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Eunice, Louisiana: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 30°29′37″N 92°25′01″W / 30.49361°N 92.41694°W / 30.49361; -92.41694
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Eunice, Louisiana woodyvidrine
| name = Eunice, Louisiana
| official_name = City of Eunice
| official_name = City of Eunice
| native_name =
| native_name =
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| leader_name = Scott A. Fontenot (No Party)
| leader_name = Scott A. Fontenot (No Party)
| leader_title1 = Chief of Police
| leader_title1 = Chief of Police
| leader_name1 = Randy Fontenot (No Party)
| leader_name1 = Kyle LeBouef (R)
| total_type =
| total_type =
| unit_pref = Imperial
| unit_pref = Imperial
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==History==
==History==
[[File:EunicePharrDuson.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Statue of Eunice Pharr Duson]]
[[File:EunicePharrDuson.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Statue of Eunice Pharr Duson]]
One-time lawman and pioneer land developer [[Curley Duson|C.C. Duson]] is credited with founding Eunice, which was named for his second wife, Eunice Pharr Duson. He and his brother, W.W. Duson, had already founded [[Crowley, Louisiana]] in 1887, and now he looked to the north of the parish for future development. Duson bought {{convert|160|acre|km2}} of land from Willie Humble of [[Prairie Faquetaïque]] and mapped out a town site, laid out in lots 50-by-140 feet, 12 lots to the block. Next, he persuaded the [[Southern Pacific Railroad]] to extend a branch line from Crowley to his new town. Then he began what he and his brother had learned how to do as well as anyone: promote land sales. It was chartered as a village on September 12, 1894, and incorporated as a town on June 4, 1895.<ref>[http://www.carencrohighschool.org/LA_Studies/ParishSeries/StLandryParish/Eunice.htm www.carencrohighschool.org 'Eunice named for pioneer developer's wife"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928071338/http://www.carencrohighschool.org/LA_Studies/ParishSeries/StLandryParish/Eunice.htm |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>
One-time lawman and pioneer land developer [[Curley Duson|C.C. Duson]] is credited with founding Eunice, which was named for his second wife, Eunice Pharr Duson. He and his brother, W.W. Duson, had already founded [[Crowley, Louisiana]] in 1887, and he looked to the north of the parish for future development. Duson bought {{convert|160|acre|km2}} of land from Willie Humble of [[Prairie Faquetaïque]] and mapped out a town site, laid out in lots 50-by-140 feet, 12 lots to the block. Next, he persuaded the [[Southern Pacific Railroad]] to extend a branch line from Crowley to his new town. Then he began what he and his brother had learned how to do as well as anyone: promote land sales. It was chartered as a village on September 12, 1894, and incorporated as a town on June 4, 1895.<ref>[http://www.carencrohighschool.org/LA_Studies/ParishSeries/StLandryParish/Eunice.htm www.carencrohighschool.org 'Eunice named for pioneer developer's wife"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928071338/http://www.carencrohighschool.org/LA_Studies/ParishSeries/StLandryParish/Eunice.htm |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>


