Louisiana has many beautiful bayous, swamps, and rivers, each one prettier than the next. Northern Louisiana has a landscape that’s so unique, it’s easy to think you’ve been transported to a new world. The Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Reserve is one of those places. Let’s take a look at what makes this place so special.
The Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Reserve is located in northern Louisiana, between Monroe and the Louisiana/Arkansas border.
What do you think of when you think of iconic views in Louisiana? Do you think of the Atchafalaya River Basin? Or maybe your mind wanders over to the New Orleans skyline seen from the Causeway. Or maybe the image of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival passes through your brain.
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I think the most iconic view in Louisiana is in Jackson Square, just steps from the Mighty Mississippi. It’s a photograph that all professional photographers want to add to their catalog. It’s a sight that every tourist in New Orleans wants to see. It’s a New Orleans landmark that’s been standing since the 1700s. Any guesses yet?
New Orleans, Louisiana at Jackson Square.
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in the United States. The first church was built in 1718, though it was nothing like the grandiose cathedral we see today. It was but a mere wooden structure.
Shortly after this first church was built, a second church was put in the works. This one was constructed of brick and timber and was completed in 1727. Sadly, this church was destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, which destroyed most of the city.
The third time’s the charm, right? The cornerstone of the third church was laid in 1789, and the building was completed in 1794. Keep in mind that this was a time when Louisiana flip-flopped between Spanish and French rule. The first church was built by French colonists, and the third was constructed under Spanish rule.
The St. Louis Cathedral is the most famous Building in New Orleans
St. Louis Church received cathedral rank in 1793, and it’s one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. A few additions have been made over the years, including a central tower (1819) and a plan to enlarge the cathedral in 1849 to meet the needs of the ever-growing community.
During the reconstruction, the central tower collapsed, and it was determined that the sidewalls would need to be replaced, too. These changes meant that very little of the original Spanish structure survived. The building we know and love today dates back to 1850, with very little of the original architecture surviving. The bell from the bell tower did make it through, though, and it was able to be reused and remains in the cathedral today.
Masses are still held at the cathedral, and you can visit the St. Louis Cathedral’s website for a mass schedule.
The interior of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana
St. Louis Cathedral is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. if you would like to take a self-guided tour. A $1.00 donation is suggested.
Do you think this is the most iconic view in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments. Read on to discover some of our favorite scenic views in Louisiana.
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While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of New Orleans, perhaps you’d want to check out one of the many ghost tours in New Orleans.
There are plenty of small towns in Louisiana that are worthy of a day trip, but few can compare to the history you’ll find in St. Martinville: an amazing historic town in Louisiana. If you were born and raised in Louisiana, especially if you’ve Acadian roots, make sure to put St. Martinville, Louisiana at the top of your bucket list.
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St. Martinville is a tiny town nestled along the Bayou Teche, just outside of Breaux Bridge and Lafayette.
With a population that hovers around 6,000 people, it’s a charming small town in Louisiana that’s overflowing with history, especially when it comes to some of Louisiana’s earliest settlers, the Acadians.
One of your first stops in St. Martinville should be the Acadian Museum and Memorial.
Here, you'll learn more about the Acadian exile from Nova Scotia and how they eventually ended up in Louisiana. Pictured above are the Coats of Arms of many Acadian families, whose last names you may recognize like Broussard, Comeaux, and Richard.
The Wall of Names lists approximately 3,000 people that were identified as Acadian refugees that ended up in Louisiana.
There's a lot to learn about this part of Louisiana, especially with Acadians/Cajuns. As a *very* brief refresher, the British expelled thousands of Acadians from what is now known as Nova Scotia (as well as surrounding areas) between 1755-1764 after they refused to swear allegiance to the crown. Separated from their families and uprooted from their homes, an estimated 5,000 Acadians tragically lost their lives on the ships they were forced on. Many were deported to the original Thirteen Colonies, and then to Britain and France. Through Spanish ships, many Acadians who were sent to France found a new life in southern Louisiana, where over the years a new culture emerged, Cajun, which was influenced by Native American and African cultures.
More than half of the Acadian population lost their lives during the exile, with countless others becoming enslaved or imprisoned. This has been called ethnic cleansing by historians, with some even going so far as to call it genocide. In 2003, the British monarchy acknowledged it for the first time ever, and designated July 28 as "A Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval."
You'll also find a replica of the Grand-Pré Deportation Cross.
The photo on the left is the replica that's located in the meditation garden behind the museum. The original Grand-Pré Deportation Cross (pictured on the right) is located in Nova Scotia.
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Perhaps the most famous site in St. Martinville is the Evangeline Oak.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow memorialized the explosion in his poem, Evangeline, which was published in 1847. The poem follows an Acadian girl named Evangeline in her quest to find her beloved Gabriel during the Great Upheaval.
Evangeline Oak Park overlooks the beautiful Bayou Teche, making it a great spot to sit for a spell and take it all in.
Founded in 1934, it’s the oldest state park in Louisiana and it has a fascinating history. The picture above is Maison Oliver, a plantation home built in 1815 by wealthy Creole Pierre Olivier Duclozel de Vezin who bought the land to grow cotton, raise cattle, and eventually, sugarcane. The building is a fascinating example of Creole, Caribbean, and French influences.
You can tour the inside of the home and learn more about when the property was used as a plantation.
There are actually several buildings along the property that highlight the cultural diversity and history of the area, including the role that Acadians, Creoles, Native Americans, Slaves, Frenchmen, and Spaniards all played in developing what we now know today as Acadiana.
Whether you're a lifelong resident of Louisiana, or just passing through, St. Martinville is one of the best places to learn more about the culture that has grown to define Louisiana.
Cajun Country is defined by the stalwart Acadians who were determined to thrive in an environment unlike any they had ever seen before, and through their perseverance, we can proudly continue their traditions.
Joie de vivre!
Have you ever been to St. Martinville? Let us know in the comments below. There's so much to appreciate about this historic town in Louisiana. For even more outdoor adventures in this part of Louisiana, gas up the car and take on the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail, highlighted in the article below. (And don't forget to look at our road trip essentials first!)
