109 feet, 4 inches On 20 July 1968, Governor John J. McKeithen signed into law Act No. 409, authorizing the establishment of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL). It was developed to do all things necessary to accomplish the development, utilization and preservation of the French language for the cultural, economic and tourist benefit of the state of Louisiana.

James Domengeaux, attorney and former U.S. Congressman was chairman for CODOFIL. Its headquarters were located in La Parisienne of Louisiana. Those chapters included the New Orleans Area, St. Martin, Evangeline, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Landry, Terrebonne, Allen, Evangeline, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Landry, Terrebonne, Beauregard, Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. Its intention was to establish a chapter for every parish in Louisiana. CODOFIL provided scholarships to study in French speaking countries and provided French-speaking teachers to teach in Louisiana schools.