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It is a fact that the first inhabitants of Terrebonne Parish were Indians or Native Americans ... not the Houmas Indians of today, but unknown tribes dating back hundreds and perhaps thousands of years. There were a number of mounds built by them around the parish. I say were, because nature and modern man has destroyed almost all of them. When experts have investigated, they've found human remains, pottery, etc. buried in the mounds. These early "settlers" were gone by the time European explorers arrived at the end of the 17th century. Today's Native American population did not settle the area until the late 1700's. For more information on the Native Americans of Terrebonne Parish, go to the Native American History page. If you are interested in the original ancient "settlers", please check out Louisiana Prehistory at the Louisiana Division of Archeology website. • Louisiana is "Found" [1682]: The first 100 years • Acadians & the First Settlers: Settlers make their way into the parish • Terrebonne Parish is Formed [1822]: A new parish takes shape • Houma is Founded [1834]: Towns develop and the area slowly grows • The Civil War: The parish escapes destruction • Reconstruction: Seafood and timber industries are established • Gas & Oil: Industry booms and growth comes rapidly • World War II: The parish makes it through and continues to diversify • Terrebonne Parish Today |