Acadia Parish, Louisiana: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Parish in Louisiana, United States}} |
{{short description|Parish in Louisiana, United States}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date= |
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
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{{Infobox U.S. county |
{{Infobox U.S. county |
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| county = Acadia Parish |
| county = Acadia Parish |
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| state = Louisiana |
| state = Louisiana |
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| type = [[Louisiana parishes|Parish]] |
| type = [[Louisiana parishes|Parish]] |
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| founded year = 1886 |
| founded year = 1886 |
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| founded date = June |
| founded date = June 30 |
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| seat wl = Crowley |
| seat wl = Crowley |
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| largest city wl = Crowley |
| largest city wl = Crowley |
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| area_total_sq_mi = 657 |
| area_total_sq_mi = 657 |
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| area_land_sq_mi = 655 |
| area_land_sq_mi = 655 |
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| area_water_sq_mi = 2.3 |
| area_water_sq_mi = 2.3 |
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| area percentage = 0.4 |
| area percentage = 0.4 |
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| population_as_of = 2020 |
| population_as_of = 2020 |
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| population_total = 57576 |
| population_total = 57576 |
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| pop_est_as_of = |
| pop_est_as_of = |
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| population_est = |
| population_est = |
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| pop_est_footnotes = |
| pop_est_footnotes = |
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| population_density_sq_mi = auto |
| population_density_sq_mi = auto |
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| time zone = Central |
| time zone = Central |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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| web = http://www.appj.org/index.html |
| web = http://www.appj.org/index.html |
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| named for = The [[Acadians]] |
| named for = The [[Acadians]] |
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| ex image = Crowley, Louisiana - Parish Courthouse Feb 2019.jpg |
| ex image = Crowley, Louisiana - Parish Courthouse Feb 2019.jpg |
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| ex image cap = Acadia Parish Courthouse |
| ex image cap = Acadia Parish Courthouse |
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| district = 3rd |
| district = 3rd |
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| coordinates = {{coord|30|16|N|92|24|W|type:adm2nd_region:US-LA|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|30|16|N|92|24|W|type:adm2nd_region:US-LA|display=inline,title}} |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Acadia Parish''' ({{ |
'''Acadia Parish''' ({{langx|fr|link=no|Paroisse de l'Acadie}}) is a [[List of parishes in Louisiana|parish]] located in the U.S. state of [[Louisiana]]. At the [[2020 United States census|2020 U.S. census]], the population was 57,576.<ref>{{Cite web|title=QuickFacts: Acadia Parish, Louisiana|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/acadiaparishlouisiana/POP010220|access-date=August 14, 2021|website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref> The [[parish seat]] and the most populous municipality is [[Crowley, Louisiana|Crowley]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> The parish was founded from parts of [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana|St. Landry Parish]] in 1886, and later an election was held to determine the parish seat, ending when Crowley beat [[Rayne, Louisiana|Rayne]] and Prairie Hayes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://classes.slis.lsu.edu/wu/7008/sp10/bfrench/project/history.html |title=Acadia Parish History |publisher=Acadia Parish Library |access-date=September 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100707201408/http://classes.slis.lsu.edu/wu/7008/sp10/bfrench/project/history.html |archive-date=July 7, 2010 }}</ref> Acadia Parish is included in the [[lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]] [[Lafayette, Louisiana metropolitan area|metropolitan statistical area]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The name of the parish is derived from the former French colony of [[Acadia]] in Canada (which consisted of the modern provinces of [[Nova Scotia]], [[Prince Edward Island]], [[New Brunswick]], and much of [[Maine]]), many of |
The name of the parish is derived from the former French colony of [[Acadia]] in Canada (which consisted of the modern provinces of [[Nova Scotia]], [[Prince Edward Island]], [[New Brunswick]], and much of [[Maine]]). After Britain defeated France in the Seven Years War, they took control of their North American colonies east of the Mississippi River. They required ethnic French Acadians to take a loyalty oath and never got over their suspicions of them. They deported many of the French-speaking inhabitants to France. From there, some joined others who had migrated directly to the French colony of ''[[La Louisiane]]'' (Louisiana) in what was known as the [[Great Upheaval]]. (see [[Cajun]]s). |
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The parish |
