The original families of Louisiana are generally recognized as those who established deep roots in the territory during its formative colonial periods and early statehood. These include families from French, Spanish, and American backgrounds who significantly shaped the state's culture, economy, and politics.
Key Original Families of Louisiana
Many traditional Louisiana families have long histories intertwined with the development of the region. Their genealogies reflect the diverse waves of settlement that characterize Louisiana's unique heritage.
Some prominent examples of such families, whose lineages are often traced through historical records, include:
- Fortier: A family with deep French Creole roots, often associated with early New Orleans.
- Claiborne: Reflecting American influence, particularly through Governor William C.C. Claiborne, the first governor of the Louisiana Territory and later the state.
- Kenner: An influential family in the American period, involved in plantation and political life.
- Percy: Another family with significant presence, particularly in the antebellum period.
- Wiltz: A family with historical ties to leadership and civic life in New Orleans.
- Chalmette: A name famously linked to the site of the Battle of New Orleans.
- Landry: A common and significant Acadian (Cajun) surname, representing one of the earliest and most enduring settler groups in South Louisiana.
- Derbigny: A family of French origin prominent in legal and political spheres during the transition to American rule and early statehood.
- Butler: An American family that gained prominence in Louisiana's history.
- St. Martin: A name with French heritage, significant in various communities across the state.
- Wilkinson: Another family tied to the early American political and military landscape of the territory.
The Diverse Roots of Louisiana's Founding Families
Louisiana's history is a tapestry woven from various cultures, and its original families reflect this complexity.
- French and Spanish Colonists: Many of the earliest families arrived during the French colonial period (early 18th century) and the subsequent Spanish rule (late 18th century). These families often established large plantations, contributed to the unique Creole culture, and built the foundations of cities like New Orleans. Their descendants often carry surnames like Fortier, Chalmette, Derbigny, and St. Martin.
- Acadians (Cajuns): Beginning in the mid-18th century, thousands of French-speaking Acadians, expelled from Canada, settled in South Louisiana. Their descendants form a significant portion of the population and include many original families, such as the Landrys, who are integral to the Cajun identity.
- Anglo-American Settlers: After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, a significant influx of Anglo-American settlers arrived, particularly from other Southern states. These families, including names like Claiborne, Kenner, Percy, Butler, and Wilkinson, played a crucial role in the state's political and economic integration into the United States.
| Family Name | Primary Historical Period | Notable Contributions/Associations |
|---|---|---|
| Fortier | French Colonial | Early New Orleans settlers, prominent in business and society. |
| Claiborne | American Statehood | Political leadership, including the first American governor. |
| Kenner | American Antebellum | Planters, politicians, and businessmen. |
| Percy | American Antebellum | Landowners, contributed to the state's agricultural economy. |
| Wiltz | Early American / 19th C. | Civic leaders, particularly in New Orleans. |
| Chalmette | French Colonial / American | Linked to key historical sites and early French Creole society. |
| Landry | Acadian Migration | Core family among the Acadian settlers, foundational to Cajun culture. |
| Derbigny | Early American Statehood | Prominent in law and politics, including a state governor. |
| Butler | American Statehood | Involved in political and economic development. |
| St. Martin | French Colonial | Established presence in various parts of the colony and early state. |
| Wilkinson | Early American Statehood | Military and political figures during the territorial and early state period. |
These families, through their lineage and activities, represent the enduring legacy of Louisiana's founding populations, whose histories continue to define the state's cultural landscape.
