The past century has been filled with tremendous change and impressive growth. While embracing the advances of our fast-paced world, we also hold fast to the traditions and values that have sustained us to this point. We recognize Carencro's past, present and future every day.

CARENCRO'S BEGINNINGS
The early Carencro Prairie was inhabited by two main tribes of Native Americans - the Attakapas and the Opelousas. They saw few outsiders prior to the mid-18th century. Those who settled in the region came primarily from six areas: Nova Scotia, the Canary Islands, France, the British Isles, Germany and Africa. The first settler in the Carencro area was Louis Pierre Arceneaux, a native of Beaubassin, Nova Scotia, who established himself in Carencro in 1765. Like most of the settlers who came to Carencro, then known as St. Pierre, between 1765 and 1803, Arceneaux was an Acadian exiled from Nova Scotia by the British. An 1803 census showed 32 Acadian families who formed the backbone for development of the area. They were soon joined by Anglo-Americans and settlers of Spanish descent. There were also some families who came directly from France and Germany. By 1810, the number of families had grown to 50.

In the late 1800s, Carencro became the largest shopping center in the area, with a number of merchants conducting business with several surrounding towns. By 1890, the population was 287 and the town had a hotel, town hall, two private schools and a hook and ladder company. At the turn of the century, the population had grown to 445.

(From "The History of Carencro," St. Pierre Genealogical Society Archives)

Carencro has benefitted from strong leadership during its first 100 years, including the people who have held the office of Mayor:

George Merchior
1905-1914
1920-1928

Robley A Richard Sr.
1928-1934

L.L. Breaux
1934-1947

Dr. Andre Prejean
1914-1920
1947-1970

Robley A. Richard Jr.
1970-1978

Tommy Angelle
1978-2002

Glenn L. Brasseaux
2003- present