KnowLA is a comprehensive, dynamic online reference guide to the history and culture of Louisiana. The encyclopedia is accessible to anyone with a web-enabled device, free of charge.
A Plan of Orleans - Map - Map of New Orleans c.1803 by Boqueta de Woiseri
Boqueta de Woiseri's “Plan” and his contemporaneous “View of New Orleans from the Plantation of Marigny” give as clear a picture of the last days of Spanish Louisiana as can be found. Improvements made during the Spanish regime, such as the subdivision of the Gravier tract, which became the Faubourg Ste. Marie, and the Carondelet Canal, which connected the city with Lake Pontchartrain via Bayou St. John, are indicated in this view. On this print, the artist marked the acquisition of New Orleans by the United States with an eagle clutching a shield and arrows. ZoomifyLearn more »
Abshire, Nathan - Photograph - Iry LeJeune and Nathan Abshire
This image is a rare musical treasure, showing Cajun music legends Iry LeJeune and Nathan Abshire very early in their careers. In 1955 LeJeune was tragically killed at the age of 26, leaving Abshire to carry on the Cajun accordion tradition. This image marks the musical kinship of two great Cajun artists. ZoomifyLearn more »
Abshire, Nathan - Photograph - Nathan Abshire
Nathan Abshire is considered one of several important Cajun accordionists who helped re-popularize traditional Cajun music after World War II. Abshire's music embodied the old-time, traditionally crafted sound that returning Cajun GI's as well as the rest of the Cajun populace longed to hear. ZoomifyLearn more »
This image was taken during the recording of Pine Grove Blues, one of Abshire's most famous studio sessions, after which he poses with Earl Demary's Musical Aces. From left to right: Earl Demary on guitar, Wilson Granger on fiddle, Eldridge "coon" Guidry on bass, unknown on drums, Nathan Abshire on accordion, and Ernest Thibodeaux on guitar. ZoomifyLearn more »
Acadian barn at the Acadian Village and Tropical Gardens in Lafayette Louisiana in the 1970s.
A black-and-white photo, taken in the 1970s, of an Acadian (Cajun) barn at the Acadian Village and Tropical Gardens in Lafayette, Louisiana. Written on photo: “On Mouton Road, just south of La. 342. A number of Acadian dwelllings, churches and other antebellum buildings have been brought together here to represent an early 'Cajun' bayou village. A footpath leads to a sleepy bayou past the historic structures and through the Around-the-World Tropical Gardens. A giftshop offers Cajun crafts as well as books on the Acadians.” Learn more »
Acadian family returning home.
A black-and-white photo, taken in the 1930s, of an Acadian family returning home via the bayou. The location within Louisiana is unknown. Learn more »
Acadian Home - Photograph - By George François Mugnier
A view of the façade of an Acadian House, with two women and one small child standing on the porch, looking at the camera. What appears to be a decrepit outhouse is in the foreground, and on the porch sit several barrels. Learn more »
Acadian Weaver - Lithograph- Acadian or Cajun weaver working her loom
This image of an unidentified Louisiana musician playing the accordion was taken in 1850. It indicates that the instrument was being played in Louisiana as early as 21 years after its invention in 1829. ZoomifyLearn more »
