Acadia Parish
Louisiana Genealogy & History Network

Welcome to Acadia Parish LAGHN

Welcome to the Acadia Parish Louisiana Genealogy & History Network website providing free information to genealogical and historical researchers.

To share your Acadia Parish, Louisiana genealogy or history information, send an email to laghn@outlook.com - we will be pleased to include it here. If you have information to share for other Louisiana Parish, visit the Louisiana Genealogy & History Network state website and choose the appropriate parish.

About Acadia Parish, Louisiana...

Acadia Parish derived its name from the former French colony of Acadia in Canada (which consisted of the modern provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and much of Maine) many of whose French-speaking inhabitants were deported to France and then migrated to Louisiana in the Great Upheaval.

The parish was formed from the southwestern portion of St. Landry Parish. On Wednesday May 19, 1886, a bill was introduced in the house entitled "An act to create the parish of Nicholls, and to provide for the organization thereof." The title was later changed to read: "An act to create the parish of Acadia." Father Joseph Anthonioz, the first pastor of the Catholic Church at Rayne, is credited with having suggested the name, Acadia Parish. The bill passed the house on June 11, the senate on June 28, and was approved by Governor Samuel D. McEnery on June 30. On October 6, an election was held to affirm the creation of the parish, with 2,516 votes for and 1,521 votes against the creation. The population of the new parish was anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000.

After a close election held on March 1, 1887, Crowley was chosen as the parish seat, gathering 698 votes to Rayne's 560 votes and Prairie Hayes' 519 votes. The election also determined the first officers in the parish: Elridge W. Lyons, first sheriff of Acadia, and R. T. Clark, first clerk of court. The first courthouse was therefore constructed in Crowley and completed on June 30, 1888, and continued to be used until May 1, 1902, when it was destroyed to make way for the second building.

The parish has a total area of 658 square miles of which 656 square miles is land and 2 square mile (0.35%) is water. The population recorded in the 1890 Federal Census was 13,231. The 2020 census recorded 57,576 residents in the parish.

Evangeline Parish (north), Saint Landry Parish (northeast), Lafayette Parish (east), Vermilion Parish (south), Jefferson Davis Parish (west). The parish seat is Crowley. Other Acadia Parish communities include Church Point, Duson, Estherwood, Eunice, Iota, Mermentau, Morse, and Rayne.

Acadia Parish, Louisiana Records

Birth Records - The Louisiana State office maintains records for 100 years after the date of birth. Birth records are considered confidential for the first 100 years. For current information on who may obtain a birth record as well as how to submit a request visit the Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry website or write to them at PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Birth records older than 100 years are available through the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000.

Death Records - The Louisiana State office maintains records for 100 years after the date of death. Death records are considered confidential for the first 100 years. For current information on who may obtain a death record as well as how to submit a request visit the Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry website or write to them at PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Death records older than 100 years are available through the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000.

Marriage Records - There are thousands of Acadia Parish, Louisiana marriages here on our website. For current information on how to submit a request for a certified copy of a Parish marriage record less than 50 years old, see the Louisiana Office of Public Health Director, Vital Records and Statistics website or write to PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Certified copies for the parish are issued by Clerk of Court. For the address of the parish Clerk of Court visit the Acadia Parish Important Addresses page. Marriage records over 50 years are stored by the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000.

Divorce Records - To obtain current information on how to submit a request for a certified copy of divorce records contact the Clerk of Court. For the address of the parish Clerk of Court visit the Important Parish Addresses page.