Grand Coteau

Grand Coteau is my home. We moved here in 1976 when Hilary accepted a teaching position at The Academy of the Sacred Heart (founded in 1821). It has a population of less than 1000 and has more than 70 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. It may have the highest concentration of religious institutions relative to its population of any community in the world. There is of course the previously mentioned Academy of the Sacred Heart, then there is St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Charles College Jesuit Spirituality Center, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, and St. Ignatius Elementary School.

The historic district is rare in that it encompasses large amounts of undeveloped property and an abundance of live oak trees. There is a peacefulness here no doubt influenced by the religious atmosphere.