The idea for establishing an SAR chapter in the Lafayette area was conceived in 1957. The then LASSAR president, John St. Paul, requested the help of the Louisiana DAR chapters for increasing the membership of the LASSAR. The local Galvez Chapter, DAR, took on that task as a Special Project. They enlisted the help of the DAR chapters of Acadia, Opelousas, and New Iberia. Each chapter responded by providing the names of their male relatives, complete with application papers.
Formal invitations were then issued to the prospective members to attend a reception on January 11, 1958 in the home of Mr. And Mrs. Charles E. Boudousquie, President St. Paul was present to address the men, explaining the requirements for membership and the activities of the SAR. Thirty-eight men signed the petition that day for a chapter charter. On April 27,1958, the organizational meeting for the formation of the SAR chapter was held in the Civic Room of the First National Bank of Lafayette. Officers were elected, and dues established ($4.00 per year). It was also moved and voted that the chapter be called the Attakapas Chapter. The name Attakapas derives from the tribe of Indians that inhabited the southwestern area of Louisiana principally along the Vermilion, Mermentau, and Calcasieu rivers.
The Attakapas Chapter has had a close relationship with the Galvez Chapter, DAR since the beginning, and in 1959 held the first annual George Washington Ball in Lafayette.