The parish was formed from the southwestern portion of [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana]]. On May 19, 1886, a bill was introduced in the Louisiana state house entitled "An act to create the parish of Nicholls, and to provide for the organization thereof."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKxIAQAAMAAJ&q=%22An+act+to+create+the+parish+of+Nicholls%22&pg=PA83|title = Official Journal of the Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana|year = 1886}}</ref> The title was later changed to read: "An act to create the parish of Acadia." Father Joseph Anthonioz, the first pastor of the Catholic Church at [[Rayne, Louisiana|Rayne]], is credited with having suggested the name, Acadia Parish. The bill passed the house on June 11, the senate on June 28, and was approved by Governor [[Samuel D. McEnery]] on June 30.<ref name="Fontenot1976p244">Fontenot, Mary.''Acadia Parish, Louisiana''. The Center for Louisiana Studies, 1976, p. 244.</ref> |
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After a close election held on March 1, 1887, Crowley was chosen as the [[county seat|parish seat]], gathering 698 votes to Rayne's and Prairie Hayes' 560 and 519, respectively. The election also determined the first officers in the parish: Elridge W. Lyons, first sheriff of Acadia |
On October 6, an election was held to affirm the creation of the parish, with 2,516 votes for and 1,521 votes against the creation. The population of the new parish was from 10,000 to 12,000. Acadia Parish population in 1890 was 13,231.<ref name="Fontenot1976p254">Fontenot, Mary.''Acadia Parish, Louisiana''. The Center for Louisiana Studies, 1976, p. 254.</ref> |
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After a close election held on March 1, 1887, [[Crowley, Louisiana|Crowley]] was chosen as the [[county seat|parish seat]], gathering 698 votes to Rayne's and Prairie Hayes' 560 and 519, respectively. The election also determined the first officers in the parish: Elridge W. Lyons, first sheriff of Acadia; and R. T. Clark, first clerk of court. The first courthouse was constructed in Crowley and completed on June 30, 1888. It continued to be used until May 1, 1902, when it was destroyed to make way for the second building.<ref name="Fontenot1976p298">Fontenot, Mary.''Acadia Parish, Louisiana''. The Center for Louisiana Studies, 1976, p. 298.</ref> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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===Major highways=== |
===Major highways=== |
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* [[Image:I-10.svg| |
* [[Image:I-10.svg|25px]] [[Interstate 10]] |
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* [[Image:US 90.svg| |
* [[Image:US 90.svg|25px]] [[U.S. Highway 90]] |
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* [[Image: |
* [[Image:US 190.svg|25px]] [[U.S. Highway 190]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana |
* [[Image:Louisiana 13 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 13]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana |
* [[Image:Louisiana 35 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 35]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana |
* [[Image:Louisiana 91 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 91]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana |
* [[Image:Louisiana 92 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 92]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana 95 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 95]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana 97 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 97]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana 98 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 98]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana 365 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 365]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana 370 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 370]] |
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* [[Image:Louisiana 1111 (2008).svg|25px]] [[Louisiana Highway 1111]] |
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===Adjacent parishes=== |
===Adjacent parishes=== |
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==== Census-designated places ==== |
==== Census-designated places ==== |
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* [[Branch, Louisiana|Branch]] |
* [[Branch, Louisiana|Branch]] |
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* [[Egan, Louisiana|Egan]] |
* [[Egan, Louisiana|Egan]] |
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==== Other |
==== Other communities ==== |
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{{div col|colwidth=20em}} |
{{div col|colwidth=20em}} |
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* [[Maxie, Louisiana|Maxie]] |
* [[Maxie, Louisiana|Maxie]] |
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* [[Mermentau Cove, Louisiana|Mermentau Cove]] |
* [[Mermentau Cove, Louisiana|Mermentau Cove]] |
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⚫ | |||
* [[Millerville, Louisiana|Millerville]] |
* [[Millerville, Louisiana|Millerville]] |
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* [[Mire, Louisiana|Mire]] (formerly Marais Bouleur and Bosco) |
* [[Mire, Louisiana|Mire]] (formerly Marais Bouleur and Bosco) |
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* [[Mowata, Louisiana|Mowata]] |
* [[Mowata, Louisiana|Mowata]] |
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* [[Nezpique, Louisiana|Nezpique]] |
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* [[Peach Bloom, Louisiana|Peach Bloom]] |
* [[Peach Bloom, Louisiana|Peach Bloom]] |
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* [[Pitreville, Louisiana|Pitreville]] |
* [[Pitreville, Louisiana|Pitreville]] |
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* [[Shortbread, Louisiana|Shortbread]] |
* [[Shortbread, Louisiana|Shortbread]] |
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* [[Tepetate, Louisiana|Tepetate]] |
* [[Tepetate, Louisiana|Tepetate]] |
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* [[Tortue, Louisiana|Tortue]] Tee Mamou |
