Hidden History of Acadiana

by William J. Thibodeaux

Overview

Tragedy and destruction abound in this region and in these pages, but heroism, glory and Cajun flair come in equal measure.

From the improbable Thoroughbred Twenty-Twoinit, which defied odds and burned Vegas oddsmakers at Evangeline Downs, to the destitute Reconstruction-era Cajuns who sought recompense from the federal government after the war, history comes to life in these retellings by historian and yarn spinner William Thibodeaux. Before "serial killer" was a term, a vile murderer stalked the streets of then-tiny Lafayette, inciting unimaginable terror. All too familiar are harrowing tales of locals who battened down the hatches as horrible storms roared forth. From the hills to the bayous, Acadiana has quite a story to tell, especially for those who lean in close to listen.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781439667460
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	07/22/2019
Series:	Hidden History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

William J. Thibodeaux, along with his wife, Judy, and Baby Bear, their toy poodle, live in Lafayette, Louisiana. This is his first book.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 5

Introduction 9

The Dark Horse 11

Sketch of Vermilion Parish 18

Black Sunday 25

Evangeline 31

Yellow Fever and Slaughterhouses 38

Claims from Southern Loyalists 44

Rails West 49

The Peculiar Case against Dora Murff and James Duvall 59

The Belle Isle Tragedy 67

Railroad History: The Story of Lafayette Parallel 73

Lafayette Serial Killer 78

Cajun Music and Pointe Noir 85

Jefferson County Line 90

Shootout at the Railyard 96

A Noble Son 103

In the Blink of an Eye 109

The Medlenka River 116

Dudley J. LeBlanc: The Most Famous Cajun 121

Recollections of War 126

County-Parish and the Creation of Evangeline Parish 132

A Chilling Tale of War and Survival 141

Chênière du Fond 152

Bibliography 155

About the Author 159