Zydeco Gator

Our French Heritage: Acadian Rebirth
No. 23, April 27, 1999, of the Lafayette (LA) Daily Advertiser's HISTORY OF ACADIANA, a publication dedicated to preserving Acadiana's heritage and culture

  1. Louisiana was in transition, turmoil when Acadians arrived
  2. French colonists didn't like idea of Spanish government
  3. Not all claims for early Acadian settlement are true
  4. Acadian arrivals stretched government resources, "These unfortunate people have no other means besides the king's charity

  5. Aubry:  'Influx of families will create a New Acadia'

  6. Ulloa wanted Acadians in strategic military settlements

  7. Acadians faced hard times in first years in Louisiana, ‘Their only nourishment was the rice and corn allotted to them’

  8. Hardships did not keep Acadians from coming
  9. Acadians 'actually work themselves to death'

  10. Order forbade other settlements to accept Acadians

  11. 'Instructions' required Acadians to remain at Natchez, Settlers were accused of 'insubordination' and 'ingratitude'

  12. Verret urged Acadians to try settlement at Natchez

  13. Creoles were unhappy with Ulloa's administration, Plots and popular uprising sent governor sailing back to Havana

  14. O'Reilly let disgruntled Acadians move from Natchez, Threat of Indians and sterile lands influenced governor

  15. Traveler described Cajuns as 'passionate Frenchmen'

  16. Sugar Bittersweet for Acadians on Mississippi

  17. Planters didn't like Acadian Influence on Slaves, Cajun land commanded high price just to get them to move away

  18. Caricature mirrored in other parts of South

  19. 1873 report added to Acadians' negative depiction

  20. Scribner's story was not sympathetic to Acadians, Writer's criticisms seen today to reflect cherished Cajun values

  21. Acadians aren't only French influences in South Louisiana

  22. Charles Dudley Warner offered sympathetic view

  23. Scholar Alcée Fortier toured Cajun country in 1890
  24. Stereotype of typical Cajun wasn't true even at beginning

  25. Historian:  Environment created Cajun subcultures, Swamps, bayous, and prairies each had influence

  26. Cajuns didn't always cook with hot sauce, Other Louisiana cultures had bug influence on Acadian cuisine

  27. Fletcher speech describes modern Acadians, SLI president memorialized Cajuns at 'Evangeline' centennial celebration

  28. Document lists pioneers in early Acadian settlements

  29. National Geographic featured Acadiana in 1930

  30. Many factors involved in Americanization of Acadiana

  31. Further Reading