What is Louisiana African American Heritage Trail?
The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail (French: Sentier de l'héritage afro-américain de la Louisiane) is a cultural heritage trail with 38 sites designated by the state of Louisiana, from New Orleans along the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge and Shreveport, with sites in small towns and plantations also included.
Established in 2008, it has expanded to nearly 40 sites today. The Louisiana African American Heritage Trail includes museums, state historic sites, churches, universities and more.
Mitch Landrieu, as Lieutenant Governor, supported the establishment of the cultural heritage trail in order to highlight the many contributions of African Americans to the culture of Louisiana and the United States; and to promote these sites as destinations for tourism, which is increasingly important to the state's economy.
Key Sites Along the Trail
New Orleans
New Orleans boasts seven of the trail’s total sites. Due to the city’s relatively small geographic footprint, most of these sites are within short walking distance of each other.
Some of the key sites in New Orleans include:
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- St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 & 2: These are fascinating landmarks where many notable figures from the city’s past are buried.
- Congo Square at Armstrong Park: This square is named for the tradition of slaves who gathered weekly to sing, drum, and celebrate.
- The French Market: The French Market has a 200-year-long history that groups can learn about as they shop and grab a bite.
- St. Augustine Church: St. Augustine Church in New Orleans' Treme neighborhood has been a spiritual center for the black community for generations.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Acadiana
Three of the trail's sites are located in Acadiana:
- Longfellow Evangeline Historic Site in St. Martinville: The park is the oldest of the state park facilities. Creole Plantation owner, Pierre Olivier Duclozel de Vezin built Maison Olivier, a perfect example of a raised Creole cottage with Caribbean and French influence. The building is the only raised Creole cottage west of the Mississippi River.
- Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas: Rebecca Henry, a Creole folklorist, shares the stories of her family's life as sharecroppers. The center allows visitors to experience life in rural St. Landry Creole culture.
- Le Vieux Village in Opelousas: It's a Creole Village based on the time that St. Landry Parish was founded.
Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge lies the rich history of African Americans that contributed to a movement of equal rights and change that was felt across the nation.
Key sites in Baton Rouge include:
- Baton Rouge African American Museum: Here you'll find historic art and a bus that was used during the boycott in 1953.
- Southern University and A&M College: The largest HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in Louisiana.
- The state capitol in Baton Rouge: In the 1870s, P.B.S. Pinchback served as America's first black governor here.
There's an everlasting love for the music in the Red Stick as it is the home of the Blues.
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Other Notable Sites
- Fontainebleau State Park (St. Tammany Parish): See what remains of the Fontainebleau plantation and sugar mill owned by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville.
- Multicultural Center of the South (Shreveport): Located in the heart of downtown Shreveport on Texas Street.
- Hermione Museum (Tallulah): Hosting an exhibit on the famously successful hair-care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, who was born in Delta, La., in 1867, shortly after slavery ended.
- Grambling State University (Grambling): A traditionally black college.
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park: On the "trail".
- The first two churches founded by and for free people of color: Are on the "trail".
Melrose Plantation
According to the Travel Industry Associations of America, more and more travelers are seeking the authentic American experience offered through cultural and heritage tourism.
Table of Key Sites and Locations:
| Site Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 & 2 | New Orleans | Historic cemeteries with notable burials. |
| Congo Square at Armstrong Park | New Orleans | Historic gathering place for slaves. |
| French Market | New Orleans | 200-year-old market with food and shopping. |
| St. Augustine Church | New Orleans | Spiritual center for the black community. |
| Longfellow Evangeline Historic Site | St. Martinville | Creole plantation with a raised Creole cottage. |
| Creole Heritage Folklife Center | Opelousas | Experience life in rural St. Landry Creole culture. |
| Le Vieux Village | Opelousas | Creole village based on the founding of St. Landry Parish. |
| Baton Rouge African American Museum | Baton Rouge | Historic art and a bus used during the 1953 boycott. |
| Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge | The largest HBCU in Louisiana. |
| Fontainebleau State Park | St. Tammany Parish | Remains of the Fontainebleau plantation and sugar mill. |
| Multicultural Center of the South | Shreveport | Located in downtown Shreveport. |
| Hermione Museum | Tallulah | Exhibit on Madam C.J. Walker. |
| Grambling State University | Grambling | Historically black college. |
Exploring Black History In The United States - New Orleans, Louisiana
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