[[Evangeline Parish, Louisiana|Evangeline Parish]] was created with the passage of a bill in June 1908. Eunice and [[Ville Platte, Louisiana|Ville Platte]] were in competition for the parish seat, and Ville Platte was selected by voters on April 12, 1909. After the election, Eunice declared it would remain in St. Landry Parish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lacollege.edu/sites/default/files/EVANGELINE%20PARISH%20HISTORY.pdf|title=Evangeline Parish History|website=www.lacollege.edu}}</ref>
[[Evangeline Parish, Louisiana|Evangeline Parish]] was created with the passage of a bill in June 1908. Eunice and [[Ville Platte, Louisiana|Ville Platte]] were in competition for the parish seat, and Ville Platte was selected by voters on April 12, 1909. After the election, Eunice declared it would remain in St. Landry Parish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lacollege.edu/sites/default/files/EVANGELINE%20PARISH%20HISTORY.pdf|title=Evangeline Parish History|website=www.lacollege.edu|access-date=January 1, 2017|archive-date=January 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101161411/http://www.lacollege.edu/sites/default/files/EVANGELINE%20PARISH%20HISTORY.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In May 2000 a chemical freight train derailed in Eunice, spilling numerous hazardous chemicals and causing about 15 tank cars to explode and burn; approximately 3,500 residents of the town were evacuated for as many as five days. Over 10,000 residents settled in May 2004 for $65 million with the [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific Corporation]] in a class action suit, claiming that the corporation had failed to repair a defective section of track.<ref>[https://classactionamerica.com/public/caseIndex.aspx?lngCaseId=3449&intCategoryID=7 classactionamerica.com "Union Pacific Corporation"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060317050641/http://www.classactionamerica.com/public/caseIndex.aspx?lngCaseId=3449&intCategoryID=7 |date=2006-03-17 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2004/05/26/42564.htm www.insurancejournal.com "Union Pacific Announces Derailment Settlement"]</ref>
In May 2000 a chemical freight train derailed in Eunice, spilling numerous hazardous chemicals and causing about 15 tank cars to explode and burn; approximately 3,500 residents of the town were evacuated for as many as five days. Over 10,000 residents settled in May 2004 for $65 million with the [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific Corporation]] in a class action suit, claiming that the corporation had failed to repair a defective section of track.<ref>[https://classactionamerica.com/public/caseIndex.aspx?lngCaseId=3449&intCategoryID=7 classactionamerica.com "Union Pacific Corporation"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060317050641/http://www.classactionamerica.com/public/caseIndex.aspx?lngCaseId=3449&intCategoryID=7 |date=2006-03-17 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2004/05/26/42564.htm www.insurancejournal.com "Union Pacific Announces Derailment Settlement"]</ref>
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 4.7&nbsp;square miles (12.1&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), all land.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 4.7&nbsp;square miles (12.1&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), all land.


[[Louisiana Highway 13]] and [[U.S. Route 190|U.S. Highway 190]] pass through the center of Eunice with U.S. 190 heading west {{convert|26|mi}} to [[Kinder, Louisiana|Kinder]] and east {{convert|21|mi}} to [[Opelousas, Louisiana|Opelousas]], the [[county seat|seat]] of [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana|St. Landry Parish]]. LA-13 heads north {{convert|11|mi}} to [[Mamou, Louisiana|Mamou]] and south {{convert|20|miles}} to [[Crowley, Louisiana|Crowley]], the [[county seat|seat]] of [[Acadia Parish, Louisiana|Acadia Parish]].
[[Louisiana Highway 13]] and [[U.S. Route 190|U.S. Highway 190]] pass through the center of Eunice with U.S. 190 heading west {{convert|26|mi}} to [[Kinder, Louisiana|Kinder]] and east {{convert|21|mi}} to [[Opelousas, Louisiana|Opelousas]], the [[county seat|seat]] of [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana|St. Landry Parish]]. LA-13 heads north {{convert|11|mi}} to [[Mamou, Louisiana|Mamou]] and south {{convert|20|miles}} to [[Crowley, Louisiana|Crowley]], the [[county seat|seat]] of [[Acadia Parish, Louisiana|Acadia Parish]].


===Climate===
===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Eunice has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=189261&cityname=Eunice%2C+Louisiana%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Eunice, Louisiana]</ref>
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Eunice has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=189261&cityname=Eunice%2C+Louisiana%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Eunice, Louisiana]</ref>

