Le Vieux Village de Poste des Opelousas

11/04/2025

🚂 Preserving a Piece of Opelousas History!
A big thank you to our work neighbor Brandon with Cleaning Chemical Solutions of Louisianafor helping secure the top of the Mary Jane Train! His assistance allowed us to cover the stack—an important step recommended by a steam engine preservationist from Pennsylvania who visited Le Vieux Village earlier this year. This simple measure helps prevent further rusting and keeps the train protected while we explore future preservation efforts.

We look forward to future restoration work that will keep the Mary Jane Train rolling through time.

About the Mary Jane Train
The Mary Jane Steam Engine, built in 1904 by the Davenport Ironworks Company, was a wood-burning locomotive that once reached speeds of 25 mph. After decades of service, it was purchased by Opelousas civic leaders in 1959 for $1,500 and placed on Courthouse Square as a monument to the region’s railroad legacy. In 1989, the Kiwanis Club of Opelousas funded its relocation to Le Vieux Village, where it continues to honor the vital role railroads played in moving sugarcane, lumber, and other goods across St. Landry Parish.

Opelousas Travel

09/24/2025

Starting the day with coffee, donuts and good company at today’s French Table at the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum located at Le Vieux Village. La Table Française des Opelousas is held on the last Wednesday of each month at 828 East Landry Street, Opelousas, LA. This event is free and open to the public.

09/17/2025

Join us for La Table Française des Opelousas, a monthly French conversation gathering where language meets community!

🗓️ Next Meetup: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Louisiana Orphan Train Museum at Le Vieux Village (828 E. Landry St.)

Whether you're just starting out or brushing up on your Louisiana French, this free event is a warm, welcoming space to practice, learn, and connect with fellow language lovers.
Refreshments served. No registration needed.



Historic Opelousas

09/17/2025

✨ Today, Opelousas Travel and Louisiana Orphan Train Museum welcomed two wonderful student groups to Le Vieux Village!
We had the pleasure of hosting students from Lafayette Freedom Christian School and St. Paul's Homeschool from Central Louisiana. These bright young visitors explored our historic village and learned about the powerful stories of the Orphan Train Riders. Thanks to the all of the members of the groups for spending part of their day with us!

08/16/2025

RIGHT NOW!!! Come enjoy live music, handmade items from lots of vendors and great music!!! Zydeco Unplugged with Andre Thierry and many more artist!!!

Zydeco Unplugged
Opelousas Travel
Historic Opelousas

06/27/2025

06/26/2025

What a fabulous day at the village with the Louisiana Folkroots Kids Music Camp activities!! Campers had a had a surprise visit from none other than Grammy-nominated zydeco music artist Corey Ledet. Corey led students through songs by King of Zydeco Clifton Chenier, whose 100th birthday is being celebrated this week. with Following that was the exploding watermelon experiment!!! Tomorrow marks the final day of the LA Folk Roots Camp at Le Vieux Village followed by a final performance at 2 pm at Toby's Lounge & Reception Center.

Opelousas Travel
Corey Ledet Zydeco

06/24/2025

The burgeoning musicians had a great first day at Louisiana Folk Roots' Kids Camp. They made friends, sang songs, played music and games, and more!

On Tuesday, they'll continue music and band classes, explore Le Vieux Village de Poste des Opelousas, have a pizza lunch, and prepare for the Clifton Chenier birthday celebration on Wednesday.

Learn more about the Kids Camp and more opportunities to participate here: https://lafolkroots.org/kids-camp

06/23/2025

Following the crisp new paint job for the historic Schoolhouse at Le Vieux Village de Poste des Opelousas, the sidewalks are getting a well-deserved cleaning, too. These small touches make a big difference in preserving the charm and welcome of our historic village. Come visit us soon!

Historic Opelousas
Opelousas Travel