The City of Youngsville today still reflects its history in its people, culture, traditions, and architecture. It was settled in the early 1800’s by French Acadian farmers. Prior to 1839, George Roy and his son, Desire, laid out the area and named the community “Royville.” The settlement had grown by 1859 large enough to establish one of the oldest Catholic Churches in Lafayette Parish; St. Anne Catholic Church, and had named its oldest street, Church Street. In 1908, the community had grown to village status and the U.S. Post Office requested that the community’s name be changed. The village was named “Youngsville,” meaning young village, and incorporated. It chose a democratic government, an elected Mayor and three Aldermen, to govern its people.

The Village continued to develop and on January 20, 1983, Louisiana Governor David Treen declared the village, a town. The town chose as its governing body, a Mayor and five Aldermen to accommodate its population.

Youngsville has been the fastest growing town in Louisiana from 1990 to 2005. Our population has increased by over 300%. Due to the tremendous growth, Youngsville has just been declared a city by Governor Kathleen Blanco. The Mayor and five (5) Aldermen will still govern the City of Youngsville.

Although the city has extended its boundaries and expanded its services, Youngsville has remained a rural city surrounded by sugarcane farms which enjoy the unique atmosphere of an urban area of the City of Lafayette.

(Youngsville Charter)
P. Bienvenu Roy February 14, 1876 August 2, 1884
Ablert Dyer August 2, 1884 June 18, 1887
Harrison Theall June 18, 1887 January 26, 1891
P. Alcide Dupleix January 26, 1891 December 8, 1897
Albert Mouchet December 8, 1897 January 22, 1908

(Mayors)
Albert Dyer January 22, 1908 March 24, 1910
Ellie David March 24, 1910 December 9, 1912
Harold Henshaw December 9, 1912 July 12, 1915
Ellie David July 12, 1915 April 26, 1918
Eugene Landry April 26, 1918 May 1, 1920
Gilbert Parent May 1, 1920 June 22, 1928
Willie Langlinais June 22, 1928 June 27, 1934
Ellie David June 27, 1934 June 12, 2946
Willie Langlinais June 12, 1946 July 1, 1962
Willie M. Langlinais July 1, 1962 June 30, 1966
Ernest Gallet July 1, 1966 January 22, 1987
Francis David February 13, 1987 November 20, 1987
Lucas Denais November 21, 1987 December 31, 2002
Wilson B. Viator, Jr. January 1, 2003 To Present