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Marrero, Louisiana

Marrero is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Marrero is on the south side (referred to as the "West Bank") of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The population was 32,382 at the 2020 U.S. census.

History
Marrero was named in honor of the Louisiana politician and founder of Marrero Land Company, Louis H. Marrero. The area was originally referred to and shown on maps as "Amesville", after the Boston businessman Oakes Ames, who purchased much of the land following the Civil War. In February 1916, the U.S. Postmaster officially changed the name of the Post Office to "Marrero".

Louis Herman Marrero was born in Adams County, Mississippi, on July 17, 1847. When he was a child his family moved to St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. During his school years at Jackson, Louisiana, the Civil War began, and Marrero joined Captain Scott's Command, later known as the 25th Louisiana Regiment.

Geography
Marrero is located west of the Intracoastal Canal on the Mississippi River, at coordinates 29.88611°N, -90.11°W (29.886017, -90.109930). It is bordered to the east by Harvey, to the west by Westwego, and to the north, across the Mississippi, by New Orleans.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Marrero CDP has a total area of 22.3 sqkm, of which 20.6 sqkm are land and 1.7 sqkm, or 7.66%, are water.

Demographics
The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 30,894 people lived in the CDP, down from 33,141 at the 2010 U.S. census. In 2020, the population was 32,382. At the 2019 census estimates, the racial and ethnic makeup was 50.1% Black or African American, 37.2% non-Hispanic white, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 5.2% Asian, 0.2% some other race, 2.0% multiracial, and 4.9% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. Per the following census in 2020, the composition was 50.12% non-Hispanic Black or African American, 31.9% non-Hispanic white, 0.49% non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native, 5.48% non-Hispanic Asian, 0.01% non-Hispanic Pacific Islander, 3.42% non-Hispanic two or more races, and 8.57% Hispanic or Latino American of any race; this reflects the greater diversification of the United States at the time of this census, becoming less predominantly non-Hispanic white. In 2019, the median household income was $44,866 and 21% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Education
Marrero's public schools are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.

Zoned schools include:

High Schools:
 * L.W. Higgins High School
 * John Ehret High School (Marrero address, outside of the CDP limits)

L.H. Marrero Middle School is in Marrero. Parts of Marrero are zoned to Worley Middle in Westwego, Louisiana and Truman Middle in Marrero.

Elementary schools in Marrero include: Schools outside of Marrero serving portions include Vic A. Pitre Elementary School in Westwego, Estelle Elementary in Estelle.
 * Judge Lionel R. Collins Montessori School
 * It was previously called Ames Montessori School. In 2011 the school board voted to rename it after an African-American judge who died in 1988. He was the first African-American man elected to a Jefferson Parish-level political office.
 * Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts
 * Miller Wall Elementary School
 * Ella C. Pittman Elementary School

In regards to advanced studies academies, some residents are zoned to the Marrero Academy and some are zoned to the Gretna Academy.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans operates two high schools:
 * Archbishop Shaw High School, all-boys school
 * Academy of Our Lady, all-girls school

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Belle Terre Library in Marrero.

Notable people

 * Sherman A. Bernard (1925-2012), politician
 * Robert Billiot, former Marrero resident; state representative for Jefferson Parish; retired educator in Westwego
 * Marty Booker, NFL player for Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons
 * Paul Carr, actor
 * Chimdi Chekwa, football player
 * Patrick Connick, politician
 * Ryan Clark, NFL player
 * Brett P. Giroir, Assistant Secretary for Health at HSS, 2018-
 * Stephen Jackson, composer
 * Tory James, athlete
 * Norman Jefferson, former NFL player
 * Mickey Joseph, former football quarterback and college football coach
 * Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos
 * Kordell Stewart, former NFL player for Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Chris Ullo, politician
 * Reggie Wayne, football player for Indianapolis Colts
 * Scrim, member of $uicideboy$ rap duo

title: Marrero, Louisiana


text:
Metairie, Louisiana

Metairie is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, and is part of the New Orleans metropolitan area. With a population of 143,507 in 2020, Metairie is the largest community in Jefferson Parish and was (as of 2010) the fifth-largest CDP in the United States. It is an unincorporated area that (as of 2020) would have been Louisiana's fourth-largest city behind Shreveport if incorporated.