* [[Tortue, Louisiana|Tortue]] |
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* Tee Mamou |
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* [[Whitehouse, Louisiana|Whitehouse]] |
* [[Whitehouse, Louisiana|Whitehouse]] |
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* [[Williams, Louisiana|Williams]]{{div col end}} |
* [[Williams, Louisiana|Williams]]{{div col end}} |
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|estref= |
|estref= |
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|align-fn=center |
|align-fn=center |
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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=U.S. Decennial Census |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 20, 2014 }}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/la190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date= |
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=U.S. Decennial Census |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 20, 2014 }}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/la190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> 2010–2013<ref name="QF">{{cite web |title=State & County QuickFacts |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/22001.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606213400/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/22001.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 }}</ref> |
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|2020=57576}} |
|2020=57576}} |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right" |
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|+Acadia Parish racial composition as of 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US22001&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date= |
|+Acadia Parish racial composition as of 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US22001&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 29, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> |
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!scope="col"| Race |
!scope="col"| Race |
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!scope="col"| Number |
!scope="col"| Number |
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| 2.85% |
| 2.85% |
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|} |
|} |
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As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 57,576 people, 22,236 households, and 15,519 families residing in the parish. At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 United States census]], 61,773 people were residing in the parish, and 58,861 people at the [[2000 United States census]].<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= |
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 57,576 people, 22,236 households, and 15,519 families residing in the parish. At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 United States census]], 61,773 people were residing in the parish, and 58,861 people at the [[2000 United States census]].<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> In 2019, the [[American Community Survey]] estimated 62,045 people lived in the parish.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Geography Profile: Acadia Parish, Louisiana|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0500000US22001|url-status=live|access-date=August 12, 2021|website=data.census.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150715/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0500000US22001 |archive-date=August 12, 2021 }}</ref> |
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According to the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of the parish was 77.4% [[Non-Hispanic whites|non-Hispanic white]], 17.4% [[African Americans|Black and African American]], 0.1% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]], 0.1% [[Asian Americans|Asian alone]], 0.3% some other race, 2.8% [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]], and 2.6% [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic and Latin American]] of any race. In 2010, 79.5% were [[White Americans|White American]], 18.1% Black and African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% some other race, and 1.3% of two or more races; 1.7% were Hispanic or Latin American of any race. |
According to the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of the parish was 77.4% [[Non-Hispanic whites|non-Hispanic white]], 17.4% [[African Americans|Black and African American]], 0.1% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]], 0.1% [[Asian Americans|Asian alone]], 0.3% some other race, 2.8% [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]], and 2.6% [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic and Latin American]] of any race. In 2010, 79.5% were [[White Americans|White American]], 18.1% Black and African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% some other race, and 1.3% of two or more races; 1.7% were Hispanic or Latin American of any race. |
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There were 22,236 households spread among 26,435 housing units. There was a home-ownership rate of 71.1% with an average of 3.31 people per household; an estimated 32% of the population living in the parish were never married, and 26.2% of households had children under the age of 18 living in them. The median gross rent was $662, and the median household value was $118,000.<ref name=":0" /> The median monthly cost with a mortgage was $1,083, and $312 without a mortgage. |
There were 22,236 households spread among 26,435 housing units. There was a home-ownership rate of 71.1% with an average of 3.31 people per household; an estimated 32% of the population living in the parish were never married, and 26.2% of households had children under the age of 18 living in them. The median gross rent was $662, and the median household value was $118,000.<ref name=":0" /> The median monthly cost with a mortgage was $1,083, and $312 without a mortgage. |
