Last Friday was “Talk Like A Pirate Day” and what better day to celebrate a new historical marker in town. The Legends & Lore marker was placed on the grounds of one of the oldest homes in town. This property originally belonged to the Duperier family, a founding family of New Iberia. The building was a school for many years, Mt. Carmel Catholic Academy for girls.
At the ceremony, people spoke about the different stories that have been passed down for generations about the tunnel. The tunnel is no longer safe to access, but it is there.
Some say that Jean LaFitte, a famous pirate of the 19th century visited the Duperier family and used the tunnel as an escape route. There are still tales of buried treasure in the area.
Paul Schexnayder, an artist, educator, and picture book author, created a whimsical painting about the legends.
Paul explained his imaginings about the tunnel: a place where the sisters gambled, where they hid the pregnant girls, where slaves escaped, where prisoners were jailed and Jean LaFitte escaped, and even a story from the 80’s where a Satanic group worshipped.
Whether or not any of these stories are true is beside the point. The point is history gives us stories and stories connect and entertain people. The marker adds one more spot on the map of our little quirky town of New Iberia.
Reflections on the Teche 
Very cool! I love the painting and I’m already making stories in my head about the Tech Tunnel. One day I will make my way to Louisiana. I’ve only been there once many years ago – my husband and I decided to make a stop in New Orleans as we traveled from Miami to New Jersey. A bit out of our way – but well worth it! Thank you for bringing the Bayou Teche to us!
Oh! How interesting! I love “legend and lore” spots in “little quirky towns.” When I was traveling to small schools across the country, sometimes my husband traveled with me. While I was presenting, he would visit the local library and any local museums and then he’d share with me what he had learned and take me to the historical spots, the graveyards, the buildings that were most interesting.
Thanks for sharing this story of your hometown. My imagination is busy now thinking of that pirate’s adventures!
I love tidbits of history like this, and how great that a local artist has attempted to capture some of it. I’d love to visit your town one day and see another slice of Louisiana!
Fascinating history!
Margaret, thanks for the historical perspective. It is fascinating.