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| collapsed = yes
| single line = yes
| location = Eunice, Louisiana (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1982–2015)
| Jan record high F = 84
| Feb record high F = 83
| Mar record high F = 88
| Apr record high F = 94
| May record high F = 101
| Jun record high F = 103
| Jul record high F = 104
| Aug record high F = 107
| Sep record high F = 109
| Oct record high F = 98
| Nov record high F = 89
| Dec record high F = 84
| year record high F =
| Jan high F = 59.9
| Feb high F = 64.2
| Mar high F = 71.2
| Apr high F = 77.6
| May high F = 84.7
| Jun high F = 90.2
| Jul high F = 92.0
| Aug high F = 93.0
| Sep high F = 88.9
| Oct high F = 80.7
| Nov high F = 70.0
| Dec high F = 62.5
| year high F = 77.9
| Jan mean F = 49.9
| Feb mean F = 54.2
| Mar mean F = 60.9
| Apr mean F = 67.2
| May mean F = 75.2
| Jun mean F = 80.8
| Jul mean F = 82.6
| Aug mean F = 82.9
| Sep mean F = 78.4
| Oct mean F = 69.0
| Nov mean F = 59.2
| Dec mean F = 52.2
| year mean F = 67.7
| Jan low F = 39.8
| Feb low F = 44.2
| Mar low F = 50.6
| Apr low F = 56.9
| May low F = 65.6
| Jun low F = 71.3
| Jul low F = 73.2
| Aug low F = 72.8
| Sep low F = 67.8
| Oct low F = 57.2
| Nov low F = 48.4
| Dec low F = 41.9
| year low F = 57.5
| Jan record low F = 14
| Feb record low F = 15
| Mar record low F = 23
| Apr record low F = 34
| May record low F = 41
| Jun record low F = 53
| Jul record low F = 62
| Aug record low F = 58
| Sep record low F = 44
| Oct record low F = 30
| Nov record low F = 25
| Dec record low F = 9
| year record low F =
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 6.43
| Feb precipitation inch = 4.62
| Mar precipitation inch = 3.91
| Apr precipitation inch = 4.62
| May precipitation inch = 5.69
| Jun precipitation inch = 4.84
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.61
| Aug precipitation inch = 4.24
| Sep precipitation inch = 4.90
| Oct precipitation inch = 4.86
| Nov precipitation inch = 4.43
| Dec precipitation inch = 4.79
| year precipitation inch = 57.94
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 10.1
| Feb precipitation days = 8.7
| Mar precipitation days = 7.9
| Apr precipitation days = 6.8
| May precipitation days = 6.8
| Jun precipitation days = 10.7
| Jul precipitation days = 10.6
| Aug precipitation days = 8.9
| Sep precipitation days = 7.0
| Oct precipitation days = 6.3
| Nov precipitation days = 7.5
| Dec precipitation days = 9.0
| year precipitation days = 100.3
| Jan snow inch = 0.0
| Feb snow inch = 0.0
| Mar snow inch = 0.0
| Apr snow inch = 0.0
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.0
| Nov snow inch = 0.0
| Dec snow inch = 0.0
| year snow inch = 0.0
| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 0.0
| Feb snow days = 0.0
| Mar snow days = 0.0
| Apr snow days = 0.0
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 0.0
| Dec snow days = 0.0
| year snow days = 0.0
| source = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name="NOWData">{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=lch
|title = NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = November 2, 2023}}</ref><ref name="NCEI">{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00162981&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = November 2, 2023}}</ref>
}}


===Parish===
===Parish===
Eunice is in parts of three parishes, St. Landry, Acadia and Evangeline. Thus the names of certain businesses in Eunice, such as Tri-Parish Bank. Most of the Evangeline Parish portion of Eunice is unincorporated.
Eunice is in parts of three parishes, St. Landry, Acadia and Evangeline. Thus, the names of certain businesses in Eunice, such as Tri-Parish Bank. Most of the Evangeline Parish portion of Eunice is unincorporated.


===St. Landry===
===St. Landry===
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===Acadia Parish===
===Acadia Parish===
Acadia to the south actually borders most of the southern city limits, in a close west to east parallel line, with Sittig Street in the center, parish road 7-23 to the east, and both just inside the St. Landry Parish. On the west side the city limits drops south following highway 755 south and includes the airport, the [[Louisiana State University]] Eunice campus, as well as the streets around the campus. Acadia Parish also succeeded from the parish of St. Landry. <ref name="Acadia Parish, Louisiana Page">{{cite web | url=http://www.us-places.com/Louisiana/maps/Acadia-Parish-map.htm | title=Map Showing Acadia Parish, Louisiana | publisher=US-Places.com | access-date=September 29, 2015}}</ref>
Acadia to the south actually borders most of the southern city limits, in a close west to east parallel line, with Sittig Street in the center, parish road 7-23 to the east, and both just inside the St. Landry Parish. On the west side the city limits drops south following highway 755 south and includes the airport, the [[Louisiana State University]] Eunice campus, as well as the streets around the campus. Acadia Parish also succeeded from the parish of St. Landry.<ref name="Acadia Parish, Louisiana Page">{{cite web | url=http://www.us-places.com/Louisiana/maps/Acadia-Parish-map.htm | title=Map Showing Acadia Parish, Louisiana | publisher=US-Places.com | access-date=September 29, 2015}}</ref>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 9,422 people, 3,642 households, and 2,470 families residing in the city. As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 10,398 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 63.0% White, 32.5% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% from some other race and 1.2% from two or more races. 2.3% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 9,422 people, 3,642 households, and 2,470 families residing in the city. As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 10,398 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 63.0% White, 32.5% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% from some other race and 1.2% from two or more races. 2.3% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.


