Deriving its name from Native Americans occupying the region, the Poste des Opelousas (present-day Opelousas, seat of St. Landry Parish) received its first civil and military commandant with Louis Pellerin in 1763, during which time Louisiana was changing from French to Spanish rule. Nicolas Forstall served as commandant of the Poste des Opelousas from 1787 to 1794.
Born on September 21, 1727, on the island of Martinique, Forstall rose to prominence in Louisiana under Spanish rule, serving as captain in the New Orleans militia, member of the Cabildo (1772-1785, 1794-1802), judge (1777, 1785, 1802), and military commandant at New Iberia (1785) before assuming the Opelousas post. In 1802, he was found guilty of numerous offenses, fined, and imprisoned. He died after 1805.
From the description of Opelousas Post records, 1776, 1788 (bulk 1788). (Louisiana State University). WorldCat record id: 268777064
