In 1764, France established the Opelousas Post slightly north of the contemporary city of Opelousas (near present-day Washington). It was a major trading organization for the developing area. In addition, France established the Attakapas Post (near the present-day St. Martinville) in the Attakapas Territory, in 1765. France gave land grants to soldiers and settlers to encourage development. Most settlers were French immigrants. Tradition says that Jean Joseph LeKintrek and Joseph Blainpain, who had formed a partnership to trade with the Opelousa Indians, came in the early 1740s. They brought three enslaved Africans, the first to live in the area.
in 1764 france established the opelousas post slightly north of the contemporary city of opelousas (near present-day washington) it was a major trading organization for the developing area in addition france established the attakapas post (near the present-day st martinville) in the attakapas territory in 1765 france gave land grants to soldiers and settlers to encourage development most settlers were french immigrants tradition says that jean joseph lekintrek and joseph blainpain who had formed a partnership to trade with the opelousa indians came in the early 1740s they brought three enslaved africans the first to live in the area