Arpent | 2026 Edition |

The is a historical unit of land measurement and area primarily used in French-speaking regions of North America, including Louisiana, Quebec, and parts of the Midwest. Its legacy is most visible today in the unique "long-lot" land patterns found along riverfronts, where property was divided into narrow strips to ensure every settler had access to a waterway. Historical Significance and Measurement

: Courts still reference the "arpent" when adjudicating rights for land bordering bayous and rivers, particularly regarding "back-concessions" or the right to purchase land behind an original 40-arpent tract. Deep History of Usage Preamble text arpent

: Roughly 0.84 acres (approximately 3,400 square meters). The is a historical unit of land measurement

: In Louisiana, French and Spanish grants were often measured in "arpents front"—a measure of distance along a river, usually extending back into the swamp or woods to a depth of 40 arpents. Cultural and Legal Legacy Deep History of Usage Preamble text : Roughly 0

Facebook · Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve · 7 years ago

Originating from French common law, the arpent served as both a unit of length and a unit of area. : Approximately 192 feet (about 58.5 meters).

“I live on Eighty Arpent! ... you see a lot of the large “Land for Sale” signs that list the property in Arpents instead of acres because thats how it was divided by those who settled there!”