What Is Cajun | Explore Lafayette Louisiana History

Skip navigationSkip to main contentEventsRestaurantsThings to doVisitors GuideRequest A Copye-NewsletterClick to Sign Up{{?}}{{currentConditions}}{{current.temp}}°{{current.condition.text}}{{#forecast}}{{day}}{{high}}°{{low}}°{{/forecast}}{{/}}{{:shownchildren}}{{/}}{{/}}{{/}}{{>nav_items_helper}}{{/}}{{>nav_items}} EventsThings To DoStayPlanBlog{{:shownchildren}}{{/}}The word Cajun began in 19th century Acadie. The French of noble ancestry would say, "les Acadiens", while some referred to the Acadians as, "le 'Cadiens", dropping the "A". Later came the Americans who could not pronounce "Acadien" or "'Cadien", so the word, "Cajun" was born.The first known inhabitants known to have populated the Lafayette, LA area were the Attakapas Indians in the 1700s. The tribe was very powerful and feared by other Indians. The Attakapas dominated until three opposing tribes, the Opelousas, Alabamons and Choctaws, united in battle and conquered their opponent.The exact date when the first European se...