Lafayette
Lafayette | |
|---|---|
City | |
 .jpg)   Clockwise from top: Lafayette skyline; Old Lafayette; General Galvezton Park; National Assembly Building | |
| Capital Act | 1817 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Marie-Louise Mercier |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 2,124,932 |
| • Metro | 5,638,292 |
| Demonym | Lafayettois |
| Time zone | UTC +6 |
| Area code | (+64) |
Lafayette, formerly Bourgmont from 1817-1835, is the capital and largest city in the Federal Republic of Louisiana with 2.1 million people within the city limits and 5.6 million in the Greater Lafayette metropolitan area. The city is part of the Central Louisiana Megalopolis, which is home to around 17 million people.
Founded at the confluence of the Missouri and Cansez Rivers, Lafayette has served as the national capital since the National Assembly held its first session in the Old Parliament Building in 1827. Upon the death of Marquis de Lafayette in 1834, the city was renamed in his honor. The city has since grown from the small capital in the 1820s and 30s to becoming the largest city in Louisiana by 2005. The site chosen was on the south bank of the Missouri on the river bluffs near what Louis and Clark had termed "Kaw Point". A plan for the city was drawn up in 1815, known as the "Le Favreau Plan". Construction began a year later in 1816.
Lafayette is known as the center of government in Louisiana, and is also known for its culture, local cuisine, and history. The city is home to a large number of international companies in addition to most of the branches and ministries of the Federal Government, who remains the largest employer in the city. The city serves as a major inland port and transportation hub, being near the center of the country. Many major Autoroutes pass through the city, and the city is the major hub for the LGV as well as Saribal, the flag carrier of Louisiana.
The city contains several well known neighborhoods, such as the Government Ward, Old Lafayette District, Red Hill Neighborhood, and River Market District. In addition, the city is home to the University of Lafayette, one of the highest ranked universities in Louisiana. The city is also home to a number of sports teams including FC Lafayette (soccer), Lafayette Frontier (Basketball), and the Lafayette Capitals (Hockey).
