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Welcome to Acadia Parish Genealogy

The Attakapas Indians were the early inhabitants of Acadia Parish.  Claimed by France in 1682, the Louisiana territory was held as a French colony until 1763, when it was ceded to Spain.  Louisiana was returned to France in 1800 under Napoleon.  Three years later, the United States purchased the Louisiana territory.

The name of Acadia parish is derived from the French colony of Acadia in Canada which had been settled by many French-speaking inhabitants.  The British deported the French inhabitants to France and other areas and many of them migrated to Louisiana.  The parish itself was formed in 1886 from the southwestern portion of St. Landry Parish.  Crowley was chosen as the parish seat in 1887.  The first courthouse was constructed in Crowley and completed in 1888.

As of 2021 United States Census, there were 57,288 people residing in the parish.

This website is dedicated to family researchers who are researching their ancestors in Acadia Parish.  It is my sad duty to announce that our partner, the Pointe de l'Eglise: Acadia Genealogical and Historical Society, Inc., is ending with the closure of the Society on January 1, 2024 after many years of providing useful research and guidance to Acadia Parish genealogists.  Their collection of historical information and books will still be available in the Acadia Parish Library.