New Iberia, Louisiana
Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox settlement New Iberia (Template:Langx;Template:Efn Template:LangxTemplate:Efn) is the largest city in and the parish seat of Iberia Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana.<ref name="GR6">Template:Cite web</ref> The city of New Iberia is located approximately Template:Convert southeast of Lafayette, and forms part of the Lafayette metropolitan statistical area in the region of Acadiana. The 2020 United States census tabulated a population of 28,555.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> New Iberia is served by Amtrak’s Sunset Limited, operating between Los Angeles and New Orleans. New Iberia has a major four lane highway, being U.S. 90 (future Interstate 49), and has its own general aviation airfield, Acadiana Regional Airport. Scheduled passenger and cargo airline service is available via the nearby Lafayette Regional Airport located adjacent to U.S. 90 in Lafayette.
History
[edit]New Iberia dates its founding to the spring of 1779, when a group of some 500 colonists (Malagueños) from Spain, led by Lieutenant Colonel Don Francisco Bouligny, came up Bayou Teche and settled around what became known as Spanish Lake.
The Spanish settlers called the town "Nueva Iberia" in honor of the Iberian Peninsula; French-speakers referred to the town as "Nouvelle Ibérie" while the English settlers arriving after the Louisiana Purchase called it "New Town." In 1814, the U.S. government opened a post office in the town, officially recognizing the name as New Iberia, but postmarks from 1802 show the town being called “Nova Iberia” (Latin for "new").<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The town was incorporated in 1839<ref name=EB1911/> as the "Town of Iberia", but the state legislature amended the town's charter in 1847, recognizing New Iberia as the town's name.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1868, Iberia Parish was established, and New Iberia became the seat of parish government. At first, only rented space served for the courthouse. By 1884 a new courthouse was completed on a landscaped lot in downtown New Iberia, at the present-day site of Bouligny Plaza. In 1889, the Wakefield family, an African-American family from New Iberia fled to New Orleans after their son was lynched by a white mob; and days after the lynching, the family patriarch and former state senator Samuel Wakefield committed suicide on Howard Street.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="sui">Template:Cite news</ref> That courthouse served Iberia Parish until 1940. That year the current courthouse was built along Iberia Street, two blocks from the New Iberia downtown commercial district.
In September 2008, New Iberia was struck by Hurricane Ike. The lakes overflowed and filled the city, flooding it under several feet of dirty, brown water.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 14, 2022, the southeastern part of the city was heavily damaged by a high-end EF2 tornado, injuring 16 people.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref>
Geography
[edit]New Iberia is located in southern Louisiana, in the Acadiana region. The city of New Iberia is a part of the Lafayette metropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27.4 km2), all land. In 2000, the population density was Template:Convert. There were 12,880 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. New Iberia lies approximately 16 to 20 feet above sea level.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Among the lakes near the city is Lake Peigneur, which was formerly a Template:Convert deep freshwater lake until a 1980 disaster involving oil drilling and a salt mine. The lake is now a Template:Convert deep salt water lake, having been refilled by the Gulf of Mexico via the Delcambre Canal. There is also Lake Tasse, better known as Spanish Lake. This region has many natural features of interest, such as Avery Island, famous for its Tabasco sauce factory, deposits of rock salt, and Jungle Gardens.
Climate
[edit]New Iberia enjoys a sub-tropical climate with above average rainfall. As of 2021, annual average high temperature is Template:Convert and the annual low is Template:Convert.<ref name = NOAA/>
Demographics
[edit]| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 12,697 | 44.47% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 12,575 | 44.04% |
| Native American | 74 | 0.26% |
| Asian | 800 | 2.8% |
| Pacific Islander | 1 | 0.0% |
| Other/Mixed | 963 | 3.37% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,445 | 5.06% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 28,555 people, 11,030 households, and 7,338 families residing in the city. The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 29,456 people resided in the city limits.<ref name="acs pop">Template:Cite web</ref> At the 2010 U.S. census, the population of New Iberia was 30,617. At the census of 2000,<ref name="GR2">Template:Cite web</ref> there were 32,623 people, 11,756 households, and 8,335 families residing in the city.