As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 11,499 people, 4,316 households, and 2,986 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was 2,459.6 people per square mile (948.7/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 4,675 housing units at an average density of 1,000.0 per square mile (385.7/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 68.76% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 29.91% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.11% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.21% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.34% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.65% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.11% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 11,499 people, 4,316 households, and 2,986 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,459.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 4,675 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,000.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 68.76% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 29.91% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.11% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.21% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.34% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.65% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.11% of the population.


There were 4,316 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.18.
There were 4,316 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.18.
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The median income for a household in the city was $21,372, and the median income for a family was $27,173. Males had a median income of $29,500 versus $18,912 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $11,937. About 26.5% of families and 31.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 41.9% of those under age 18 and 20.6% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the city was $21,372, and the median income for a family was $27,173. Males had a median income of $29,500 versus $18,912 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $11,937. About 26.5% of families and 31.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 41.9% of those under age 18 and 20.6% of those age 65 or over.

==Arts and culture==
==Arts and culture==
Located near the heart of [[Cajun]] country, Eunice is famous for its [[Cajun music]], and in November 1997 the [[Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum]] was founded there.<ref>[http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/musicmain.htm www.lsue.edu "Contemporary Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco Musicians"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205032450/http://lsue.edu/acadgate/music/musicmain.htm |date=2006-12-05 }}</ref>
Located near the heart of [[Cajun]] country, Eunice is famous for its [[Cajun music]], and in November 1997 the [[Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum]] was founded there.<ref>[http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/musicmain.htm www.lsue.edu "Contemporary Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco Musicians"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205032450/http://lsue.edu/acadgate/music/musicmain.htm |date=2006-12-05 }}</ref>
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==Education==
==Education==
Eunice is the home of [[Louisiana State University at Eunice|Louisiana State University Eunice]], a [[community college]]. LSUE is a campus of [[Louisiana State University]].
Eunice is the home of [[Louisiana State University at Eunice|Louisiana State University Eunice]], a [[community college]], and a campus of [[Louisiana State University]].