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An estimated 1,120 businesses operated in the parish, and the median household income was $43,396; the mean income was $61,465.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2019 Income Statistics|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US22001&tid=ACSST5Y2019.S1901&hidePreview=true|url-status=live|access-date= |
An estimated 1,120 businesses operated in the parish, and the median household income was $43,396; the mean income was $61,465.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2019 Income Statistics|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US22001&tid=ACSST5Y2019.S1901&hidePreview=true|url-status=live|access-date=August 12, 2021|website=data.census.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150715/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US22001&tid=ACSST5Y2019.S1901&hidePreview=true |archive-date=August 12, 2021 }}</ref> The parish had a 52.6% employment rate, and 24.2% of the total population lived at or below the poverty line in 2019. |
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== Arts and culture == |
== Arts and culture == |
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==National Guard== |
==National Guard== |
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C Company 3-156TH Infantry Battalion resides in Crowley, Louisiana. |
C Company 3-156TH Infantry Battalion resides in Crowley, Louisiana. As part of the [[256th IBCT]], this unit deployed to Iraq twice, 2004-5 and 2010. |
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==Politics== |
==Politics== |
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==Notable people== |
==Notable people== |
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* [[Tommy Casanova]] (born 1950), former [[All-Pro]] [[NFL]] [[defensive back]] |
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* [[Bill Cleveland]], Crowley real estate developer and member of both houses of Louisiana state legislature from 1944 to 1964; defeated for third term in state senate in 1964 by Edwin Edwards |
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* [[Wayne Toups]] (born 1958), popular [[Cajun]] musician, singer, and songwriter |
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* [[ |
* [[Bill Cleveland]] (1902-1974), real estate developer and former member of both houses of the [[Louisiana State Legislature]] |
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* [[Jo-El Sonnier]] (1946-2024), [[country music|country]] and [[Cajun]] singer, songwriter, and [[accordionist]] |
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* [[Sidney Brown (accordion maker)|Sidney Brown]], a musician from Church Point (28 October 1906 - 6 August 1981) who was known as one of the first accordion makers and repairmen in Louisiana. Brown also has the distinction of having recorded the third-best selling Cajun music album of all-time (Noir Chaussette's "Two Step/Pestauche Taunte Na Na"). |
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* [[Tony Thibodeaux]] (1938-2010), [[Cajun]] [[fiddler]] |
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*[[John Breaux]], a retired [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]], is a native of Acadia Parish. |
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* [[Joe Werner]] (1909-1978), early [[Cajun]] musician and member of the [[Hackberry Ramblers]] |
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*[[Edwin Edwards]], a former [[Louisiana]] governor (four terms), lived and worked in Acadia Parish for many years. His political career began on the Crowley City Council. |
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* [[Camey Doucet]] (born 1939), [[Cajun music|Cajun musician]] and disc jockey |
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* [[Victor Trahan|Victory "Trey" Trahan]], architect and Fellow of the [[American Institute of Architects]] |
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* [[Rosie Ledet]] (born 1971), [[Louisiana Creoles|Creole]] and [[zydeco]] musician and singer |
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* [[Jack Brooks (American politician)|Jack Brooks]] (1922-2012), longtime [[United States Representative|U.S. Representative]] for [[Texas]] |
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* [[Seth Thibodeaux]] (born 1980), college [[baseball coach]] |
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* [[J. Bert Sonnier]] (born 1938), retired [[horse trainer|trainer]] of [[thoroughbred]] racehorses |
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* [[Taylor Ri'chard]] (born 1980), film director, screenwriter, executive producer, and actor |
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* [[Clint Brown (musician)|Clint Brown]] (born 1963), [[gospel musician]] |
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* [[Barry Jean Ancelet]] (born 1951), [[Cajun]] [[folklorist]] in [[Louisiana French]] and ethnomusicologist in [[Cajun music]] |
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* [[Godfrey Zaunbrecher]] (born 1946), former [[NFL]] [[center (American football)|center]] |
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* [[Dudley Wilkins]] (1914-1989), 1934 [[United States]] [[triple jump]] champion and participant at [[1936 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Gary Lavergne]] (born 1955), author |
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* [[J. Roy White]] (1907-1985), architect and artist |
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* [[Belton Richard]] (1939-2017), [[Cajun]] [[accordionist]] and vocalist |
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* [[Josh Reed]] (born 1980), former [[NFL]] [[wide receiver]] and 2001 recipient of the [[Biletnikoff Award]] |
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* [[Dave Petitjean]] (1928-2013), actor and humorist of [[Cajun]] stories |