Of the population in 2019, New Iberians lived in 13,455 housing units; there were 11,030 households.<ref name="2019 census newiberia">Template:Cite web</ref> New Iberia's population had a sex ratio of 96.2 males per 100 females.<ref name="acs pop"/> The city had a median age of 36.2 and 7,671 were under 18 years of age, 2,609 under 5 years, and 21,785 aged 18 and older. An estimated 4,268 households were married-couples living together, 784 cohabiting households, 2,273 male households with no female present, and 3,705 female households with no male present.<ref name="2019 census newiberia" /> The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.24.
In 2000, there were 11,756 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 20.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.24. In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.
The 2019 census estimates determined New Iberia a median income of $38,221 and mean income of $54,126.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the city was $26,079, and the median income for a family was $30,828. Males had a median income of $30,289 versus $16,980 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,084. About 24.9% of families and 29.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.8% of those under age 18 and 20.8% of those age 65 or over.
Race and ethnicity
[edit]New Iberia had a racial and ethnic makeup of 51.6% non-Hispanic whites, 40.7% Blacks or African Americans, 0.1% American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1.4% Asian, 2.1% some other race, and 2.1% multiracial Americans. Hispanics or Latino Americans of any race made up 3.8% of the total population in 2019.<ref name="acs pop"/> After the 2020 census, its racial and ethnic makeup was 44.47% non-Hispanic white, 44.04% Black or African American, 0.26% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.8% Asian, <0.0 Pacific Islander, 3.37% two or more races, and 5.06% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.<ref name=":0" /> At the 2000 census, the racial makeup of the city was 56.99% White, 38.42% African American, 0.21% Native American, 2.64% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races; 1.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino American of any race.
Religion
[edit]In common with most of Louisiana, the majority of New Iberians profess a religion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> New Iberia is dominated by Christianity, and the single largest Christian denomination in the city is the Roman Catholic Church, owing in part to the Spanish and French heritage of its residents. Catholics in New Iberia and the surrounding area are served by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Of the religious population, 0.1% each practice Judaism or an eastern religion.
Economy
[edit]The city of New Iberia was the founding headquarters for Bruce Foods before their relocation to Lafayette; it was also the birthplace of Trappey's Hot Sauce. Currently, the economy is stimulated by small businesses, agriculture, New Iberia station, Louisiana Hot Sauce, and Acadiana Regional Airport.
Arts and culture
[edit]
Places of interest
[edit]- Shadows-on-the-Teche historic former residence and plantation, now owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Bayou Teche Museum has exhibits on the history, culture, artists and industries of the Bayou Teche region. Location of artist George Rodrigue's last studio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Avery Island, home of Tabasco sauce and claims to be the oldest salt mine in North America. In operation since 1862.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Jungle Gardens, botanical garden and bird sanctuary located in Avery Island.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Jefferson Island is a former salt mine, botanical garden, rookery, nursery, as well as the historic Victorian Joseph Jefferson House.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Conrad Rice Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places, oldest rice mill in operation since 1912, offering public tours.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The city used to hold a statue of the Roman emperor, Hadrian. It was located on the corner of Weeks and St. Peter Streets, until approx. 2008 when it was sold.<ref name="Daily Iberian">Template:Cite news</ref>
Festivals
[edit]New Iberia hosts the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in September.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Sugar Cane Festival celebrates the commencement of the sugar cane harvest, locally referred to as grinding. Sugar cane is a principal crop grown by New Iberia farmers. The city also hosts El Festival Español de Nueva Iberia, which honors the area's Spanish heritage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other notable festivals include the World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off, on the second full weekend in October;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, in April, which celebrates James Lee Burke and South Louisiana literature.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Popular culture
[edit]New Iberia is home to fictional detective Dave Robicheaux; and home to his creator, author James Lee Burke.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Air-Conditioned Nightmare (1945) travelogue book mentions Henry Miller's stay in New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the Electric Mist, a movie based on one of Burke's novels, was filmed in New Iberia in 2009 and starred Tommy Lee Jones.
Education
[edit]Public schools
[edit]Iberia Parish School System serves the city and parish area.
High schools
[edit]Middle schools
[edit]Elementary schools
[edit]Private schools
[edit]Colleges and universities
[edit]Iberia Parish is in the service area of Fletcher Technical Community College and of South Louisiana Community College.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notable people
[edit]Template:See alsoThis is a list of notable people from New Iberia, Louisiana. It includes people who were born/raised in, lived in, or spent portions of their lives in New Iberia, or for whom New Iberia is a significant part of their identity. This list is in order by career and in alphabetical order by last name.
