1870's During this time there was a post war labor shortage which inhibited the sugarcane production as well as the rest of the agricultural industry. Thus the timber industry was born relying on the plentiful cypress trees of the region. Home of John Jefferson is built. Durand's daughters are married. Then on the day of the wedding he had the slaves sprinkle gold dust on the spider webs.
Reconstruction ends with the withdrawal of the Federal troops.
1878 Jeanerette is incorporated. 1880 Production of salt resumes. The region's first railway opens through New Iberia. This makes New Iberia a owerful center for trade as it was connected to other railways and the steamboat traffic on the Teche. Soon the railroad become more important than the Bayou.