Thibodaux, Louisiana

 

Thibodaux, LA is located along the banks of Bayou Lafourche about 40 miles south southwest of New Orleans, LA. With a population of about 15,000, Thibodaux is a growing, vibrant community with a Cajun heritage. The people are friendly and the hospitality is unsurpassed.

Thibodaux was founded by Henry Schuler Thibodeaux (1769-1827) in 1801, after migrating from Albany, New York; on a land grant he received from the Spanish governor at the time, Baron de Carondelet. Mr. Thibodeaux was active in developing the area and became a member of the Territorial Legislature, from Lafourche Parish, when the Orleans Territory was established in 1805.  He served as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention when Louisiana became the 19^th state in 1812. In 1824 he served as governor to finish the term of Thomas B. Robertson.

Thibodeauxville was named as county seat in 1808 according to American laws. However, the custom of identifying civil districts by the name of their church parish was so deeply ingrained in the settlers of Louisiana that the practice continues today. As a result, Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. that identifies civil units as parishes instead of counties. The village of Thibodeauxville was incorporated in 1830 after the death of Henry S. Thibodeaux. In 1838, the town of Thibodaux was incorporated during the governorship of Edward D. White, Sr.

Thibodaux is the home of Nicholls State University and its Student Body, Faculty and Staff play an important part in the Thibodaux community. The Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Wetlands Cultural Center is also located in Thibodaux. There are free Cajun Music jam sessions, an art museum, boat rides along Bayou Lafourche, and the Thibodaux Playhouse located in the facility.

Thibodaux and Lafourche Parish play an important part in the production of oil and gas, both on land and offshore. Sugar cane is an important part of the area’s economy both in farming and the manufacture of farm equipment.

Thibodaux is located only minutes away from some of the finest fishing, both fresh water and salt water, in the country and commercial fishing and shrimping are important to the area economy.

The weather here is mild during most of the year, with very few freezing days during the winter. The summer months can be unpleasantly warm with temperatures approaching the 100’s and humidity can be in the high 90% range. Air conditioning is a necessity during the late spring and summer months.

If you are moving to Thibodaux and need more information please e-mail First United Methodist Church at: thibodauxfumc@bellsouth.net Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.