Opelousas, LA
Music connected to Opelousas
About Opelousas
- • Tony Chachere, creator of Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning, was born in Opelousas.
- • Opelousas is considered the 'Zydeco Capital of the World'.
- • Its strategic location as a trading post on the Opelousas Trail fostered early growth.
- • During the Civil War, it briefly served as Louisiana's Confederate capital in 1862-1863.
- • A devastating fire in 1917 destroyed much of the downtown business district.
- • Named for the Appalousa Indians, it was established in 1720, incorporated in 1821.
- • With about 15,782 residents, it is smaller than nearby Lafayette.
- • The city sits at 66 feet above sea level, relatively high for southern Louisiana.
- • Agriculture, particularly sweet potatoes and soybeans, remains a key economic driver.
- • Opelousas feels like a warm, welcoming town steeped in rich cultural traditions.
- • The New Orleans Saints, Louisiana's NFL team, won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
- • Opelousas High School has produced several notable athletes in football and basketball.