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* [[Elvis Perrodin]] (1956-2012), [[jockey]] in [[Thoroughbred horse racing]] |
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* [[Byron Mouton]] (born 1978), former professional [[basketball]] player and member of 2002 [[national championship]] team at the [[Maryland Terrapins|University of Maryland]] |
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* [[Gerard Melancon]] (born 1967), [[jockey]] in [[Thoroughbred horse racing]] |
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* [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] (born 1965), former [[NFL]] [[wide receiver]] and current [[Buffalo Bills]] player engagement director |
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* [[Victoria Anne Kennedy]] (born 1954), current [[United States Ambassador]] to [[Austria]] |
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* [[Elmore Nixon]] (1933-1975), [[jump blues]] pianist and singer |
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* [[Kidd Jordan]] (1935-2023), [[jazz]] saxophonist and music educator |
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* [[Chris John (politician)|Chris John]] (born 1960), [[lobbyist]] and former [[United States Representative|U.S. Representative]] |
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* [[Lee Benoit]] (born 1959), [[Cajun]] musician |
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* [[Donnie Meche]] (born 1974), [[jockey]] in [[Thoroughbred horse racing]] |
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* [[Leroy Leblanc]] (1915-1988), [[Cajun]] swing musician |
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* [[Mike Heinen]] (born 1967), [[professional golfer]] |
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* [[Alyson Habetz]] (born 1971), current [[softball]] head coach at the [[University of Louisiana-Lafayette]] |
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* [[Mary Alice Fontenot]] (1910-2003), journalist and author of children's books and books on Louisiana history |
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* [[Orlando Thomas]] (1972-2014), former [[NFL]] [[defensive back]] |
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* [[Johnny Rebel (singer)|Johnny Rebel]] (1938-2016), controversial singer, songwriter, and musician who performed songs that were supportive of [[white supremacy]] |
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* [[John Stefanski]] (born 1984), attorney and member of [[Louisiana House of Representatives]] |
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* [[Johnnie Allan]] (born 1938), musician and singer who pioneered the [[swamp pop]] musical genre |
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* [[Sherman Andrus]] (born 1942), gospel singer and former member of [[The Imperials]] |
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* [[J.D. "Jay" Miller]] (1922-1996), record producer and songwriter |
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* [[Larry Miller (accordionist)|Larry Miller]] (born 1936), retired [[Cajun]] [[accordion]] maker |
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* [[Buford Jordan]] (born 1962), former [[NFL]] [[running back]] |
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* [[Ed Zaunbrecher]] (born 1950), former college football coach |
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* [[Sidney Brown (accordion maker)|Sidney Brown]] (1906-1981), musician and noted [[Cajun accordion]] builder |
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* [[Jim Gueno]] (born 1954), former [[NFL]] [[linebacker]] |
|||
*[[John Breaux]] (born 1944), lobbyist, attorney and retired former [[United States Representative|U.S. Representative]] and [[United States Senator|U.S. Senator]] |
|||
*[[Edwin Edwards]] (1927-2021), 50th Governor of [[Louisiana]] who started his political career on the [[Crowley, Louisiana|Crowley]] City Council |
|||
⚫ | |||
* [[Irene Whitfield Holmes]] (1900-1993), [[ethnomusicologist]] and educator |
|||
==See also== |
==See also== |
Latest revision as of 16:25, 22 October 2024
Acadia Parish | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 30°16′N 92°24′W / 30.267°N 92.400°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Louisiana |
Founded | June 30, 1886 |
Named for | The Acadians |
Seat | Crowley |
Largest city | Crowley |
Area | |
• Total | 657 sq mi (1,700 km2) |
• Land | 655 sq mi (1,700 km2) |
• Water | 2.3 sq mi (6 km2) 0.4% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 57,576 |
• Density | 88/sq mi (34/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 3rd |
Website | www |
Acadia Parish (French: Paroisse de l'Acadie) is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. At the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 57,576.[1] The parish seat and the most populous municipality is Crowley.[2] The parish was founded from parts of St. Landry Parish in 1886, and later an election was held to determine the parish seat, ending when Crowley beat Rayne and Prairie Hayes.[3] Acadia Parish is included in the Lafayette metropolitan statistical area.
History
[edit]The name of the parish is derived from the former French colony of Acadia in Canada (which consisted of the modern provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and much of Maine). After Britain defeated France in the Seven Years War, they took control of their North American colonies east of the Mississippi River. They required ethnic French Acadians to take a loyalty oath and never got over their suspicions of them. They deported many of the French-speaking inhabitants to France. From there, some joined others who had migrated directly to the French colony of La Louisiane (Louisiana) in what was known as the Great Upheaval. (see Cajuns).
