History & Culture

The six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve represent a treasure trove of south Louisiana's historical and cultural riches. People from nearly every country, ethnic group, language, and religion have come to the lower Mississippi River delta and left traces of their passing.

As author William Faulkner wrote, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." In south Louisiana, the places where history happened are around every corner and down every bayou, and the well-worn skills and traditions of previous generations are revered at the same time they're adapted for life in a new century.

 
italian men sit on decatur street corner historic photo
People

Learn the stories of the people of South Louisiana

historic photo of neighborhood, old truck out  front, homes and trees
Places

Discover the places of South Louisiana

a pile of boiled crawfish with citrus and seasonings
South Louisiana Foodways

Explore the foodways of South Louisiana

 
A Civil War headstone with the name Lyons Wakeman on it

Sometimes remarkable stories are where you least expect to find them. This simple Civil War headstone at Chalmette National Cemetery marks the final resting place of a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight for her country.
 

Curious about the history of the park?


The administrative history for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve includes an overview of the geography, history, and people of the area, the history of each park site and how it became part of the park, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and the challenges of managing the park which contains such a variety of sites and themes.

Last updated: November 3, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

419 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone:

504 589-3882

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