Next stop.....St Martinville
So......what do you know about Evangeline? Well, it was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's first epic poem. Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie, published in 1847, is a story of loss and devotion set against the deportation of the Acadian people in 1755. The Acadians were French living in Nova Scotia. When the English took over the Nova Scotia area, they wanted the French Acadians gone. They were put on boats and shipped to places along the east coast of the U.S. as well as to the Louisiana area. The poem elevated Longfellow to be the most famous writer in America and has had a lasting cultural impact, especially in Nova Scotia and Louisiana, where most of the poem is set.
Evangeline is not the only unique thing about St Martinville.
We started our tour in a small park near the river.
It is mostly dedicated to Longfellow and Evangeline.
This lovely bed and breakfast is available right next store.
You are right next to the river.
There are two museums dedicated to the Acadians which were both unfortunately closed but we peeked in the windows.
Another couple walking around let us know that the courtyard was not locked so we went in for a peek. The original Acadian family coat of arms were on display.
Across the street, there was another memorial. The bell over the fire hydrant is a memorial for a heroic fireman.
Our next stop was the main street downtown which is dominated by this church. More on this a bit later.
We thought this was a restaurant but it was more of an event center and they were all set up for a big event.
Many of the buildings are very historic and interesting.
Looking back towards the main part of town.
The Opera House.....
This beautiful building was originally a post office. See plaque below.
Interesting statues connected to the church.
The inside of the church was really beautiful.
A statue to Evangeline.
Next to the church is a college.
Statue dedicated to the Attakapas Indians.
Somehow the turret on this building looked like an afterthought.
Great tour, another place we have missed that we need to visit:)
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