The First Filipino Settlers in Louisiana: A Hidden Chapter of American History

When we think of the first Asian settlers in the United States, California and the West Coast often come to mind. However, long before the waves of immigration from China, Japan, and other parts of Asia, a group of Filipino pioneers made their way to the Gulf Coast, establishing one of the earliest Asian communities in North America. This little-known chapter of history begins in the 18th century, in the swamps and bayous of Louisiana.

The Manila Men and the Spanish Connection

The story of Filipino settlement in Louisiana is deeply tied to Spanish colonial rule. From 1565 to 1898, the Philippines was a Spanish colony, and Manila served as a crucial hub in the global trade network, connecting Asia to the Americas via the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. Filipino sailors and workers, known as Manila Men, were often recruited or forcibly conscripted onto Spanish ships to work as crew members, navigators, and laborers.

During the Spanish rule of Louisiana (1762-1803), many Filipinos jumped ship to escape the harsh conditions aboard these vessels. Seeking freedom and a new life, they settled in the marshlands of southern Louisiana, particularly in Saint Malo, a fishing village that would become the first known permanent Filipino settlement in the United States.

Saint Malo: The First Filipino Settlement

Saint Malo was established in the late 1700s along the shores of Lake Borgne in present-day St. Bernard Parish. Isolated and difficult to access, the settlement was an ideal refuge for runaway sailors and laborers. There, the Manila Men built houses on stilts above the swamp, much like the Bahay Kubo (nipa huts) of their homeland. They made a living through fishing, shrimping, and trapping, integrating themselves into the local Creole and Cajun economies.

By the 19th century, Saint Malo had grown into a thriving fishing village, home to several generations of Filipinos. They maintained a distinct identity while also assimilating into Louisiana’s multicultural landscape. The settlement was first documented by Harper’s Weekly in 1883 when journalist Lafcadio Hearn visited the village, describing the Manila Men’s resilience, unique stilt houses, and their skill in fishing and boatmaking.

Filipino Contributions to Louisiana’s Culture

The Manila Men were among the first to introduce drying and preserving seafood techniques to Louisiana, a practice that would influence the region’s culinary traditions. The famous dried shrimp industry of Louisiana, still present today, traces its roots back to these early Filipino settlers.

Additionally, the Filipinos of Saint Malo and later settlements like Jean Lafitte played a role in shaping the local shrimping and fishing industries, which remain economic staples in the region. Their methods of boat building, net weaving, and sustainable fishing were passed down through generations.

Hurricanes and the Decline of Saint Malo

Though Saint Malo thrived for over a century, it was ultimately devastated by hurricanes in the early 20th century. A major storm in 1915 wiped out much of the settlement, and the remaining families moved to other parts of Louisiana, blending into larger communities in New Orleans, Biloxi, and beyond. While the village itself disappeared, the Filipino presence in Louisiana persisted.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, the descendants of these early Filipino settlers continue to live in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. The Filipino American community in the region, though often overshadowed in historical narratives, remains a vital part of Louisiana’s rich cultural tapestry. In recent years, historians and community leaders have worked to ensure that the contributions of the Manila Men are recognized and celebrated.

The story of the first Filipino settlers in Louisiana is a testament to the spirit of perseverance, adaptation, and cultural exchange. They were pioneers who built a life in a foreign land, contributing their skills, labor, and traditions to the development of a unique and diverse American region. Their legacy endures in Louisiana’s seafood industry, its multicultural identity, and the continued presence of Filipino American communities along the Gulf Coast.