been moved here from other sites and authentically restored.

GPS Coordinates: 30.205988783546725, -92.0193185058631

Vermilionville

Vermilionville (300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508) is a living history museum and folklife park focused on Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures. It features historic homes and buildings, demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills, and Cajun music.

GPS Coordinates: 30.221949581874205, -92.07389268494879

Alexandre Mouton House

The Alexandre Mouton House (1201 E Main St, Lafayette, LA 70501) is a historic home built in the 1820s in the Creole architectural style. It was the home of Alexandre Mouton who founded Vermilionville and became the 9th Governor of Louisiana.

GPS Coordinates: 30.2207649819481, -92.01706268494993

For more on attractions in Lafayette, visit the Lafayette Travel website at www.lafayettetravel.com or 1400 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70501, (337) 232-3737.

Sports Teams

Lafayette is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) Ragin' Cajuns sports teams. The Cajuns compete in Division I NCAA athletics in the Sun Belt Conference. Popular teams include football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and more. Home games are played at Cajun Field and the Cajundome. For schedules and tickets, visit the Ragin' Cajuns website or Moore Field / M.L. Tigue Moore Field at Russo Park, 700 West Willow Street, Lafayette, LA 70506, (337) 851-3333.

Public Library

The Lafayette Public Library serves the city and parish of Lafayette. The main library is located at 301 W Congress St, Lafayette, LA 70501. There are also 8 branch locations throughout Lafayette Parish. The library offers books, movies, music, computers, free Wi-Fi, programs for kids and adults, and more. Learn more at the Lafayette Public Library website or call (337) 261-5787.

Museums

Top museums in Lafayette include:

• Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum (710 E St Mary Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503) - Showcases global art and culture on the campus of UL Lafayette.
• Acadian Village (311 Greenleaf Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506) - Living history museum depicting Acadian lifestyles.
• Vermilionville (300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508) - Historic village and folklife park celebrating Cajun, Creole, and Native American heritage.
• Alexandre Mouton House (1201 E Main St, Lafayette, LA 70501) - Historic antebellum plantation home.
• Acadiana Center for the Arts (101 W Vermilion St, Lafayette, LA 70501) - Arts center with galleries and performance spaces.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Lafayette is provided by the Lafayette Transit System. It operates 18 bus routes throughout the city with the main transfer terminal located downtown at 100 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA 70501. Fares are $1 per ride. Learn more about schedules and routes at the Lafayette Transit System website or call (337) 291-8514.

Geography and County

Lafayette is located in southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette Parish. It has a total area of 49.2 square miles. Surrounding communities include Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, and Youngsville. Lafayette Parish government is located at 101 East Vermilion St, Lafayette, LA 70501. Learn more at the Lafayette Consolidated Government website or call (337) 291-8000.

School Districts

Public schools in Lafayette are managed by the Lafayette Parish School System. There are 30 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 9 high schools. The central office is located at 113 Chaplin Dr, Lafayette, LA 70508. See school directories and learn more at the Lafayette Parish School System website or call (337) 521-7000.

Local Resources

Here are some other helpful local resources in Lafayette:

• City of Lafayette Facebook page
• Evangeline Country Tourism Commission - Regional tourism website
• Jefferson Street Market - Public market with local food and goods
• Children's Museum of Lafayette - Children's museum with interactive exhibits
• The Zoo of Acadiana - Local zoo with 100+ animal species

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