Etymology
Métairie is the French term for a small tenant farm which paid the landlord with a share of the produce, a practice also known as sharecropping (in French, métayage). In the 1760s many of the original French farmers were tenants; after the Civil War, the majority of the community's inhabitants were sharecroppers until urbanization started in the 1910s.

History
In the 1720s French settlers became the first Europeans to settle Metairie in the area known then as Tchoupitoulas and now as Metairie Ridge, a natural levee formed by an ancient branch of the Mississippi River, Bayou Metairie, which flowed through modern-day River Ridge, Metairie, Gentilly, and New Orleans East. It emptied into Mississippi Sound. The Acolapissa Native Americans used this ridge as a road; it is the oldest road in the New Orleans area. Paved in the 1920s, it is called Metairie Road. An electric streetcar was installed running along Metairie Road in the late 1910s, opening the area to greater development. Upscale housing tracts were constructed off the road in the 1920s; this area is now known as "Old Metairie". The areas to the north and northwest of Metairie Road were not developed until after World War II. The land between Metairie Ridge and Lake Pontchartrain, which was cypress swamps and marshlands, was drained with the Wood Pump. With development of this new land for residences, Metairie's population grew in the 1940s as a result of cheaper land, lower taxes, and larger lots as compared to Orleans Parish.

The 1947 Fort Lauderdale hurricane, with winds of 125 mph, directly hit Metairie. Much of the community was under 6 ft of water.

Hurricane Betsy, a Category Three storm, hit the area in 1965, causing extensive wind damage and moderate flooding. In 1995 the May 8th 1995 Louisiana flood, which dumped upwards of 20 in of rain into Metairie in a twelve-hour period, also flooded some parts of the region, especially areas south and west of Metairie, including Kenner, Harahan, and River Ridge.

In 1989, a Metairie district elected white supremacist David Duke to the Louisiana state legislature for a single term.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a new migration from Orleans Parish, because housing was needed to replace what had been destroyed in the flooding of the city. It has been a racially neutral migration, with equal numbers of black and white residents moving to Jefferson Parish. The 2010 census showed that Metairie has increasingly become more diverse.

Veterans Boulevard was laid out alongside a drainage canal, and became a commercial center of the region. The central business district of Metairie is located on Causeway Boulevard near Lake Pontchartrain. Metairie also has one of the handful of major malls located in the New Orleans metro area. Lakeside Shopping Center is the highest-grossing mall in the New Orleans metropolitan area. In the 1970s and early 1980s, an area of bars and nightclubs opened in a section of Metairie known as "Fat City", which is now the most racially diverse area in the New Orleans metropolitan area and is home to a vibrant restaurant scene. Several New Orleans radio and television stations have transmitter facilities in Metairie and Jefferson Parish; two of them, WGNO-TV and WNOL, now have studios and main offices in Metairie. Metairie has a large Mardi Gras season that touts itself as more family-friendly than the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Geography
Metairie is located in eastern Jefferson Parish and is bordered by New Orleans to the east, Kenner to the west, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, and the Illinois Central Railroad tracks to the south. South of the railroad are River Ridge, Harahan, Elmwood, and Jefferson. The 17th Street Canal forms the border between Metairie and New Orleans to the east. It is a principal community in Greater New Orleans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Metairie CDP has a total area of 60.2 sqkm, of which 60.1 sqkm is land and 0.1 sqkm, or 0.18%, is water.

Climate
The climate of Metairie has been classified as humid subtropical. Like the city of New Orleans, it has short, generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average precipitation is 62.5 in annually; the summer months are the wettest, while October is the driest month. Precipitation in winter usually accompanies the passing of a cold front. On average, there are 77 days of 90 °F or greater highs, 8.1 days per winter where the high does not exceed 50 °F, and 8.0 nights with freezing lows annually. It is rare for the temperature to reach 20 or, with the last occurrence of each being February 5, 1996, and June 26, 2016, respectively.

Tallest buildings
Three Lakeway Center stands at 403 ft.

