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Welcome to Crowley - "Gateway to Acadiana Heartland." If you are looking for unique, authentic attractions, Crowley is the place to visit. Come and stay a while. "Ici on parle Francais", hier Sprechen Wir Deut, and here we speak English! Experience for yourself fun and excitement as you discover hidden treasures in our "Little Town That Was Wanted!"
A City Of Colors - All year long Crowley is awash in color. Flowering bulbs begin to bloom throughout the city in late January. As they bloom, Japanese Magnolia appears, followed by Dogwood, Redbud, until suddenly the town becomes a profusion of pinks and whites and blues from Azaleas, Bridal Wreath, and Wisteria. During spring, Crowley and her surrounding countryside take on the soft greens of new soybean and rice plants growing in the fields. The entire world seems green as the fresh Spring rains replenish velvet lawns and colorful gardens. Then, Gardenia, Magnolia, and Mimosa are in bloom. As Summer progresses, the colors turn to golds and browns as the soybeans and rice near the end of their growing season. Fall brings with it the wild prairie flowers found in abundance here.
HISTORY - "Crowley - the Little Town that was Wanted." Crowley's birth date is January 4, 1887. Not many towns know the exact day of their birth, but Crowley does. She was conceived in the mind of one W. W. Duson and was carved deliberately out of 174 acres in the heart of the prairie country of Southwest Louisiana. Duson and his brother saw an opportunity for people to come and start a new life in a new land. And so, the people came, 240 in 1890 to 6,000 by 1917. People came from all over the United States. Why? Some came for the sheer adventure of pioneering a town. Others came to build a home and still others came because the prairie was well suited for agriculture, especially rice. free ringtones
HISTORIC DISTRICT - The Crowley Historic District is significant in the area of architecture as the largest, most complete, architecturally pretentious and visually impressive example of a late nineteenth to early-twentieth century town in a seven parish area. Crowley has more than two hundred buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Many interesting residential and commercial dwellings exist here. It is the only historic town in this region in which the residential area and the commercial area are both well preserved and impressive. No other city offers such a variety of architectural styles.
Today, one can see evidence of the rapid growth this little town once experienced. Unlike typical turn-of-the century commercial districts in the region, the commercial corridor has two to three story buildings and a pre-1930 skyscraper. Many treasures are hidden inside these buildings, including some of the specialty shops that grace the "grand rue", A unique shopping experience indeed.
Within a few years after its founding, Crowley was the recognized center of rice production in Louisiana. The Mill Street corridor follows along the railroad and consists of five turn-of-the-century rice mills. The corridor retains its open character appearance.
The residential section of the Historic District boasts of many different homes styles. A thirty-two block area is considered "one of the centers of turn-of-the-century Queen Anne Revival and Eastlake architecture in Louisiana", not only because the area is large, but because of complex roof lines, elaborate ornamentation, and size. Here one will find two- or more storied homes among the many raised, one-story and bungalow style homes. As the United States Department of the Interior states: "It is unusual to find a historic district with so many first-rate structures. Indeed, there are few historic residential areas in Louisiana which have an average of one first-rate period residence per block."
PEOPLE OF INTEREST - Frances Parkinson Keyes, one of America's best selling authors, lived in Crowley for more than ten years while writing such novels as Crescent Carnival, River Road, Dinner at Antoine's, Blue Camellia, and Victorine. The people and stories in Ms. Keyes' novels are fictitious, but the background materials about Crowley's founding are historically true.
Mary Alice Fontenot, author of the "Clovis the Crawfish" series, lived in Crowley until retirement. The books provide entertaining text to preschool through grade school children and introduces the reader to French phrases commonly found in Acadian speech. "I want children to remember their Acadian heritage," said Ms. Fontenot.
Johnnie Hanks is one Cajun who knows much about his heritage. Not only does he conduct Swamp tours of old trapping trails, but along the way he explains to his audience the different foods and herbs found along the way used for sustenance and medicine. Some of these same foods and herbs are still in use today. Mr. Hanks also makes and demonstrates various Cajun artifacts.
Salmon "Sol" Lusk Wright was a Yankee wheat farmer "transplant" who came to Louisiana in 1890. After working with seed rice imported from Japan for several years, Mr. Wright embarked on the experimental quest of developing a purebred American rice seed. The result is the Blue Rose variety, which became commercially available in 1912. He was know around the world for his efforts and was referred to affectionately as, "the Wizard of Rice", the "Burbank of Rice" and "the gentle genius". Frances Parkerson Keyes based her novel Blue Camelia on Mr. Wright's lifetime work. Today, the Blue Rose Museum stands as a testimony to Wright and his work. Wright Laboratories are still in operation today. ringtones
TREE CITY U.S.A. - Crowley is honored to be designated "Tree City U.S.A." for the last six consecutive years by the U. S. Department of Urban Forestry, Tree City U.S.A. Arbor Day Foundation. Water and live oaks dominate the town, many of which were planted when the town was founded. These, among many other varieties of shade and flowering trees, lend much beauty to the town.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY - Rice, soybean and aquaculture farming have led to other industries in Crowley. Rice mills, bulk bag manufacturing, fertilizer companies, engine and machine shops are also located here as service companies. Click HERE for Business Listings
GOVERNMENT - Crowley government is administered by an elected Mayor and Board of Alderman.
