The history and culture of the Creole Nature Trail has always been about its resources — how to gather them, how to use them, how to preserve them for future generations.

A burial mound at Little Chenier as well as a wide variety of pots, shards and arrowheads suggest that for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands, Native American populations were large and widespread in what is now known as Southwest Louisiana. Beginning as early as the 16th century, they were followed by French and Spanish settlers.The Creole Nature Trail’s fecund marshes, bayous and beaches sustained these varied peoples with warmth and abundance.

Native American Hunters

The earliest known inhabitants were the pre-historic Ishaks who probably migrated to Louisiana’s southwest corner following buffalo herds. Once here, they discovered a banquet of tantalizing edibles including wildfowl, deer, bear, wild hogs; crab, shrimp and fish; abundant nut-bearing trees; and last but hardly least, alligators and plenty of them! It is no wonder that most who came to this region, decided to stay.

Attakapas

Descended from the Ishaks, the Attakapas were hunters and warriors much feared by surrounding tribes. They were still living in the region when Europeans began to arrive, even saving Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca and his crew from shipwreck and starvation.

European Settlers

Attracted by the fertile soil, fur-bearing animals and seafood, hardworking, persevering Spanish and French settlers came to claim a portion of this bounty. Many were Catholic and the French designation “parish” — rather than county — is still used in Louisiana today.The Creole Nature Trail encompasses two parishes — Calcasieu, which means “flying eagle” in Attakapas, and Cameron. Some Europeans settled in towns that later became cities such as Lake Charles and Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish. Others coming from the east settled the area that became Cameron Parish gathering the fruits of the marsh and sea.Cattle-farming was introduced on the raised ridges, called “cheniers.” And to this day there are still some cattle farmers who live this life.