Eunice is also home to both [[Eunice High School]] and [[St. Edmund High School (Eunice, Louisiana)|St Edmund High School]].
Eunice is also home to both [[Eunice High School]] and [[St. Edmund High School (Eunice, Louisiana)|St Edmund High School]].
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{{More citations needed section|date=November 2012}}
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2012}}
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* [[Danneel Ackles]] (''nee Harris''), actress, grew up in Eunice after birth in [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]]
* [[Geno Delafose]], [[Zydeco]] musician<ref>[http://www.ritmoartists.com/Geno/delafose.htm Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie - Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624094537/http://www.ritmoartists.com/Geno/delafose.htm |date=2007-06-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/delafose.htm |title=Geno Delafose |access-date=2007-06-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625162526/http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/delafose.htm |archive-date=2007-06-25 }}</ref>
* [[Geno Delafose]], [[Zydeco]] musician<ref>[http://www.ritmoartists.com/Geno/delafose.htm Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie - Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624094537/http://www.ritmoartists.com/Geno/delafose.htm |date=2007-06-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/delafose.htm |title=Geno Delafose |access-date=2007-06-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625162526/http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/delafose.htm |archive-date=2007-06-25 }}</ref>
* [[Mary Alice Fontenot]], author of "[[Clovis the Crawfish]]" series of books<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.neworleansshowcase.com/books-children.html|title = Children's Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|isbn = 088289952X|title = Clovis Crawfish and Batiste Bête Puante|last1 = Fontenot|first1 = Mary Alice|year = 1993}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acadianmuseum.com/Living%20Legends/maryalicefontenot.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041227114552/http://acadianmuseum.com/Living%20Legends/maryalicefontenot.html |archive-date=2004-12-27 }}</ref>
* [[Mary Alice Fontenot]], author of "[[Clovis the Crawfish]]" series of books<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.neworleansshowcase.com/books-children.html|title = Children's Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|isbn = 088289952X|title = Clovis Crawfish and Batiste Bête Puante|last1 = Fontenot|first1 = Mary Alice|year = 1993}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acadianmuseum.com/Living%20Legends/maryalicefontenot.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041227114552/http://acadianmuseum.com/Living%20Legends/maryalicefontenot.html |archive-date=2004-12-27 }}</ref>
* [[Joe Hall (accordionist)|Joe Hall]], accordionist playing [[Creole music|Creole la la]], [[Cajun music|Cajun]], and [[zydeco]] styles
* [[Kyries Hebert]], [[American football]] [[free safety]] from the [[NFL]]'s [[Cincinnati Bengals]]
* [[Kyries Hebert]], [[American football]] [[free safety]] from the [[NFL]]'s [[Cincinnati Bengals]]
* [[Deante Adam Johnson]] (''Summrs''), Music artist, grew up in Eunice after birth in Lafayette
* [[C.W. Lemoine]], Author and Air Force aviator.
* [[C.W. Lemoine]], Author and Air Force aviator.
* [[Carlton Loewer]], [[Major League Baseball]] pitcher
* [[Carlton Loewer]], [[Major League Baseball]] pitcher
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* [[Keith Ortego]], [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] for the [[Super Bowl XX]] champion [[Chicago Bears]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=ORTEGKEI01/ |title=Keith Ortego |publisher=databaseFootball.com |access-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107122703/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=ORTEGKEI01%2F |archive-date=January 7, 2016 }}</ref>
* [[Keith Ortego]], [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] for the [[Super Bowl XX]] champion [[Chicago Bears]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=ORTEGKEI01/ |title=Keith Ortego |publisher=databaseFootball.com |access-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107122703/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=ORTEGKEI01%2F |archive-date=January 7, 2016 }}</ref>
* [[Ann Savoy]], Cajun accordionist
* [[Ann Savoy]], Cajun accordionist
* [[Marc Savoy]], Cajun accordionist and accordion maker<ref>[http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/savoy.htm Marc and [[Ann Savoy]]<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216182955/http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/savoy.htm |date=2006-02-16 }}</ref>
* [[Marc Savoy]], Cajun accordionist and accordion maker<ref>[http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/savoy.htm Marc and Ann Savoy<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216182955/http://www.lsue.edu/acadgate/music/savoy.htm |date=2006-02-16 }}</ref>
* [[Tharold Simon]], NFL cornerback for the [[Seattle Seahawks]]
* [[Tharold Simon]], NFL cornerback for the [[Seattle Seahawks]]
* [[Cora Kelley Ward]], painter
* [[Cora Kelley Ward]], painter
Line 305: Line 446:
{{Louisiana}}
{{Louisiana}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Eunice, Louisiana|*]]
[[Category:Cities in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Cities in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Cities in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana]]

Latest revision as of 23:40, 1 December 2024

Eunice, Louisiana
City
City of Eunice
Motto: 
"Louisiana's Prairie Cajun Capital"[1]
Location of Eunice in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
Location of Eunice in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
Eunice, Louisiana is located in Louisiana
Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice, Louisiana is located in the United States
Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice, Louisiana
Coordinates: 30°29′37″N 92°25′01″W / 30.49361°N 92.41694°W / 30.49361; -92.41694
CountryUnited States
StateLouisiana
ParishesAcadia, St. Landry
Chartered (village)September 12, 1894
Incorporated (town)June 4, 1895
Founded byC.C. Duson
Named forEunice Pharr Duson, wife of C.C. Duson
Government
 • MayorScott A. Fontenot (No Party)
 • Chief of PoliceKyle LeBouef (R)
Area
[2]
 • Total
5.14 sq mi (13.31 km2)
 • Land5.14 sq mi (13.31 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
49 ft (15 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
9,422
 • Density1,833.79/sq mi (708.09/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
70535
Area code337
FIPS code22-24565
WebsiteEunice, Louisiana

Eunice is a city in Acadia and St. Landry parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The 2010 census placed the population at 10,398, a decrease of 1,101, or 9.5 percent, from the 2000 tabulation of 11,499.

