What Louisiana’s Major Cities Looked Like In The 1960s May Shock You. New Orleans Especially.

Wow. It’s amazing to look back and time and get a glimpse of what Louisiana used to be like. Looking at these places really sends me back in time to a moment when things were more simple and easy going. Seeing these Louisiana cities in the 1960s truly makes me wonder about what the world is going to look like in the next 50 years. Let’s take a look.

1. Texas Street, Shreveport, LA

Flickr.com / Robert and Talbot Trudeau

The cars are just amazing! Circa 1960.

2. Riverside Mall, Baton Rouge

Oclc.org

It's hard to believe both how things have changed and how they've stayed the same.

3. Peerless Wire, Lafayette, 1960's

Facebook.com / Lafayette/West Lafayette Nostalgia - Do You Remember...

An overhead view of the Peerless Wire factory, a prominent employer of the time.

4. Cheerleaders of Baton Rouge High School, Baton Rouge 1960-61

Oclc.org

How much do you think the outfits have changed over these past decades?

5. Chateau Charles, Lake Charles

terapeak.com

Back when a motel like this was fancy and top of the line! 1964.

6. Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Orleans 1965

Wikicommons / Savannah Grandfather

You can still visit Preservation Hall today and hear these jazz greats playing. This picture shows Kid Shiek Colar on trumpet, Captain John Handy on sax, and Fred Minor on banjo.

7. Flooding after Hurricane Betsy, New Orleans

Wikicommons / NOAA

Some people forget the terrible storm that struck New Orleans in the early 1960s.

8. 3rd Street, Baton Rouge

saveyourbuts.com

Reminds me of simpler times. 1963.

9. Baton Rouge, East Side of Riverside Mall

Oclc.org

This view includes Busch's Jeweler, Elk's Lodge, and Benton Clothing and Shoes.

10. Travel Lodge, Monroe, LA

terapeak.com

Another glimpse into the motel culture of the time.

11. Aerial View of Lafayette, 1961

Facebook.com / Lafayette/West Lafayette Nostalgia - Do You Remember...

This was taken up above Lafayette, LA, looking over West Lafayette.

12. Canal Street, New Orleans, 1963

Wikicommons / Homini:)

I love comparing this view from here and now.

You can also check out these amazing videos of Lafayette and New Orleans in the past!

Canal Street, New Orleans, 1960s

Downtown Lafayette, Early 1960s

What did you think of these photos? What did they make you think about the past? Which ones were your favorites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We love to hear your feedback.