Register

Cajuns of Louisiana

Register of Cajuns residing 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 Cajuns are currently being researched for possible inclusion in the register.

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

Who are the Cajuns?

Cajuns are a group of people (and their descendants) that settled Louisiana from French Canada in the 18th century. Known as Acadians, they were predominantly of French descent. The British deported Acadians who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the British crown in what is known as the “Grand Dérangement”, which began in 1755 and ended in the 1770s. Acadians relocated to other parts of Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the British-American colonies. Approximately 15-25% of the Acadian population (roughly 3,000 to 4,000) settled in Louisiana.

Are you Cajun?

If you are a Cajun, you are eligible to receive a certificate. The certificate will have the name of your Cajun 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.