Opelousas Main Street

Mission Statement

"Promoting the historic and economic re- development of traditional commercial

areas in Opelousas!"

The mission of Opelousas Main Street is to promote cultural diversity, tourism and business development, while beautifying and celebrating the history of the Opelousas Main Street District. The Opelousas Historic District boundaries encompass the courthouse square, buildings on two sides of the square, and an adjacent row of party wall buildings immediately to the east. Most of the contributing elements are historic commercial buildings and the two oldest are known to have been used as law offices. The eighteen contributing elements range in date from c. 1840 to 1939 and embrace styles from that era. Two of the district's buildings date from the pre-Civil War period. The district's anchor is the courthouse square with its huge live oak trees and 1939 Art Deco courthouse.

The Opelousas Historic District Ordinance was enacted in 2001. We are the citywide advocate for Opelousas designated Historic District and other areas meriting preservation. We are a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers, nonpartisan, independent and not connected to the city government. We advise community groups about preservation issues and consult with building owners wishing to re-development or develop existing properties, so when owners of these landmarks or buildings in designated districts want to make changes to their property that affect its external appearance, they consult with us to make sure the project adheres to the historical integrity or architectural qualities that make a historic district.

Opelousas Main Street is a setting filled with rich culture and historical value. As far back as 1690, French traders carried on a lucrative trade with the Opelousas Indians (the name Opelousas means Blackleg). The exact year in which Opelousas was established is not certain, but records indicate that the first land grant was acquired by a French officer stationed at the Opelousas Poste, in 1764. Opelousas was established as a military garrison by the French in 1720. Opelousas came under Spanish rule in 1769 and flourished as a center for social and professional life. One year after the city's return to France, Opelousas was purchased by United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Moreover, some of the city's Main Street attractions include the Jim Bowie Oak, named after the hero of the Alamo who once lived in Opelousas, the oldest Governor's Mansion in the state, which served as the state capital during the Civil War, and over thirty 19th and early 20th century buildings depicting a variety of architectural motifs.

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