The city of Lafayette, Louisiana is located along the Vermilion River and serves as the Parish seat of Lafayette Parish. The city of Lafayette has a population of over 120,000 based on the United States Census of 2010. It is the bigger main city of the Louisiana Combined Statistical Area of Lafayette-Acadiana. In 2007, this statistical area had a recorded population of 538,470. Lafayette is the 4th biggest city in Louisiana State.
It is vital not to confuse the city of Lafayette with a city of the same name which is situated within Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. This other Lafayette was absorbed into New Orleans. At first, the area was established in 1821 as Vermilionville. Jean Mouton, a French speaking Acadian was the region's founder. The site was renamed in 1884 for a French military hero named General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. He fought and greatly assisted the American Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Until the 1940's Lafayette's main economy was based on agriculture. In the 1940's, the natural gas and petroleum businesses became dominant within the region. The medical profession has recently become a more major role in the surrounding economy.
Lafayette has a rich history which is almost as bold as the state of Louisiana. From the period spanning from 1541 until 1803, the state of Louisiana was governed by 10 different flags. Finally, in the year 1803, it came under the possession of the United States.
The city of Lafayette has a long history of heritage and influence, which in large part was because of "Le Grand Derangement." In 1755, lots of French Canadians were forced to leave from their houses after they refused to renounce their Catholic religion. The Anglican Church aimed to have the people pledge their allegiance to the British Flag. Unfortunately, more than half of the Acadians perished since their homes and crops were burned by the British and they fled to the sea. Most survivors ended up in Louisiana after the King of Spain allowed them to settle within South Louisiana. These French Canadians settled within parts around the city of Lafayette. Here they can fish and trap according to their own traditions and raise their crops in their own way too. This is the way the Cajun culture was born.
Cajun is an interesting word that originally derived from a French reference to Acadians. French nobles will refer to Acadians as "le Cadiens," dropping the letter "A." Afterward, the American people, who could not pronounce "Cadien" simply shortened the term and called the people as "Cajuns." These Cajun people were famous for their unique culture. They are recognized to be enthusiastic and fun people who have a reputation for being hard working and very religious. Their cuisine, known to be spicy, flavorful food has become well-known throughout the globe. It is still preferred among the tourists of the "Bayou Country."
Right in the middle of the Acadiana area, Lafayette is the major retail center for the five parishes. Amongst the major retail locations within the Mall of Acadiana, that consists of department stores including Dillard's, Sears, Macy's, and JC Penney. It likewise has over one hundred specialty stores. Several famous outlets include: Chico's, American eagle Outfitters, Plato's Closet, Abercrombie & Fitch, Talbots, Nine West and Cold Water Creek. Moreover, the largest Academy chain discount store is Academy Sports and Outdoors' Lafayette location.