Evangeline Parish - American Courthouses

Evangeline Parish is named for the Acadian heroine of the poem “Evangeline” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Surrounding Parish Courthouses:

N – Rapides Parish

E – Avoyelles Parish and Saint Landry Parish

S – Saint Landry Parish and Acadia Parish

W – Allen Parish

Created: June 15, 1910

Parish Seat:

Ville Platte 1910 – present

Parish Courthouse – Ville Platte

Location: 200 Court Street / West Main Street

Built: 1976 – 1978

Style: Modern

Architect: Meleton, Patin and Guillory Architects Ltd.

Contractor: J B Gauthier.

Description: The building faces east and is a two story red colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on spacious landscaped grounds in the center of Ville Platte. The central entrance on the east front is recessed with glass walls, canopy and a small courtyard. The building has few windows. The roof line is flat. The interior has a large spiral staircase ascending to the second story lined by brick walls. The Parish District Court courtrooms are located along the south side of the second story. The building houses the Parish District Court of the 13th Judicial District. In front of the building is the cupola from the 1912 courthouse and a statue of Evangeline.

History: The parish was created in 1910 and Ville Platte was selected as the parish seat. The first courthouse was designed by Emile Weil and constructed by C D Stewart in 1912. The second courthouse was constructed in 1976 to 1978.