Genealogy

Louisiana’s third oldest city is a treasure trove for historians and genealogists alike!  Whether you are a well-trained history hunter or simply starting out, Opelousas boasts of records dating from the late French colony era through the Spanish, the arrival of the Cajuns to becoming part of America.  The records located at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse and St. Landry Catholic Church rival those of New Orleans, Mobile and Natchitoches.  Seeking long lost relatives or putting the final family history puzzle piece in place, genealogists will find the records from area churches and cemeteries at St. Landry Cemeteries and Cemeteries and Headstones in St. Landry Parish compliment the records found at the courthouse and at St. Landry Catholic Church.

The Clerk of Court Archivist as well as the archivist at St. Landry Catholic Church can assist you in your records research and in many cases help you translate the old French and Spanish documents.  The Opelousas Public Library also has a local history and genealogy section and research room.  In addition, the local group, the Imperial St. Landry Genealogical and Historical Society, provides an invaluable link to research in the area. The U.S. Geneaology website also features old records and history related to Opelousas and St. Landry Parish.

Good luck with your hunt!