ARTS ~ ENTERTAINMENT - The arts are alive in Crowley. The Crowley Art Association Gallery has programs such as children's summer workshops, annual competitions, arts and craft shows, art lessons and many beautiful paintings and crafts on display by local artists. The Acadia Arts Council holds public performances periodically and entertains students at local schools as well as promotes the arts in general.
ACCOMMODATIONS - Crowley has two motels and one hotel, two Bread and Breakfasts, and three campgrounds for accommodating tourists.
YEAR ROUND ATTRACTIONS- Museums and galleries are open to the public year round.
The Rice Museum located on Highway 90 (also known as "The Old Spanish Trail"), focuses on the rice industry including the old machinery associated with the industry. The Blue Rose Museum, an 1848 Acadian cottage, is embellished with antique furniture and wonderful heirloom treasures of this area. The Automobile Museum features an antique collection of Mercedes Bentz. At the Acadia Parish Library you can see artifacts and art by local artists. The Art Gallery, located in Historic Downtown Crowley, displays arts and crafts of local and surrounding artists and provides workshops.
Guided swamp tours in Plaquimine Bayou include demonstrations on a variety of fishing nets and equipment used in this area. One can experience how the delicious crawfish is raised, harvested and prepared on the unique to Cajun Country Aquaculture farm tour.
Crowley is also home to MasterTrack Enterprises. The recording studio has recorded such artists as Wayne Toups; Tours are available upon request.
The Rice Research Station is located on 1,044 acres near Crowley. The center conducts broad and in depth research on rice, forage crops, soybeans, crawfish and marsh plant species. The Rice Research Station is a unit of Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. An annual field day is held each June.
The Rice Theater, located in downtown Crowley, provides entertainment to local and area residents. Plays, concerts, recitals, school performances, workshops and pageants are scheduled throughout the year.
RECREATION - Crowley and the surrounding area offers many outdoor activities for hours of enjoyment for the whole family. One can enjoy fishing, swimming, water skiing, and boating on the Mermentau River. Birds abound for the avid bird watcher. During the winter months, geese flock to our fields by the thousands. In the spring and summer, hummingbirds are observed. Swamp tours are available nearby and a golf course is located in town. Tennis courts can be found in several city parks. Mobley Field is Crowley's walking and exercising track.
Each fall, excitement fills the town as the football season gets underway. Crowley is the proud home of two winning high school football teams: the Notre Dame Pioneers and the Crowley High School Gents.
There are nine parks in the city. All nine parks have picnic tables, swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds. Gymnastics and tennis lessons are offered for a fee. Activities at the Crowley Recreation Center include baseball, co-ed softball, soccer, flag football, table tennis, pool, checkers, chess, roller skating, arts and crafts, baton twirling, basic tumbling and basketball.
SHOPPING - Gifts, clothing and consumer durable goods are readily available in Crowley. Specialty shops are found throughout the city. There are over forty-five shops in the Historic District alone. Anyone shopping our unique boutiques can find articles and crafts native to our area.
Mardi Gras - Festivities are hosted by the Crowley Town Club, a private organization. Each year, a King and Queen are chosen to reign at the annual ball.
Spring Art and Crafts Show - is hosted in Crowley by the Crowley Art Association annually. Artisans gather to show and sell a variety of crafts "Fe a la mien". Area performers provide entertainment throughout the day.
Super
Boot Scootin' Frontier Days - is scheduled for the first weekend
in May each year. This event provides outdoor family fun and entertainment,
carefree shopping in the Downtown Historic District, entertainment throughout
the day by area performers, and special attractions at participating merchants.
Come Home For Christmas - This Victorian Christmas scheduled for the first Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, provides family fun, entertainment, shopping, a tour of homes, High Teas, Mrs. Santa's Tea party for the children, and walks down candlelit Historic District. The Acadiana Arts Council especially design plays for this event.
The
Roberts Cove German Fest - A celebration of German music, food,
crafts, and more is held the first full weekend in October annually at
the St. Leo Church grounds, Hwy 98, approximately three miles North of
I-10. (7166 Roberts Cove Rd., Rayne, La. 70578). Phone: 318-334-8354 Fax:
318-334-5950. AOL: http://members.aol.com/germanfest/
International Rice Festival - The celebration calls attention to the importance of rice and emphasizes its place in the world's economy. The festival is a two day event on the second weekend in October that includes a livestock show, parades, cowchip throwing contests, arts and crafts, accordion, fiddler and harmonica contests, a rice threshing demonstration and a cooking contest where the "Chef De Ris" is named.