The parish was formed from the southwestern portion of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. On May 19, 1886, a bill was introduced in the Louisiana state house entitled "An act to create the parish of Nicholls, and to provide for the organization thereof."[4] The title was later changed to read: "An act to create the parish of Acadia." Father Joseph Anthonioz, the first pastor of the Catholic Church at Rayne, is credited with having suggested the name, Acadia Parish. The bill passed the house on June 11, the senate on June 28, and was approved by Governor Samuel D. McEnery on June 30.[5]
On October 6, an election was held to affirm the creation of the parish, with 2,516 votes for and 1,521 votes against the creation. The population of the new parish was from 10,000 to 12,000. Acadia Parish population in 1890 was 13,231.[6]
After a close election held on March 1, 1887, Crowley was chosen as the parish seat, gathering 698 votes to Rayne's and Prairie Hayes' 560 and 519, respectively. The election also determined the first officers in the parish: Elridge W. Lyons, first sheriff of Acadia; and R. T. Clark, first clerk of court. The first courthouse was constructed in Crowley and completed on June 30, 1888. It continued to be used until May 1, 1902, when it was destroyed to make way for the second building.[7]
Geography
[edit]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 657 square miles (1,700 km2), of which 655 sq mi (1,700 km2) are land and 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km2) (0.4%) are covered by water.[8]
Major highways
[edit]- Interstate 10
- U.S. Highway 90
- U.S. Highway 190
- Louisiana Highway 13
- Louisiana Highway 35
- Louisiana Highway 91
- Louisiana Highway 92
- Louisiana Highway 95
- Louisiana Highway 97
- Louisiana Highway 98
- Louisiana Highway 365
- Louisiana Highway 370
- Louisiana Highway 1111
Adjacent parishes
[edit]- Evangeline Parish (north)
- St. Landry Parish (northeast)
- Lafayette Parish (east)
- Vermilion Parish (south)
- Jefferson Davis Parish (west)
Communities
[edit]Cities
[edit]Towns
[edit]Villages
[edit]Unincorporated areas
[edit]Census-designated places
[edit]Other communities
[edit]- Arceneaux
- Bates
- Bluff
- Castile
- Deshotel
- Ebenezer
- Ellis
- Evangeline
- Frey
- Gatte's Cove
- Gumpoint
- Hundley
- Judd
- Keystone
- LeJeune Cove
- Link
- Little Japan
- Lyons Point
- Maxie
- Mermentau Cove
- Millerville
- Mire (formerly Marais Bouleur and Bosco)
- Mowata
- Peach Bloom
- Pitreville
- Pointe Noire
- Prairie Hayes
- Prudhomme
- Richard
- Ritchie
- Robert's Cove
- Rork
- Shortbread
- Tepetate
- Tortue
- Tee Mamou
- Whitehouse
- Williams
Demographics
[edit]Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1890 | 13,231 | — | |
1900 | 23,483 | 77.5% | |
1910 | 31,847 | 35.6% | |
1920 | 34,820 | 9.3% | |
1930 | 39,326 | 12.9% | |
1940 | 46,260 | 17.6% | |
1950 | 47,050 | 1.7% | |
1960 | 49,931 | 6.1% | |
1970 | 52,109 | 4.4% | |
1980 | 56,427 | 8.3% | |
1990 | 55,882 | −1.0% | |
2000 | 58,861 | 5.3% | |
2010 | 61,773 | 4.9% | |
2020 | 57,576 | −6.8% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[9] 1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11] 1990–2000[12] 2010–2013[13] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 44,115 | 76.62% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 9,946 | 17.27% |
Native American | 145 | 0.25% |
Asian | 163 | 0.28% |
Pacific Islander | 2 | 0.0% |
Other/Mixed | 1,564 | 2.72% |
Hispanic or Latino | 1,641 | 2.85% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 57,576 people, 22,236 households, and 15,519 families residing in the parish. At the 2010 United States census, 61,773 people were residing in the parish, and 58,861 people at the 2000 United States census.[15] In 2019, the American Community Survey estimated 62,045 people lived in the parish.[16]
According to the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of the parish was 77.4% non-Hispanic white, 17.4% Black and African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Asian alone, 0.3% some other race, 2.8% two or more races, and 2.6% Hispanic and Latin American of any race. In 2010, 79.5% were White American, 18.1% Black and African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% some other race, and 1.3% of two or more races; 1.7% were Hispanic or Latin American of any race.
Among the population in 2019, 73.8% were aged 18 and older, and 14.9% aged 65 and older; 7.0% were aged 5 and under.[16] The median age was 36.7, and 27.4% were of French heritage; 9.3% were German, 4.2% English, 4.1% Irish, 0.5% sub-Saharan African, 0.4% Scottish, 0.1% Norwegian, and 0.1% Polish in ancestry. Among the population in 2010, 43.7% were of French, French Canadian or Cajun, 10.8% American, and 8.0% German ancestry. Approximately 10% of the parish spoke a language other than English at home.
There were 22,236 households spread among 26,435 housing units. There was a home-ownership rate of 71.1% with an average of 3.31 people per household; an estimated 32% of the population living in the parish were never married, and 26.2% of households had children under the age of 18 living in them. The median gross rent was $662, and the median household value was $118,000.[16] The median monthly cost with a mortgage was $1,083, and $312 without a mortgage.
An estimated 1,120 businesses operated in the parish, and the median household income was $43,396; the mean income was $61,465.[17] The parish had a 52.6% employment rate, and 24.2% of the total population lived at or below the poverty line in 2019.
Arts and culture
[edit]Many festivals and cultural celebrations are held annually in Acadia Parish, including the International Rice Festival in Crowley, Frog Festival in Rayne, and Buggy Festival in Church Point. Cajun food and music, both specialties of the local population, feature prominently in these festivals.
Several communities in Acadia Parish celebrate the tradition of Courir de Mardi Gras. Disguised with masks and costumes, Cajuns travel through their rural neighborhoods, making merry while begging for gumbo ingredients. The gumbo is the centerpiece of a communal supper and dance.
Education
[edit]Acadia Parish is served by Acadia Parish Schools.