Actors
[edit]- Joseph Jefferson, artist and actor who portrayed Rip Van Winkle on the stage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Yvonne Levy Kushner, French-Jewish American actress, born in New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Peter Renaday, voice actor<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Christian J. Simon, child actor and voice actor, born in New Iberia
Authors and journalists
[edit]- James Lee Burke, novelist, mystery writer.
- Glenn R. Conrad, author, professor, and historian of south Louisiana culture, a native of New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Pableaux Johnson, New Orleans–based writer, photographer, and cook
- Louis Lautier, the first African-American journalist admitted in 1955 to the White House Correspondents' Association,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Artists and designers
[edit]- Jamie Baldridge, artist, photographer, arts educator, writer.<ref name="gambit">Template:Cite web</ref> Born and raised in New Iberia.
- Rosa Lee Brooks, artist, blues singer<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Born in New Iberia and raised in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="gambit" />
- William Eckart, set designer for film, stage and television,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> born in New Iberia.
- Alyce Frank, Southwestern landscapes painter born in New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- William Weeks Hall, painter and photographer<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref>
- George Rodrigue, artist and creator of the Blue Dog series of paintings
- Owen Southwell, architect, and native of New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Business
[edit]- William Dore, businessman,founder of Global Industries, Ltd., born and raised in New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Paul Fleming, restaurateur, born in New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Bryan Lourd, Partner, managing director and co-chairperson of CAA
Politics and civil service
[edit]- Taylor Barras, state representative and Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2016
- Kathleen Blanco, former Governor of Louisiana from 2004 to 2008
- Edwin S. Broussard, U.S. senator from 1921 to 1933
- Robert F. Broussard, U.S. representative from 1897 to 1915 and U.S. senator from 1915 to 1918
- Patrick T. Caffery, attorney, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and U.S. Representative
- W. Eugene Davis, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge from 1983 until present
- John Duhe, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge from 1988 to 2011
- Ted Haik, state representative from Iberia, St. Mary, and Vermilion parishes (1976–96)
- Billy Hewes, Mississippi politician
- Jeff Landry, attorney and Governor of Louisiana since 2024.
- Wilbert J. Le Melle, American diplomat, author and academician.<ref name="le melle">Template:Cite web</ref> Born in New Iberia.<ref name="le melle" />
Music
[edit]- Bunk Johnson, Dixieland jazz musician and trumpet player<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Soko Richardson, rhythm and blues drummer<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Sports
[edit]- Kermit Alexander, defensive back (San Francisco 49ers, 1963–1969)
- Alton Alexis, wide receiver (Cincinnati Bengals, 1980) (CFL Calgary Stampeders, 1981–1982)
- Jon Emminger, professional wrestler working for WWE as Lucky Cannon
- Howie Ferguson, NFL player (Green Bay Packers, 1953–1958)
- Damon Harrison, NFL player, former New York Jets player, currently with New York Giants
- Johnny Hector, running back (New York Jets, 1983–1992)
- Willie Hector, NFL player
- Kerry Joseph, CFL quarterback<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Jared Mitchell, outfielder for the Chicago White Sox<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Corey Raymond, cornerback for the NY Giants and coach.
- Mark Roman, NFL defensive back, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Diontae Spencer, CFL wide receiver and return specialist, born in New Iberia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Tyrunn Walker, NFL defensive lineman, former New Orleans Saints player.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Science
[edit]- Norman F. Carnahan, chemical engineer<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Viola Mary Johnson Coleman, African-American female physician
Sister cities
[edit]| City | Division | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alhaurín de la Torre | Template:Flag | Template:Flagu | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Fuengirola | Template:Flagu | Template:Flagu | |
| Saint-Jean-d'Angély | Template:Flag | Template:Flagu | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Woluwe-Saint-Pierre | Template:Flag | Template:Flagu |
See also
[edit]- Louisiana Hot Sauce – a hot sauce brand manufactured in New Iberia
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]External links
[edit]Template:Commons category Template:NIE Poster
Template:Iberia Parish, Louisiana Template:Louisiana Template:Louisiana parish seats Template:Authority control