Demographics
According to the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 130,427 people living in the census-designated place. At the 2010 United States census, there were 138,481 people living in Metairie. The 2020 census reported 143,507 people living in the CDP. As of 2019, population density was 5,607.7 people per square mile, with a median age of 40.6.

At the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup was 69% non-Hispanic white, 10% Black and African American, 4% Asian, 1% multiracial, and 16% Hispanic and Latino American. According to 2017 census estimates, the racial makeup of Metairie was 67.5% White, 16.2% Hispanic or Latino American of any race, 9.9% Black and African American, 3.9% Asian, 0.7% from other races, 0.9% from two or more races, and 0.1% Native American. By the time of the 2020 census, its racial and ethnic makeup was 62.89% non-Hispanic white, 10.98% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 3.73% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 18.20% two or more races, and 18.42% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.

Among the population of Metairie, 52% were female in 2019. There were 56,421 households with an average of 2.63 persons per household. An estimated 52% of households were married couples living together, 23% non-family, 18% female householder with no male present, and 7% male householder with no female present. Approximately 61,354 housing units were in the community, and 92% were occupied; 59% of housing units were owner-occupied, and 64% of housing units were single unit structures. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $246,600, and the median household income was $60,404. Residents had a per capita income of $35,007 at the 2019 American Community Survey.

Religion
In Metairie, 54.1% of residents identified with some religion as of 2019. Due to Spanish and French colonial influence, Metairie and the surrounding area have an overwhelmingly Catholic populace. Approximately 34.6% identify with the Catholic Church, served by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans; 5.9% were Baptist, 3.1% Pentecostal, 1.4% Methodist, 0.6% Lutheran, 0.6% Latter-Day Saints, 0.5% Anglican, and 0.5% from another Christian group including the Metropolitan Community Church among others.

Approximately 0.7% were Muslims and 0.4% identified with an Eastern religion such as Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism; 0.6% of the community claimed affiliation with Judaism. Metairie is home to Congregation Gates of Prayer, a Reform synagogue, and beside it is Congregation Beth Israel, the oldest Orthodox congregation in the New Orleans metro area. Beth Israel constructed its new building in Metairie in 2012, several years after its building in Lakeview, New Orleans was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Economy
Metarie has the headquarters of Rawbar Inc., which operates Acme Oyster House, a restaurant chain.

Public libraries
Jefferson Parish Library operates public libraries. The East Bank Regional Library, which houses the library system's headquarters, is in Metairie. Other public libraries in Metairie include the Lakeshore Library, the Old Metairie Library, and the Wagner Library.

Sports
Metairie was home to the New Orleans Baby Cakes Triple-A Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League from 1993 to 2019. The minor league club played its home games at Privateer Park, home to the University of New Orleans's NCAA baseball team, from 1992 through 1996, and at Shrine on Airline from 1997 to 2019.

The training facilities of NFL franchise New Orleans Saints and the NBA franchise New Orleans Pelicans are located in Metairie. As such, many players reside in the area.

Boxing cards have been held in the Copeland Tower Suites (formerly Landmark Hotel).

Beginning in 2020, the New Orleans Gold of Major League Rugby will play their homes games in Metairie at the Gold Mine on Airline.

Parks and recreation
Jefferson Parish has created many parks in Metairie. Many of these playgrounds have organized sports leagues such as football, baseball, and basketball. Some of them also have other programs, such as low-cost piano lessons. The parks in Metairie are:
 * Cleary Playground
 * Delta Playground
 * Doe Playground
 * Girard Playground
 * Jim O'Ryan Playground
 * Johnny Bright Playground
 * Lafreniere Park
 * Lakeshore Playground
 * LaSalle Park
 * Mike Miley Playground
 * Pontiff Playground

Education
Metairie's public schools are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.

There is one zoned public high school in Metairie: East Jefferson High School. Additionally, many residents are zoned to Alfred Bonnabel High School in Kenner and Riverdale High School in Jefferson.

Previously, some residents were zoned to Grace King High School in Metairie. King closed in 2023.

