250 to 250: 01. Acadians, Narrated by Jason Herbert

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Acadians, Narrated by Jason Herbert

Dr. Jason Herbert is a historian, public scholar, and outdoorsman from Kentucky. Herbert tells us about the Acadians, French settlers deported from British Canada, who helped to create today’s Cajun culture in Louisiana.

Between 1755 and 1764, the British forced many French settlers to leave Acadia.

• Acadia was in eastern Canada and part of northern Maine.
• Many Acadians moved to Louisiana.
• They settled in the swamps of southern Louisiana.
• The area became known as Acadiana.

Over time, the Acadians became known as Cajuns.

• German immigrants, Polish immigrants, and enslaved Africans joined the Cajuns. Together, they created a new culture.
• They made foods such as gumbo and jambalaya.
• They created music such as Zydeco.

The Cajuns kept their French traditions.

• Many Cajuns were Catholic.
• They continued to speak Cajun French.
• Cajun French is mainly spoken in Louisiana today.

Cajun culture is an important part of American history and culture.

POP Interview and Quiz: 

N-400 Part 9:20. Have you ever been placed in removal, rescission, or deportation proceedings?

N-400 Part 9:21. Have you ever been removed or deported from the United States?

USCIS 100:92.   Name one state that borders Canada.

USCIS 128:73.   The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one. 

USCIS 128:75.   What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?

USCIS 128:90.   What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?