- Acadia Parish Head Start - Church Point
- Church Point Elementary (grades PK-5) (Church Point)
- Church Point Middle (grades 6–8) (Church Point)
- Church Point High (grades 9–12) (Church Point)
- Acadia Parish Head Start - Rayne
- Central Rayne Kindergarten (grades PK-1) (Rayne)
- Martin Petitjean Elementary (grades 1–3) (Rayne)
- South Rayne Elementary (grades 4–5) (Rayne)
- Armstrong Middle (grades 6–8) (Rayne)
- Rayne High (grades 9–12) (Rayne)
- Acadia Parish Head Start - Crowley
- Crowley Kindergarten (grades PK-K) (Crowley)
- North Crowley Elementary (grades K-5) (Crowley)
- Ross Elementary (grades K-5) (Crowley)
- South Crowley Elementary (grades K-5) (Crowley)
- Crowley Middle (grades 6–8) (Crowley)
- Iota Elementary (grades PK-5) (Iota)
- Iota Middle (grades 6–8) (Iota)
- Iota High (grades 9–12) (Iota)
- Acadia Parish Head Start - Estherwood
- Branch Elementary (grades PK-8) (Branch)
- Egan Elementary (grades PK-8) (Egan)
- Estherwood Elementary (grades PK-7) (Estherwood)
- Evangeline Elementary (grades PK-8) (Evangeline)
- Mermentau Elementary (grades PK-7) (Mermentau)
- Mire Elementary (grades PK-8) (unincorporated Rayne)
- Morse Elementary (grades PK-7) (Morse)
- Richard Elementary (grades PK-8) (unincorporated Church Point)
- Crowley High (grades 9–12) (unincorporated Crowley)
- Midland High (grades 8–12) (unincorporated Midland)
Acadia Parish is also served by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette with five schools:
- St. Francis School (grades PK-8) (Iota)
- Rayne Catholic Elementary School (grades PK-8) (Rayne)
- St. Michael Elementary School (grades PK-8) (Crowley)
- Our Mother of Peace Elementary School (grades PK-8) (Church Point)
- Notre Dame High School (grades 9–12) (Crowley)
Additionally, Acadia Parish is served by one unaffiliated private school:
- Northside Christian School (grades PK-12) (Crowley)
Acadia Parish is served by two institutions of higher education:
- Louisiana State University, Eunice (Eunice)
- South Louisiana Community College service area: Acadian Campus (Crowley)
Acadia Parish Library operates branches in the parish.
National Guard
[edit]C Company 3-156TH Infantry Battalion resides in Crowley, Louisiana. As part of the 256th IBCT, this unit deployed to Iraq twice, 2004-5 and 2010.
Politics
[edit]Historically, along with the rest of Louisiana, Acadia Parish strongly supported the Democratic Party, with support waning throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Following Bill Clinton's 1996 re-election bid, Acadia Parish has voted exclusively for Republican candidates at the presidential level.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 22,596 | 79.49% | 5,443 | 19.15% | 386 | 1.36% |
2016 | 21,162 | 77.26% | 5,638 | 20.58% | 589 | 2.15% |
2012 | 19,931 | 74.27% | 6,560 | 24.45% | 344 | 1.28% |
2008 | 19,229 | 71.99% | 7,028 | 26.31% | 454 | 1.70% |
2004 | 16,083 | 63.75% | 8,937 | 35.42% | 210 | 0.83% |
2000 | 13,814 | 59.45% | 8,892 | 38.26% | 532 | 2.29% |
1996 | 9,246 | 38.64% | 12,300 | 51.41% | 2,381 | 9.95% |
1992 | 9,017 | 36.70% | 12,276 | 49.97% | 3,275 | 13.33% |
1988 | 11,319 | 48.98% | 11,510 | 49.81% | 281 | 1.22% |
1984 | 14,906 | 60.59% | 9,262 | 37.65% | 434 | 1.76% |
1980 | 11,533 | 52.19% | 9,948 | 45.01% | 619 | 2.80% |
1976 | 6,296 | 35.68% | 10,814 | 61.28% | 538 | 3.05% |
1972 | 9,698 | 63.83% | 4,406 | 29.00% | 1,090 | 7.17% |
1968 | 3,178 | 18.70% | 4,098 | 24.12% | 9,715 | 57.18% |
1964 | 6,706 | 41.47% | 9,463 | 58.53% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 2,616 | 17.34% | 11,440 | 75.84% | 1,028 | 6.82% |
1956 | 4,204 | 39.97% | 6,122 | 58.21% | 191 | 1.82% |
1952 | 4,167 | 41.55% | 5,863 | 58.45% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 784 | 11.74% | 2,382 | 35.67% | 3,512 | 52.59% |
1944 | 1,023 | 18.73% | 4,439 | 81.27% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 719 | 12.44% | 5,058 | 87.52% | 2 | 0.03% |
1936 | 441 | 8.92% | 4,504 | 91.08% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 351 | 8.92% | 3,583 | 91.08% | 0 | 0.00% |
1928 | 1,071 | 22.77% | 3,633 | 77.23% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 691 | 30.20% | 1,481 | 64.73% | 116 | 5.07% |
1920 | 1,141 | 51.75% | 1,058 | 47.98% | 6 | 0.27% |
1916 | 202 | 14.54% | 1,165 | 83.87% | 22 | 1.58% |
1912 | 51 | 3.34% | 1,147 | 75.07% | 330 | 21.60% |
Notable people
[edit]- Tommy Casanova (born 1950), former All-Pro NFL defensive back
- Wayne Toups (born 1958), popular Cajun musician, singer, and songwriter
- Bill Cleveland (1902-1974), real estate developer and former member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature
- Jo-El Sonnier (1946-2024), country and Cajun singer, songwriter, and accordionist
- Tony Thibodeaux (1938-2010), Cajun fiddler
- Joe Werner (1909-1978), early Cajun musician and member of the Hackberry Ramblers
- Camey Doucet (born 1939), Cajun musician and disc jockey
