The city of Lafayette is situated within the state of Louisiana, USA. It is located on the Vermilion River and is the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, LA. Based on the United States Census of 2010, the city's population was 120,623. It is the bigger principal city of the Louisiana Combined Statistical Area of Lafayette-Acadiana. In the year 2007, this statistical area had a recorded population of approximately 538,480. Lafayette is the 4th largest city in the state.
It is vital not to confuse the city of Lafayette with a city of the same name that is located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. This other Lafayette was absorbed into the city of New Orleans. Originally, the region was founded during the year 1821 as Vermilionville. Jean Mouton, a French speaking Acadian was the area's founder. The location was renamed during 1884 for General Gilbert du Montier, Marquis de Lafayette, a French military hero. He fought and really aided the American Army in the American Revolutionary War.
Until the 1940's the city's primary economy was based on agriculture. In the 1940's, the natural gas and petroleum businesses became dominant in the region. The medical profession has recently become a more important part in the surrounding economy.
Lafayette has a rich history which is almost as bold as Louisiana State. From the timeframe spanning from 1541 until 1803, the state of Louisiana was governed by 10 different flags. Finally, in 1803, it came under the possession of the United States.
Lafayette has a long history of influence and heritage, that in large part was due to "Le Grand Derangement." In 1755, many French Canadians were forced to leave from their own houses after they refused to renounce their Catholic religion. The Anglican Church aimed to have the people pledge their loyalty to the British Flag. Sadly, over 50 percent of the Acadians perished as their crops and houses were burned by the British and they fled to the sea. Nearly all survivors ended up in the state of Louisiana after the King of Spain permitted them to settle in South Louisiana. These French Canadians settled in parts around 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.
It is interesting to note that the word Cajun originated when the French of noble ancestry will refer to the Acadians as "le Cadiens," dropping the letter "A." Afterward, the American people, who can not pronounce "Cadien" simply shortened the term and referred to the people as "Cajuns." These Cajun people were famous for their unique culture. They are known to be enthusiastic and fun individuals who have a reputation for being very religious and hard working. Their cuisine, known to be spicy, flavorful food has become well-known throughout the world. It is still preferred amongst the tourists of the "Bayou Country."
Right in the middle of the Acadiana region, the city of Lafayette is the principal retail center for the five parishes. Among the major retail places in the Mall of Acadiana, that comprises department stores including Dillard's, Sears, JC Penny and Macy's. It also has over one hundred specialty stores. Some famous outlets consist of: Chico's, American eagle Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, Plato's Closet, Cold Water Creek, Talbots and Nine West. Moreover, the largest discount store within the Academy chain is Academy Sports and Outdoors' Lafayette location.