Magnet public school
 * Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies

Private schools
 * Archbishop Chapelle High School
 * Archbishop Rummel High School
 * Crescent City Christian School
 * Ecole Classique
 * Lutheran High School
 * Metairie Park Country Day School
 * Ridgewood Preparatory School
 * St. Martin's Episcopal School

Transportation
The most common method of transportation within Metairie is the automobile. Mass transit is provided by "JeT" (Jefferson Transit), but it does not run on Sundays, holidays, or late at night, unlike many lines of New Orleans' RTA. JeT's coverage is also very limited in terms of usability.

Interstate 10 runs east–west through Metairie.

Major east–west roads (starting from north to south) include West Esplanade Avenue, Veterans Memorial Boulevard, West Napoleon Avenue, West Metairie Avenue, Metairie Road, Airline Drive (which is part of U.S. Route 61) and Jefferson Highway (which is part of U.S. Route 90). The Earhart Expressway, running east–west immediately south of Airline Drive, is the only other freeway entering New Orleans from the west, but it ends as an expressway soon after crossing into Orleans Parish and well before the New Orleans CBD (in Central City.)

For many of the major east–west roadways, the eastbound and westbound lanes are separated by large, open-topped drainage canals. These canals are one of the most distinct characteristics of the Metairie landscape. Similar canals once bisected many streets in neighboring New Orleans, but most were covered over in the mid-20th century.

Multi-line, continuous north–south roads (starting from west to east) include Power Boulevard/David Drive/Hickory Avenue, Transcontinental Drive, Clearview Parkway, Causeway Boulevard, and Bonnabel Boulevard.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway's southern terminus lies in Metairie.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Metairie, Louisiana


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River Ridge, Louisiana

River Ridge is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is a suburb of New Orleans. The population was 13,591 in 2020.

History
The land that is now River Ridge was developed by French colonists and their descendants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for large sugar plantations; these lined the Mississippi River in traditional French long-lot fashion. The plantations had relatively narrow waterfronts, in order to provide water access, and extended deeply back from the river. These plantations were developed by French colonists and their descendants; they depended on the labor of African slaves. Major landowners included members of the Trudeau and Sauve families. (Pierre Sauve (1805-1867) had a major plantation here known as Providence.)

The alignments of the major streets in the area are vestiges of this era. Sauve Road continues to be a main thoroughfare in River Ridge.

In 1849, a major flooding event known as Sauvé's Crevasse occurred. The crude river levee at the Sauve Providence plantation failed under pressure of high water on the Mississippi. The massive flood inundated much of the land to the east, including parts of New Orleans. This crevasse occurred where a former meander of the Mississippi River once branched to form the Metairie and Gentilly Ridges.

In the early 20th century, an interurban transit line was constructed through this area. It served to connect the cities of New Orleans and Kenner. It was aligned along the present course of Jefferson Highway, which was improved from earlier roads.

For many years the area remained rural farmland, until the post-World War II suburbanization era. Aided by funding under the G.I. Bill, which enabled veterans to buy houses, large-scale suburban development began in the early 1950s. By 1965, virtually all of the area along the Mississippi River between Harahan and Kenner was developed. This area at the time was known as "Little Farms", a name which well described its pre-urban history; this was also the place name officially recognized by the Post Office. (To this day Little Farms Avenue remains a major River Ridge thoroughfare.) Other subdivision names such as "East Bank" and "Rural Acres" were used as place names for the area at the time.

To eliminate confusion and create some sense of community identity, the area between Kenner, Harahan, Metairie, and the Mississippi River was officially renamed "River Ridge" in 1974.

In 2019, a baseball team from River Ridge won the Little League World Series, becoming the first team from Louisiana to do so. They also became the first team since 2001 to lose their opening game, but win the championship.

Geography
River Ridge is located along a 3 mi stretch of Jefferson Highway (Louisiana Highway 48). Its boundaries include Harahan to the east, Kenner to the northwest, Metairie to the north, and the Mississippi River to the southwest. Across the Mississippi is the unincorporated community of Waggaman.

River Ridge is located at 29.95827°N, -90.22189°W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.19 sqkm, of which 7.24 sqkm are land and 1.95 sqkm, or 21.18%, are water.

