Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Evangeline Parish sits in the heart of Cajun Country in central Louisiana, where crawfish boils, zydeco music, and French heritage are deeply woven into local culture. The parish offers a lively blend of traditions, food, and music that reflects the character of Acadiana.
The parish takes its name from Evangeline, the title character of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem about the Acadians. That literary connection reflects the parish’s strong ties to the history and cultural heritage of French-speaking Louisiana.
Across Evangeline Parish, oak-lined bayous, open prairies, and wooded wetlands create a distinctive landscape. Alligators can be found in the area’s waterways and swamps, while residents take pride in their French roots, Cajun traditions, and boudin, a beloved Louisiana specialty.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | Evangeline Parish |
| Parish Seat | Ville Platte |
| Etymology | Named after the Acadian heroine Evangeline, from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Evangeline” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ville Platte, Mamou, Pine Prairie, Basile, Chataignier, Reddell, Turkey Creek, Vidrine |
| Interstates and Highways | US-167, US-190, LA-10, LA-13, LA-29 |
| FIPS Code | 22-039 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 680 square miles (662 sq mi land, 18 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Parishes (and Direction) | Rapides Parish (North), Avoyelles Parish (Northeast), St. Landry Parish (East), Acadia Parish (South), Allen Parish (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 30.6896° N, 92.4036° W |
| Major Landmarks | Chicot State Park, Louisiana State Arboretum, Fred’s Lounge, Le Vieux Village, Liberty Theater, Savoy Music Center |
| Population | Approximately 32,000 |
