Avoyelles Parish is known for its French-speaking history, with traditions in music and food. The area was first settled by Native Americans around 300 BC. Today on the banks of the old Mississippi River channel in Marksville, three large burial mounds, a museum and a National Park commemorate their civilization. Tunicas from the Natchez tribes east of the river conquered and assimilated with the Avoyels nearly two centuries ago and are currently the largest Native American group in Avoyelles.

Spanish and African traders were probably the first foreigners to arrive in the area by 1750. In late the 18th century European families from Quebec, Canada, as well as Normandy and other parts of France, Scotland, Belgium, Italy, Germany and Spain arrived and established the towns and villages that exist today. Their direct ties to Europe set them apart from the Acadians (Cajuns) of southern Louisiana. Later, blacks serving under Napoleon and those loyal to France in Haiti and the French West Indies settled in Avoyelles. Arriving as refugees, they were taken in by the Native American and European families of the area. The blending of these three cultures created a distinct Creole culture noted in the local language, food and family ties.

Today, the Avoyelles Parish culture conveniently falls under the larger umbrella of "Cajun," because of the perceived similarities in speech, food, and various folk traditions.

The parish has a total area of 866 square miles, of which 832 square miles is land and 33 square miles (3.84%) is water. The population in the 1810 Federal Census was 1,209. In 2000 the Federal Census showed a population of 41,481.

Neighboring parishes are La Salle Parish (north), Catahoula Parish (north), Concordia Parish (northeast), West Feliciana Parish (east), Pointe Coupee Parish (southeast), St. Landry Parish (south), Evangeline Parish (southwest), and Rapides Parish (west).

The parish seat is Marksville. Other communities in the parish include Bordelonville, Bunkie, Center Point, Cottonport, Evergreen, Hessmer, Mansura, Moreauville, Plaucheville, and Simmesport.

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 many thousands of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana marriages here on our website. For current information on how to submit a request for a certified copy of an Orleans 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 Avoyelles 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 Avoyelles Parish Important Addresses page.