The St. Landry Parish portion of Eunice is part of the Opelousas–Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area, while the Acadia Parish portion is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

[edit]
Statue of Eunice Pharr Duson

One-time lawman and pioneer land developer C.C. Duson is credited with founding Eunice, which was named for his second wife, Eunice Pharr Duson. He and his brother, W.W. Duson, had already founded Crowley, Louisiana in 1887, and he looked to the north of the parish for future development. Duson bought 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land from Willie Humble of Prairie Faquetaïque and mapped out a town site, laid out in lots 50-by-140 feet, 12 lots to the block. Next, he persuaded the Southern Pacific Railroad to extend a branch line from Crowley to his new town. Then he began what he and his brother had learned how to do as well as anyone: promote land sales. It was chartered as a village on September 12, 1894, and incorporated as a town on June 4, 1895.[3]

Evangeline Parish was created with the passage of a bill in June 1908. Eunice and Ville Platte were in competition for the parish seat, and Ville Platte was selected by voters on April 12, 1909. After the election, Eunice declared it would remain in St. Landry Parish.[4]

In May 2000 a chemical freight train derailed in Eunice, spilling numerous hazardous chemicals and causing about 15 tank cars to explode and burn; approximately 3,500 residents of the town were evacuated for as many as five days. Over 10,000 residents settled in May 2004 for $65 million with the Union Pacific Corporation in a class action suit, claiming that the corporation had failed to repair a defective section of track.[5][6]

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.7 square miles (12.1 km2), all land.

Louisiana Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 190 pass through the center of Eunice with U.S. 190 heading west 26 miles (42 km) to Kinder and east 21 miles (34 km) to Opelousas, the seat of St. Landry Parish. LA-13 heads north 11 miles (18 km) to Mamou and south 20 miles (32 km) to Crowley, the seat of Acadia Parish.

Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Eunice has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[7]

Climate data for Eunice, Louisiana (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1982–2015)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 84
(29) 		83
(28) 		88
(31) 		94
(34) 		101
(38) 		103
(39) 		104
(40) 		107
(42) 		109
(43) 		98
(37) 		89
(32) 		84
(29) 		109
(43)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 59.9
(15.5) 		64.2
(17.9) 		71.2
(21.8) 		77.6
(25.3) 		84.7
(29.3) 		90.2
(32.3) 		92.0
(33.3) 		93.0
(33.9) 		88.9
(31.6) 		80.7
(27.1) 		70.0
(21.1) 		62.5
(16.9) 		77.9
(25.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 49.9
(9.9) 		54.2
(12.3) 		60.9
(16.1) 		67.2
(19.6) 		75.2
(24.0) 		80.8
(27.1) 		82.6
(28.1) 		82.9
(28.3) 		78.4
(25.8) 		69.0
(20.6) 		59.2
(15.1) 		52.2
(11.2) 		67.7
(19.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 39.8
(4.3) 		44.2
(6.8) 		50.6
(10.3) 		56.9
(13.8) 		65.6
(18.7) 		71.3
(21.8) 		73.2
(22.9) 		72.8
(22.7) 		67.8
(19.9) 		57.2
(14.0) 		48.4
(9.1) 		41.9
(5.5) 		57.5
(14.2)
Record low °F (°C) 14
(−10) 		15
(−9) 		23
(−5) 		34
(1) 		41
(5) 		53
(12) 		62
(17) 		58
(14) 		44
(7) 		30
(−1) 		25
(−4) 		9
(−13) 		9
(−13)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 6.43
(163) 		4.62
(117) 		3.91
(99) 		4.62
(117) 		5.69
(145) 		4.84
(123) 		4.61
(117) 		4.24
(108) 		4.90
(124) 		4.86
(123) 		4.43
(113) 		4.79
(122) 		57.94
(1,472)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.1 8.7 7.9 6.8 6.8 10.7 10.6 8.9 7.0 6.3 7.5 9.0 100.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Source: NOAA[8][9]

Parish

[edit]

Eunice is in parts of three parishes, St. Landry, Acadia and Evangeline. Thus, the names of certain businesses in Eunice, such as Tri-Parish Bank. Most of the Evangeline Parish portion of Eunice is unincorporated.

St. Landry

[edit]

Most of the city limits are located in St. Landry parish. This was one of the original parishes in Louisiana.

