Located in St Martinville, Louisiana, the Evangeline Oak is considered one of the state’s most famous trees. The town’s famous tree started its legend with a poem. The legend has since become a local legend and you should visit it for yourself. In addition to being a great day trip from Lafayette, it is also a cultural hotspot. Listed below are some things you should know about St Martinville.
This small town is the parish seat of St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. The area around the Atchafalaya River was populated by numerous Indian tribes before the arrival of Europeans. In fact, there were traders that roamed freely through the Attakapan Indian Territory. It wasn’t until the Louisiana Purchase in 1699 that Europeans began to settle the area. Attakapas Territory was located between Bayou Nezpique and the Atchafalaya River. This area was inhabited by the Eastern Atakapa tribe. The French gave the land to soldiers and settlers who settled in the area.
In addition to the Jackson Square, St. Martinville is home to many other interesting places. The city’s history and culture can be explored at the Cypress Island Preserve. The 10,000-acre preserve is surrounded by Lake Martin and a cypress-tupelo swamp. It is open to the public year-round. In addition, the city’s natural beauty is unmatched. The swamp tours are a must-do activity when visiting St Martinville.
Known for its Acadian heritage, St. Martinville boasts rich African, Creole, and French culture. It was once known as a “petit Paris” and held lavish balls and operas. Though tucked away from major roads, St. Martinville is a picturesque stop on your trip. For those who like to party, nearby towns have much more to offer. The Cajun culture is alive and well here.
For families, the museum is a must-do during a visit to St Martinville. There are several things to do in the town. One is visiting the Louisiana State Museum, which showcases local history through a unique local perspective. Families with children will enjoy the museum’s artifacts and exhibits. And because it’s free, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the museum’s many educational resources.
The town was originally settled by Acadians, French speakers who came from Nova Scotia. They were assigned to the area in 1765 by French official Jean-Jacques Blaise d’Abbadie. In the years before the French had taken over the Louisiana territory, the British had expelled Acadians from their homeland. After the French lost the war, they had to settle in the area. Spain later took over and incorporated the city into its own territory. By 1807, St Martinville was renamed and designated a parish seat.