Mission Statement
The Bayou Pigeon Heritage Association is organized as a 501 c (3)
non-profit corporation for the purposes of saving the St. Joan of
Arc Catholic Church Complex from abandonment and demolition by the
Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge and for preserving and using the
said Complex for the preservation, promotion, perpetuation,
education and enhancement of the past and present living histories,
culture, heritage and folk life of the Swamp Cajuns of Bayou Pigeon,
Iberville Parish, and Louisiana.
The story of Bayou Pigeon
starts with The Atchafalaya Basin
It was the Atchafalaya Basin that created the true Cajun swamp
culture. The primary pursuit in the interior of the basin became
centered around natural resource exploitation.
Fisherman and trappers valued their independence and
self-sufficiency. the rugged and isolation of the basin added to
that independence. No roads penetrated to the edges of until late
1920’s. The inhabitants could live there at no cost and no
government intrusion.
Commercial Fishing and trapping were the primary way of making a
living the basin prior to WWII.
On the east side of the Atchafalaya Basin. Four primary area were
occupied by the Cajuns, Pierre part being the largest, followed by
Bayou Pigeon, Belle River / The Godel and Lower Lake Verrett
(4-mile Bayou) area.
An economy based on hunting and fishing became the way of making a
living. The primary resources were freshwater fish, crabs, and
pelts. Secondary resources were frogs, alligators, turtles. Moss
picking and harvesting cypress were also prominent as was
harvesting wild game, ducks, deer’s, and squirrel hunting for the
kitchen table. These occupations required little startup expenses
and were quickly mastered.
This treasure of historical information is presented to preserve a
culture that has passed gradually with the hope that this and
future generations will appreciate the story of "Bayou Pigeon,
Louisiana - Spirit of the Atchafalaya."
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