Acadia Parish

[edit]

Acadia to the south actually borders most of the southern city limits, in a close west to east parallel line, with Sittig Street in the center, parish road 7-23 to the east, and both just inside the St. Landry Parish. On the west side the city limits drops south following highway 755 south and includes the airport, the Louisiana State University Eunice campus, as well as the streets around the campus. Acadia Parish also succeeded from the parish of St. Landry.[10]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1900316—
19101,684432.9%
19203,27294.3%
19303,5979.9%
19405,24245.7%
19508,18456.1%
196011,32638.4%
197011,3900.6%
198012,4799.6%
199011,162−10.6%
200011,4993.0%
201010,398−9.6%
20209,422−9.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
Eunice racial composition[12]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 5,448 57.82%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 3,289 34.91%
Native American 12 0.13%
Asian 89 0.94%
Other/Mixed 312 3.31%
Hispanic or Latino 272 2.89%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,422 people, 3,642 households, and 2,470 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 10,398 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 63.0% White, 32.5% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% from some other race and 1.2% from two or more races. 2.3% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census[13] of 2000, there were 11,499 people, 4,316 households, and 2,986 families living in the city. The population density was 2,459.6 inhabitants per square mile (949.7/km2). There were 4,675 housing units at an average density of 1,000.0 per square mile (386.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 68.76% White, 29.91% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.

There were 4,316 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years, a half year older than the statewide median age of 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,372, and the median income for a family was $27,173. Males had a median income of $29,500 versus $18,912 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,937. About 26.5% of families and 31.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.9% of those under age 18 and 20.6% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

[edit]

Located near the heart of Cajun country, Eunice is famous for its Cajun music, and in November 1997 the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum was founded there.[14] The City of Eunice and the National Park Service sponsor "Laissez les bons temps rouler au rendezvous des cajuns", a live Cajun music show every Saturday night at the Liberty Theatre, an old movie theater that was restored by a "coup de main" by local volunteers after falling into disrepair.[15]

Eunice is home to the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.[16]

Eunice is host to one of the largest Courir de Mardi Gras (traditional rural French Louisiana Mardi Gras observance,)[17] as well as the World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off.

In 2015, The Eunice Rotary Club and the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve teamed up to host a revitalized folklife festival known as the Experience Louisiana Festival[18] held each October on the campus of LSU Eunice.

Education

[edit]

Eunice is the home of Louisiana State University Eunice, a community college, and a campus of Louisiana State University.

Eunice is also home to both Eunice High School and St Edmund High School.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Eunice, Louisiana". Eunice, Louisiana. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  3. ^ www.carencrohighschool.org 'Eunice named for pioneer developer's wife" Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Evangeline Parish History" (PDF). www.lacollege.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 1, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  5. ^ classactionamerica.com "Union Pacific Corporation" Archived 2006-03-17 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ www.insurancejournal.com "Union Pacific Announces Derailment Settlement"
  7. ^ Climate Summary for Eunice, Louisiana
  8. ^ "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  9. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  10. ^ "Map Showing Acadia Parish, Louisiana". US-Places.com. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  11. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
  13. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  14. ^ www.lsue.edu "Contemporary Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco Musicians" Archived 2006-12-05 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ www.eunice-la.com "The Official Liberty Theater Schedule" Archived 2006-02-19 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ www.nps.gov "Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - Eunice"
  17. ^ www.lsue.edu "Mardi Gras in Rural Acadiana" Archived 2008-12-20 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ "Experience Louisiana Festival - Louisiana Festivals". Experience Louisiana. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  19. ^ Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie - Home Page Archived 2007-06-24 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ "Geno Delafose". Archived from the original on June 25, 2007. Retrieved June 23, 2007.
  21. ^ "Children's Books".
  22. ^ Fontenot, Mary Alice (1993). Clovis Crawfish and Batiste Bête Puante. ISBN 088289952X.
  23. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 27, 2004. Retrieved March 11, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  24. ^ McGee, Dennis Archived 2007-04-28 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ PBS - American Roots Music : The Songs and the Artists - Dennis McGee
  26. ^ "Keith Ortego". databaseFootball.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  27. ^ Marc and Ann Savoy Archived 2006-02-16 at the Wayback Machine
[edit]
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