Crowley, located in the southern part of Louisiana, was founded in 1887 by C.C. Duson. The city was named after Pat Crowley, an Irish railroad employee. The town quickly grew due to its location on the Louisiana Western Railroad and its fertile farmland, which attracted many settlers to the area. Crowley became known as the "Rice Capital of America" due to the large amount of rice produced in the surrounding fields.
One notable resident of Crowley is J.D. Miller, a record producer and musician who helped popularize Louisiana swamp blues music in the 1950s and 1960s.
The population of Crowley has fluctuated over the years, reaching a peak in the 1950s and then declining slightly in the following decades. As of the 2020 census, the population of Crowley is approximately 13,000.
Crowley is located in Acadia Parish in southwestern Louisiana, approximately 25 miles west of Lafayette. The city is situated on the prairies of the Gulf Coast region, surrounded by rice fields and swamps.
As the "Rice Capital of America," Crowley's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly rice farming. The city is also home to small businesses and industries that support the agricultural sector.
Crowley is known for its rich Cajun and Creole culture, with many residents speaking French as their first language. The city hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the International Rice Festival and various music and food festivals.