Demographics
At the census of 2000, there were 14,588 people, 6,030 households, and 4,082 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 5,181.6 PD/sqmi. There were 6,325 housing units at an average density of 2,246.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 86.76% White, 10.99% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.45% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latinos of any race were 2.92% of the population. At the 2020 United States census, there were 13,591 people, 5,546 households, and 3,579 families residing in the CDP, reflecting a slight population decline from the 2000 U.S. census. Its racial and ethnic makeup by 2020 was 73.32% non-Hispanic white, 11.8% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 3.43% two or more races, and 10.09% Hispanic or Latino American, reflecting the diversification of the United States at the 2020 census.

Culture

 * Paradise Manor Community Club is the swimming and tennis club for River Ridge.
 * According to Census 2000, River Ridge had 30 houses valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Education
Jefferson Parish Public Schools operates public schools. Students are zoned to Hazel Park/Hilda Knoff School (formerly an elementary school) for grades PreK-8. Students are zoned to Riverdale High School in Jefferson.

Formerly Hazel Park took elementary grades, while Riverdale Middle School in Jefferson (now a part of Jefferson PK-8) took middle school grades.

In regards to the advanced studies academies, students are zoned to Airline Park Academy.

St. Matthew Catholic School (of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans) is in River Ridge. Many of the Catholic high schools are close by such as Archbishop Rummel High School and Archbishop Chapelle. Non-Catholic schools located nearby include St. Martin's Episcopal School, Kehoe-France, John Curtis, and Ridgewood Preparatory School,

Jefferson Parish Library operates the River Ridge Branch Library in River Ridge. The library held its grand opening ceremony on Friday, May 4, 2018.

Athletics
In August 2019, the Little League baseball team from River Ridge made history by being the first team from Louisiana to win the US Championship and World Series Final.

title: River Ridge, Louisiana


text:
Terrytown, Louisiana

Terrytown is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is on the "Westbank" (to the south) of the Mississippi River. It is a suburb within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The population was 23,319 at the 2010 census, and 25,278 in 2020.

Terrytown was opened to a media tour on March 5, 1960, showcasing the newest of concepts in home construction at the time, with the original homes having all plumbing in one wall. The community was opened to the public and considered founded on March 6, 1960, by subdivision developer Paul Kapelow, who named the town after his first daughter, Terry Kapelow. Terrytown includes Oakwood Center, a major shopping mall in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Geography
Terrytown is located on the eastern edge of Jefferson Parish at 29.90222°N, -90.02944°W (29.902356, -90.029475). It is bordered to the northeast by New Orleans in Orleans Parish, to the west by Gretna, to the south by Timberlane, and to the southeast by Belle Chasse in Plaquemines Parish. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Terrytown CDP has a total area of 9.64 sqkm, of which 9.52 sqkm are land and 0.12 sqkm, or 1.24%, are water.

Louisiana Highway 23 (Belle Chasse Highway) forms the southwest border of Terrytown, and Highway 428 (Behrman Highway) runs through the eastern part of the community. The two main intersecting streets in Terrytown are Terry Parkway, running north and south, and Carol Sue Avenue (named for Paul Kapelow's second daughter, Carol Sue Kapelow), running east and west.

Demographics
According to the 2010 U.S. census, there were 23,320 people, 8,121 households, and 6,458 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 6,347 PD/sqmi. There were 9,401 housing units at an average density of 2,412 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 34.90% White, 32.80% African American, 0.61% Native American, 10.34% Asian, 0.28% Pacific Islander, 5.82% from other races, and 2.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino American people of any race were 28.97% of the population.

There were 9,344 households, out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 20.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,897, and the median income for a family was $41,963. Males had a median income of $31,421 versus $23,241 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,725. About 13.6% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.3% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 24,953 people lived in the CDP. The racial and ethnic makeup was 32.1% non-Hispanic white, 39.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 3.1% Asian, 11.7% some other race, 4.7% two or more races, and 23.8% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The median household income was $46,638, and 22.9% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. A year later, the 2020 U.S. census determined there were 25,278 people, 8,609 households, and 5,771 families residing in the CDP. Among the racial and ethnic demographic, 38.22% were Black or African American, 25.79% non-Hispanic white, 0.18% Native American, 4.68% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 3.32% two or more races, and 27.74% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.

