Welcome to Emancipation, Lousiana*

Welcome to Emancipation, Louisiana! Emancipation was founded in 1870, a few years after the demise of the institution of American slavery. From 1865-1870 enslaved people worked the land, growing cotton crops and nurturing pecan orchards. They saved the meager proceeds of their labor and, with the help of a benefactor, bought the land that would become the heart of Emancipation. In the late 1800s, oil was discovered in Emancipation, allowing the town to grow and thrive. Emancipation remains small, but wealthy in terms of its economy and the rich, predominantly African American culture of the town. We hope you enjoy meeting the families of Emancipation. The Millers, the Christophers, the Venzants, the McKenzies and others have plenty of stories to tell you…