- Victory "Trey" Trahan, architect and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
- George Stanley (1903-1970), sculptor for the design of the Oscar statue and the Muse Sculpture at the Hollywood Bowl
- Rosie Ledet (born 1971), Creole and zydeco musician and singer
- Jack Brooks (1922-2012), longtime U.S. Representative for Texas
- Seth Thibodeaux (born 1980), college baseball coach
- J. Bert Sonnier (born 1938), retired trainer of thoroughbred racehorses
- Taylor Ri'chard (born 1980), film director, screenwriter, executive producer, and actor
- Clint Brown (born 1963), gospel musician
- Barry Jean Ancelet (born 1951), Cajun folklorist in Louisiana French and ethnomusicologist in Cajun music
- Godfrey Zaunbrecher (born 1946), former NFL center
- Dudley Wilkins (1914-1989), 1934 United States triple jump champion and participant at 1936 Summer Olympics
- Gary Lavergne (born 1955), author
- J. Roy White (1907-1985), architect and artist
- Belton Richard (1939-2017), Cajun accordionist and vocalist
- Josh Reed (born 1980), former NFL wide receiver and 2001 recipient of the Biletnikoff Award
- Dave Petitjean (1928-2013), actor and humorist of Cajun stories
- Elvis Perrodin (1956-2012), jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing
- Byron Mouton (born 1978), former professional basketball player and member of 2002 national championship team at the University of Maryland
- Gerard Melancon (born 1967), jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing
- Mark Carrier (born 1965), former NFL wide receiver and current Buffalo Bills player engagement director
- Victoria Anne Kennedy (born 1954), current United States Ambassador to Austria
- Elmore Nixon (1933-1975), jump blues pianist and singer
- Kidd Jordan (1935-2023), jazz saxophonist and music educator
- Chris John (born 1960), lobbyist and former U.S. Representative
- Lee Benoit (born 1959), Cajun musician
- Donnie Meche (born 1974), jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing
- Leroy Leblanc (1915-1988), Cajun swing musician
- Mike Heinen (born 1967), professional golfer
- Alyson Habetz (born 1971), current softball head coach at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette
- Mary Alice Fontenot (1910-2003), journalist and author of children's books and books on Louisiana history
- Orlando Thomas (1972-2014), former NFL defensive back
- Johnny Rebel (1938-2016), controversial singer, songwriter, and musician who performed songs that were supportive of white supremacy
- John Stefanski (born 1984), attorney and member of Louisiana House of Representatives
- Johnnie Allan (born 1938), musician and singer who pioneered the swamp pop musical genre
- Sherman Andrus (born 1942), gospel singer and former member of The Imperials
- J.D. "Jay" Miller (1922-1996), record producer and songwriter
- Larry Miller (born 1936), retired Cajun accordion maker
- Buford Jordan (born 1962), former NFL running back
- Ed Zaunbrecher (born 1950), former college football coach
- Sidney Brown (1906-1981), musician and noted Cajun accordion builder
- Jim Gueno (born 1954), former NFL linebacker
- John Breaux (born 1944), lobbyist, attorney and retired former U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator
- Edwin Edwards (1927-2021), 50th Governor of Louisiana who started his political career on the Crowley City Council
- Tony Robichaux (1961-2019), former head baseball coach at University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University
- Irene Whitfield Holmes (1900-1993), ethnomusicologist and educator
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "QuickFacts: Acadia Parish, Louisiana". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "Acadia Parish History". Acadia Parish Library. Archived from the original on July 7, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
- ^ "Official Journal of the Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana". 1886.
- ^ Fontenot, Mary.Acadia Parish, Louisiana. The Center for Louisiana Studies, 1976, p. 244.
- ^ Fontenot, Mary.Acadia Parish, Louisiana. The Center for Louisiana Studies, 1976, p. 254.
- ^ Fontenot, Mary.Acadia Parish, Louisiana. The Center for Louisiana Studies, 1976, p. 298.
- ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ a b c "Geography Profile: Acadia Parish, Louisiana". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
- ^ "2019 Income Statistics". data.census.gov. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce
- Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
- Acadia Parish Tourist Commission
- Acadia Parish GIS Maps
- Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office Archived August 9, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
Geology
- Heinrich, P. V., J. Snead, and R. P. McCulloh, 2003, Crowley 30 x 60 minute geologic quadrangle. Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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