Religiously, and in common with most of southern Louisiana, the predominant faith affiliated with has been Christianity and its Catholic Church, followed by Baptists of varying denominations. Among the Catholic population, most are served by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans; Baptists are divided among the Southern Baptist Convention and historically Black or African American Baptist denominations such as the National Baptist Convention, USA and National Baptist Convention of America among others.

Education
Jefferson Parish Public Schools operates public schools which take students from the CDP.

Zoned schools include the following: For elementary school, Geraldine Boudreaux and Terrytown Elementary Schools in Terrytown serve most of Terrytown, while William Hart Elementary, in Gretna, serves a small portion. A small portion is zoned to McDonogh 26 in Gretna. Almost all of Terrytown is zoned to Livudais Middle School in Terrytown, while a small portion is zoned to Marrero Middle School. All residents are zoned to West Jefferson High School in Harvey.

In regards to advanced studies academies, residents are zoned to the Gretna Academy.

Kate Middleton Elementary in Gretna previously served a portion of Terrytown; it closed in 2012.

Private schools include:
 * Christ the King Catholic Elementary School (Closed 2020)
 * Stepping Stones Montessori
 * Terrytown Academy
 * Elmwood Park Academy

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Terrytown Library. The library is across the street from the Terrytown Playground, shares a parking lot with the Terrytown Golden Age Center, and is near Terrytown Elementary. The library first opened on October 9, 1974. In December 2009 the library closed for renovations. Chris Roberts, a parish council member, provided riverboat gaming funds to help renovate the library. The renovated library reopened on September 8, 2010 with a new main entrance.

Notable people

 * Bryan Adams, former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 85 in Jefferson Parish, 2012–2016

title: Terrytown, Louisiana


text:
Timberlane, Louisiana

Timberlane is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 10,364 in 2020. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Geography
Timberlane is located at 29.88028°N, -90.02944°W (29.880140, -90.029523). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 9,950 people lived in the CDP, down from 10,243 at the 2010 U.S. census. At the 2020 U.S. census, the population rebounded to 10,364. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup was 37.4% non-Hispanic white, 40.9% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 7.2% Asian, 4.5% some other race, 3.5% two or more races, and 10.6% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. By 2020, its racial and ethnic makeup was a tabulated 37.51% non-Hispanic white, 35.23% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 7.38% Asian, 5.6% two or more races, and 14.13% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The median household income was $54,702 and 8.6% lived at or below the poverty line in 2019.

Education
Residents are assigned to schools in the Jefferson Parish Public Schools system.

Schools that serve Timberlane for elementary school are: Cox and Solis. Schools that serve Timberlane for middle school are Gretna Middle and Livaudais. Portions of Timberlane are within the zones of John Ehret High School and West Jefferson High School. In regards to advanced studies academies, residents are zoned to the Gretna Academy.

Previously a part of Timberlane was zoned to Helen Cox High School.

title: Timberlane, Louisiana


text:
Waggaman, Louisiana

Waggaman is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Waggaman is on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The population was 9,835 at the 2020 census. The area was named for U.S. Senator George Augustus Waggaman (1782–1843).

History
George Augustus Waggaman settled in the area with his wife, Camille Arnoult, who inherited a large tract of land there. The two built a considerable plantation which they named Avondale, which later succumbed to the Mississippi River in 1892. Today the Avondale area, an unincorporated community which abuts Waggaman, was home to Avondale Shipyards, one of the largest employers in Jefferson Parish.

Geography
Waggaman is located on the west side of Jefferson Parish at 29.92972°N, -90.23°W (29.929856, -90.230053), on the southwest side of the Mississippi River. It is bordered to the southeast by Avondale. Across the Mississippi, it is bordered to the north by Kenner, to the northeast by River Ridge, and to the east by Harahan. U.S. Route 90 forms the southern border of Waggaman and leads east 14 mi into New Orleans. Louisiana Highway 18 (River Road) runs along the river side of the community, leading east into Avondale and west (upriver) 10 mi to Interstate 310 in Luling.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Waggaman CDP has a total area of 17.0 km2, of which 14.2 km2 are land and 2.8 km2, or 16.29%, are water.

