CRAWFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Back in 1771, Acadian pioneer Firmin Breaux began buying the land from which the present-day city of Breaux Bridge would evolve. In 1799 Breaux built a footbridge across our beautiful Bayou Teche to help ease the passage for his family and neighbors. This first bridge was a suspension footbridge. In 1817, Firmin’s son, Agricole, built the first vehicular bridge, allowing for the passage of wagons and increased commerce in the area. This bridge distinguished Breaux Bridge as the only city on Bayou Teche to evolve from both sides simultaneously. The town received its official founding in 1829 when Scholastique Picou Breaux, Agricole’s 33-year-old widow, drew up plans for our city and began developing her property by selling lots to other Acadian settlers.
Breaux Bridge and Crawfish have become symbolic in their relationship. Restaurants of Breaux Bridge were the first to offer crawfish openly on their menus, and it was here that the now world-famous crawfish etouffee was created. Breaux Bridge became so well known for its crawfish farming and cooking that, in honor of its centennial celebration in 1959, the Louisiana legislature officially designated Breaux Bridge as “la capitale Mondiale de l’ecrevisse” or “the crawfish capital of the world”. Since this designation, Breaux Bridge has hosted the annual crawfish festival, recognized as one of the state’s finest festivals.
Today Breaux Bridge is a closely-knit community of friendly people with a bustling downtown historic district filled with unique shopping and dining. It also has a thriving business area near Exit 109 on Interstate 10.
SURROUNDING AREAS
Also included in our chamber area is the Town of Henderson, the Village of Parks, and unincorporated area of Cecilia.
The Town of Henderson sits on the edge of the ancient and beautiful Atchafalaya Basin. As “The Gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin,” Henderson attracts tourists and sportsmen year-round with the intention of immersing themselves in world class fishing, exciting airboat tours, and award-winning cuisine.
The Village of Parks is located south of Breaux Bridge along the Bayou Teche and has a population of about 634. Although small in size, it is rich in culture and personality. Surrounded by sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, it hosts several festivals annually and is home to numerous businesses.
Cecilia is located along the Bayou Teche between Breaux Bridge and Arnaudville. It is home of the Cecilia High School Bulldogs and boasts a rich musical history. It has recently been established as a cultural district through the State of Louisiana named Cecilia et les Alentours.