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Lafayette, Louisiana

Located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, Lafayette was established in 1821. Lafayette is known as the 'Cajun Capital of the World.'. The city was originally called Vermilionville for the nearby Vermilion River.
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Founded 1821 | Population 126,000 | Peak 126,000 (2024) | County Lafayette Parish

Top 10 Most Important Events for Lafayette, Louisiana

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1821 Vermilionville Founded: Cajun settlement on Vermilion River.
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1884 Renamed Lafayette: Named for Marquis de Lafayette.
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1920 Oil Industry Arrives: Petroleum transforms the economy.
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1968 Cajun Culture Renaissance: Movement to preserve French language and Cajun culture.
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2001 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles: Major Cajun and Creole music festival.
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2020 Hurricane Laura: Category 4 hurricane causes significant damage.
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Latest News in Lafayette

Jan 1, 1970
22-Year-Old Arrested for Raping 94-Year-Old in Baton Rouge
In the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a community has been left reeling from the arrest of 22-year-old Jeremiah Taylor, accused …

Complete Historical Timeline

1821 Culture
Vermilionville Founded
1884 Government
Renamed Lafayette
1920 Industry
Oil Industry Arrives
1968 Culture
Cajun Culture Renaissance
2001 Culture
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
2020 Disaster
Hurricane Laura

Did You Know?

1
Lafayette is known as the 'Cajun Capital of the World.'.
2
The city was originally called Vermilionville for the nearby Vermilion River.
3
Lafayette's Cajun and Creole food culture is considered among the finest regional cuisines in America.
4
Lafayette is located in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.
5
Lafayette was founded in 1821.

Famous People from Lafayette, Louisiana

AD
Armand Duplantis
Athletics Competitor, Pole Vaulter · Born Nov 10, 1999 · Age 26
AR
Addison Rae
Actor, Singer · Born Oct 6, 2000 · Age 25
DA
Danneel Ackles
Actor, Executive Producer · Born Mar 18, 1979 · Age 46
DP
Dustin Poirier
Mixed Martial Arts Fighter · Born Jan 19, 1989 · Age 37
DC
Daniel Cormier
Sports Analyst, Mixed Martial Arts Fighter · Born Mar 20, 1979 · Age 46

Other Cities in Louisiana

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NO
New Orleans
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BR
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Pop. 218,223
S
Shreveport
Pop. 171,469
LC
Lake Charles
Pop. 83,000
BC
Bossier City
Pop. 68,000
K
Kenner
Pop. 66,000
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