Register

Creoles of Louisiana

Register of Creoles born within the borders of present-day Louisiana during the colonial period. The colonial period is through 20 December 1803 (the date the U.S. flag was raised in New Orleans). Additional Creoles are currently being researched for possible inclusion in the register.

If you believe that a Creole should be added to the register, please email melissa.collins@laghs.com with supporting documentation.

Who are the Creoles?

Creoles are a group of people (and their descendants) born in the Louisiana colony with parents from the old world (predominantly Spain or France). During the colonial period, the Spanish and French governments considered them equal citizens, but typically refused to issue them high ranking government and church positions or titles, which they reserved for their citizens from Europe.  This caused rebellions, most notably in Mexico.

In the late 1600s and into the early 1700s, the definition and use of the term Creole expanded to include those born in the colony of mixed ancestry (Spanish/French and Native American).  The definition and use continued to evolve to include all of the above as well as those born in the colony of mixed ancestry (Spanish/French and Native American or African). Special care was taken not to include Acadians in the definition of Creole. Acadians are Cajuns.

Since Creole is a colonial term, your ancestor must have resided within the borders of present-day Louisiana prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, which ended the colonial period. 

Are you Creole?

If you are a Creole, you are eligible to receive a certificate. The certificate will have the name of your Creole ancestor, your name, and the seal of the LGHS.

Get your certificate

Indigenous Tribes

Register of Native American tribes residing within the borders of present-day Louisiana at the time of European contact through early colonization (defined by the building of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de los Adaes Presidio in 1721 to check French expansion after the establishment of the Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches).

Founding Fathers

Register of Founding Fathers and their descendants. Founding Fathers explored and governed settlements including Indigenous villages in the colony through Governor Bienville’s last term in 1743.

First Families

Register of colonial families who resided in Louisiana during the colonial period and their descendants.

Creoles

Register of Creoles born in Louisiana during the colonial period and their descendants.

Cajuns

Register of Acadians who settled in Louisiana during the colonial period and their descendants.

Manilamen

Register of Filipinos who settled in Louisiana before the end of the Civil War and their descendants.

Slaves

Register of Slaves who resided in Louisiana before the end of the Civil War and their descendants.