Multi-Purpose Facility - located in Crowley, hosts a grandstand seating of 1200 and includes wash stalls for large and small animals. Other events include farm shows, circus, wrestling, antique equipment shows, picnics and other family events. Upcoming events are:
September 7: Calf Roping
September 14: ABRA Barrel Racing
September 20-21: Dog Show
September 27: LACHA Cutting
September 28: Barrel Racing
October 3-4: Team Roping School
October 5: ABRA Barrel Racing
October 10-11: 4-H Live Stock Show
October 12: Calf Roping
October 18: LACHA Cutting
October 25 NBHA Barrel Racing
October 31: Mid-South Rodeo
November 1: Mid-South Rodeo
November 7-8 Mid-South Rodeo
November 16: ABRA Barrel Racing
November 20-22: ACHA Cutting
November 23: Team Roping
November 29: LACHA Cutting
December 6: NBHA Barrel Racing
December 7: Calf Roping
December 12-13: Mid South Rodeo
December 14: JBRA Bull Riding
December 20: LACHA Cutting
December 21: Team Roping
December 28: Calf Roping
WORSHIP - Crowley has a rich spiritual heritage, hosting more than thirty-five churches of all denominations. On an any given Sunday Morning, you can hear the bells ringing, reminding the faithful of worship. Visitors are welcome to the worship services. Many of the Crowley churches have existed more than one hundred years. Although these churches now have updated facilities, there are several beautiful old sanctuaries that still serve for regular services. The architecture and stained glass windows in these buildings are simply marvelous. You are invited to visit our churches when you come.
EDUCATION - Crowley is home to three high schools: Crowley High School, Notre Dame High School, and Northside Assembly of God Christian School. Parochial elementary schools include St. Michael, Redemptorist and Northside Assembly of God. The Crowley Public School System consists of one kindergarten, three elementary schools, one junior high school, and one high school.
The Louisiana Technical College Acadian Campus located in Crowley has a number of courses from which to choose. Louisiana State University at Eunice and the University of Southwest Louisiana are both only a twenty-minute drive.
RESTAURANTS - Crowley has excellent restaurants with world-renowned chefs who specialize in delicious Cajun cuisine along with other ethnic cuisine.
HERITAGE AND CULTURES - Crowley is rich in heritage and culture that is just waiting to be discovered. Immigrants who settled in the community in the 1900's brought Italian, Lebanese, French, German, Greek, Jewish, Dutch, Scottish, African American and other influences into this Cajun territory to become a rich "melting pot" of cultures. Some of the customs brought from the "home lands" are still practiced today. Some Italians still make their own pasta, sausage, Biscotti Regina and celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph; Germans hold a "German Fest" annually to share foodways, dances and other customs within the communities; Lebanese still gather in large numbers to enjoy custom festivities. Cajuns "pass a good time" playing their accordions, singing and dancing at soirees or Jam Sessions and make woodcarvings and musical instruments to preserve their culture. Some mornings you can experience Scottish traditions in the air when you hear bagpipes!
TRAVEL INFORMATION - Guided Tours are available and can be customized for a complete itinerary to accommodate large or small groups and individuals. Arrangements can be made with our Travel Agency for a smooth arrival and stay. More information on travel and attractions is available from the Tourist Commission's Office at 318-783-2108.
HEALTH AND FITNESS - Crowley hosts a golf course and several health and fitness centers and a private Town Club.
LAW ENFORCEMENT - The Crowley Police Department, the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Department, the Crowley Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance Service work together to provide maximum protection and assistance during emergencies. Response time is estimated to be between three to five minutes.
MEDIA - Two newspapers, four radio stations and one cable company provide media service in the Crowley Community.
STATISTICAL - Today, Crowley boasts an estimated population of about 15,000. Rice is the predominate crop in the area, with soybean farming a close second. Located along Interstate 10 and intersected by Scenic By-ways The Old Spanish Trail (Federal Highway 90) and State Highway 13, Crowley is the "Gateway to Acadiana Heartland".
Crowley earned the distinction of "Rice Capital of America" by having approximately one-fourth of the nation's rice supply produced within a 50-mile radius. One-third of the nation's rice mills is located in Crowley and Acadia Parish.
CLIMATE - Crowley has an annual average temperature of 69 degrees. The average temperature in January is 55 degrees and in July it is 81 degrees. The annual average rainfall is 54 inches. The average elevation is 10 feet.
MEDICAL - The American Legion Hospital provides health care for Crowley and surrounding areas with 30 physicians, 178 beds, Emergency Room facilities, and specialized services. Five nursing home facilities and six different home health agencies provide services to residents of Crowley and neighboring communities.
FILM COMMISSION - Crowley hosts movie and advertisement companies filming in Crowley or the surrounding area. Parts of the movies La Comtessee de Baton Rouge and The Apostle EF were recently filmed here. Companies are invited to come experience our natural resources and southern hospitality.
RETIREE/RELOCATION - Crowley participates in the Acadiana Municipal Economic Development Alliance (AMEDA) and is processing its application for certification as a Cajun Country USA Retirement Community. Crowley has all the ingredients of a natural retirement haven: a mild climate, friendly people, and a lower tax base than most communities and lots of outdoor recreation and cultural opportunities. Give us a call at 318-783-2202 Ext. 121 or E-mail us at: crowleyla@usa.net
