Iberia Parish, a parish known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant history

    The earliest records date of civilization in the area back to two groups of Indigenous people, whom lived along the banks of the Bayou Teche for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. They were the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, who settled along the lower sections of the bayou and still have tribal lands around what is now Charenton, La, and the Eastern Atakapa's tribe - Ciwāt or Alligator Band whom lived along the Vermilion River and near Vermilion Bay in southwestern Iberia Parish and southeastern Vermilion Parish in south central Louisiana. 

    In the late 1730's French and/or French descents began moving into that is known today as the Iberia area. In 1763 after the conclusion of the Seven Years' War the Treaty of Paris was signed and relinquished Louisiana to Spain. (though many were not of Spanish decent, but simply other decent that pledge allegiance to the Spanish Government) With this new leadership Attakapas Territory began to see a increase of settlers, due to the mass Spanish Land Grants granted to increase Spanish militia and influence throughout the coast. Settlement influence was to encourage agricultural production such as cattle and crops to support the larger inhabited areas such as New Orleans. Another huge contribution to the increase in settlers occurred with The Great Upheaval in 1765, which was a result of Britain exiling the Acadians from Acadia. These new refugee came to Louisiana looking for a new homeland to settle upon. The influx of the Acadians (Cajuns) would unknowingly become a vital part to the development of the unique culture of the area. These new settlers were known for their levee work and hard work the Acadiana's soon were able to successfully thrive in a somewhat unsuitable area.

    In the spring of 1779, the town of New Iberia was formally created. Luis de Unzaga y Amezaga sent his brother-in-law, Bernardo de Galvez up the Bayou Teche where to settle the area around Iberia, he would temporally settle around what is known today as Spanish Lake. The Spanish settlers called the town Nueva Iberia in honor of the Iberian Peninsula, and the French referred to the town as Nouvelle Iberia, while the English settlers called it New Town after the Louisiana Purchase. Many of the Spanish Iberia Attakapas Militia would later fight on Galvez side during battles in support for their American allies against England. Before Louisiana formed into what we know as parishes (counties) the area was called the Attakapas Territory. The Attakapas territory one of the twelve territories within the Territory of Orleans. At its core was the Poste des Attakapas trading post, which developed as the current city of St. Martinville, which is currently within St. Martin Parish. In 1811, the Attakapas Territory was divided into St. Martin and St. Mary parishes. As population increased, the region was further subdivided creating Iberia Parish. Louisiana is the only state within the United States of America to use the term Parish instead of County to represent its strong devotion to the Catholic Faith.

     On October 30, 1868, Iberia Parish was formally created. The parish was created by splitting the southern portion of St. Martin Parish and the northern portion of St. Mary Parish, thus comprising of a total area of 1,031 square miles (2,670 km2), of which 574 square miles (1,490 km2) is land and 456 square miles (1,180 km2). Iberia Parish was named by the Spanish settlers in honor of the Iberian Peninsula and was pronounced Paroisse de l'Iberie in French, and Parroquia de Iberia in Spanish. Today, Iberia Parish has grown in numerous way. According to the 2020 census Iberia Parish reported a diverse population of 69,929 and growing.

    Visit the following quick links to view additional information along with links and research material for Iberia Parish and its area. We would love to hear your feedback and stories, please share. Laissez les bons temps rouler!