Opelousas Makes Note Of History and Culture
May 13, 2015
by Dominick Cross
The Advertiser
We know the big stuff like the Louisiana Purchase, Flood of '27, Katrina and Rita, and the Saints winning the Super Bowl.
Sometimes, though, some really cool historically and culturally significant stuff is right in front of us and we just don't see it.
It'll be easier in Opelousas. The city tourism office sees to it that noteworthy historic assets in the one-time state capital of Confederate Louisiana are so noted.
Up in the heart of downtown Opelousas, there's signage in the form of bronze plaques on selected historic buildings and sites in what's known as the National Historic District.
Some are in place and the remainder will go up as funding becomes available.
The importance of culture and history is being appreciated perhaps like never before. Locals have seized on it and are owning it; and officials, like those in the tourism office, have sought and received grants like the Preserve America Grant through the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Historic sites receiving bronze plaques include: Jim Bowie Oak (a more than 350-year old live oak tree named in honor of legendary adventurer and hero of the Battle of the Alamo), Shute Building (1924), Old Federal Building (1891), Old Lacombe Hotel site (c. 1790), Union Bank Building (1911), Delta Grand Theatre (1920) and City Hall (1945).
"A big part of it is preservation and that can be in many different forms," said Melanie Lee-Lebouef, of Opelousas Tourism. "This of course, is preservation in the form of educating the locals and the visitors about this area and the significant buildings and sites that are tied into our history and our culture.
"Also, when we do that," she said. "Another long-term effect is it helps build community pride."
The multi-pronged concept of the markers is to share the history of the city and region. The project presents the opportunity to educate locals and visitors about early business — some of which are no longer around — in the city.
"This is a great way to honor our past, celebrate our heritage," said Opelousas Mayor Reggie Tatum. "And preserve our wonderful culture we have here (in Opelousas),"
The project is part of an effort to both preserve and promote the Opelousas Historic District and the city's 295-year history to both visitors and residents.
Other preservation projects in recent years include: the creation of the Opelousas Historic District Walking Tour Guide, installation of interpretive signs at Le Vieux Village and Historic District street sign toppers.
For historic accuracy, Opelousas Tourism worked with local historian and author, John Harper, who served as consultant. More plaques are planned as grant funding becomes available.
"We want to get people talking about the history and the culture," Lee-Lebouef said. "We're initiating a conversation among the locals and their community. It's also an enhancement project because they're certainly decorative."
May 13, 2015
by Dominick Cross
The Advertiser
 |
| The prominent three-story Old Federal Building, in Romanesque Revival style, has been an Opelousas landmark for well over a century. (Photo: Submitted photo) |
We know the big stuff like the Louisiana Purchase, Flood of '27, Katrina and Rita, and the Saints winning the Super Bowl.
Sometimes, though, some really cool historically and culturally significant stuff is right in front of us and we just don't see it.
It'll be easier in Opelousas. The city tourism office sees to it that noteworthy historic assets in the one-time state capital of Confederate Louisiana are so noted.
Up in the heart of downtown Opelousas, there's signage in the form of bronze plaques on selected historic buildings and sites in what's known as the National Historic District.
 |
| The Union Bank building is Beaux Arts in design and features a Baroque-style roof and a bas-relief of a pelican above the main doors. (Photo: Submitted photo) |
Some are in place and the remainder will go up as funding becomes available.
The importance of culture and history is being appreciated perhaps like never before. Locals have seized on it and are owning it; and officials, like those in the tourism office, have sought and received grants like the Preserve America Grant through the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Historic sites receiving bronze plaques include: Jim Bowie Oak (a more than 350-year old live oak tree named in honor of legendary adventurer and hero of the Battle of the Alamo), Shute Building (1924), Old Federal Building (1891), Old Lacombe Hotel site (c. 1790), Union Bank Building (1911), Delta Grand Theatre (1920) and City Hall (1945).
"A big part of it is preservation and that can be in many different forms," said Melanie Lee-Lebouef, of Opelousas Tourism. "This of course, is preservation in the form of educating the locals and the visitors about this area and the significant buildings and sites that are tied into our history and our culture.
"Also, when we do that," she said. "Another long-term effect is it helps build community pride."
The multi-pronged concept of the markers is to share the history of the city and region. The project presents the opportunity to educate locals and visitors about early business — some of which are no longer around — in the city.
"This is a great way to honor our past, celebrate our heritage," said Opelousas Mayor Reggie Tatum. "And preserve our wonderful culture we have here (in Opelousas),"
The project is part of an effort to both preserve and promote the Opelousas Historic District and the city's 295-year history to both visitors and residents.
 |
| The historic Jim Bowie Oak in downtown Opelousas is more than 350 years old. (Photo: File photo) |
Other preservation projects in recent years include: the creation of the Opelousas Historic District Walking Tour Guide, installation of interpretive signs at Le Vieux Village and Historic District street sign toppers.
For historic accuracy, Opelousas Tourism worked with local historian and author, John Harper, who served as consultant. More plaques are planned as grant funding becomes available.
"We want to get people talking about the history and the culture," Lee-Lebouef said. "We're initiating a conversation among the locals and their community. It's also an enhancement project because they're certainly decorative."
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