Demographics
The 2019 American Community Survey determined 10,017 people lived in the CDP, an increase of 2 people since the 2010 U.S. census. At the 2020 census, there were 9,835 people in the CDP. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of the CDP was 65.7% Black or African American, 24.8% non-Hispanic white, 1.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% some other race, 2.4% multiracial, and 6.3% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. A year later, the racial and ethnic makeup was a tabulated 64.62% Black or African American, 23.41% non-Hispanic white, 0.48% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.27% Asian, 2.97% multiracial or of another race, and 7.26% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The median household income was $46,075 and 30.1% of the population lived at or below the poverty line in 2019.

Education
Jefferson Parish Public School System serves Waggaman.

All residents are zoned to: Cherbonnier K-8 School in Waggaman CDP for elementary and middle school. Previously the school, then Lucille Cherbonnier/Norbert Rillieux Elementary School, was two separate campuses: Norbert Rillieux Elementary School and Cherbonnier Elementary School. In 2012 the superintendent recommended that the schools be consolidated with the Cherbonnier campus being used. The zoned high school is L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero.

When Cherbonnier/Rilieux was elementary-only, it had elementary grades, while Henry Ford Middle School in Avondale had middle school grades. Henry Ford later became Gilbert PreK-8 School.

In regards to advanced studies academies, residents are zoned to the Marrero Academy.

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Live Oak Library in Waggaman. The library, located adjacent to Thomas Jefferson Park, opened in 1989. It is designed to appear similar to an Acadian style cottage.

Police and Fire Services
Waggaman is served by the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Department and the Live Oak Manor Fire Department.

title: Waggaman, Louisiana


text:
Westwego, Louisiana

Westwego is a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located in Jefferson Parish. It is a suburban community of New Orleans in the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area and lies along the west bank of the Mississippi River. The population of the city of Westwego was 8,568 at the 2020 United States census.

Etymology
One story states that Westwego was so named because it was a major crossing point on the Mississippi River during the great westward movement of the late 19th century. When travelers were asked their destination, they would often reply "west we go". Another more specific tale, recounted in John Churchill Chase's Frenchmen, Desire, Good Children is that the name was the specific outcome of an 1871 meeting of a railroad board of directors in New York, where planning was undertaken to use the site as an eastern terminus ("...west we go from there"). There has been further speculation that this use of "Westwego" as a place name may have been influenced by the board members' familiarity with the name of Oswego, New York.

Early history and development
The area of Westwego, Louisiana was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years before Europeans settled here. These indigenous people created huge shell middens that can still be seen in the vicinity today. The French first developed the area in 1719 when French minister of state Claude le Blanc started a plantation and a port along the Mississippi River.

The port became an important site in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The estate was later owned by the Zeringue family, who turned it into bustling sugar plantation, known as Seven Oaks. Planter Camille Zeringue built a canal at the plantation that played a prominent role in the community's history for decades. Other antebellum plantations in the area included the Whitehouse Plantation, Magnolia Lane, and the LaBranche Plantation among others. After Camille Zeringue's death, Seven Oaks was owned by Pablo Sala, who divided the property along the canal into lots, which he sold for $40 each. Many of these lots were purchased by displaced hurricane victims from Cheniere Caminada whose homes were destroyed in the great unnamed 1893 storm. With the addition of these families, who were mostly fisherman and trappers, the community of Salaville was born.

Salaville grew and the local railroad barons coined the name "Westwego". A number of industries grew around the city's wetlands and bayous, including those involving fisheries, shrimping, the canning of seafood, etc. Westwego was incorporated as a city in 1951 as its population continued to grow and grow. Within the last decade, Westwego has taken on a number of historical restoration projects, inspired by historian Daniel P. Alario Sr.

Grain elevator explosion
On December 23, 1977, the Continental Grain Elevator in Westwego exploded. The explosion and resulting collapse of the elevator killed 36 people and injured at least 11 others. Most of the fatalities were caused by a concrete tower collapsing onto an office building, where workers were gathered for a Christmas party. The explosion is believed to have been caused by the ignition of grain dust. The blast caused silos to fall and lean against each over in essentially a domino effect. The accident is the deadliest grain elevator accident in history. The Westwego accident, along with other explosions that occurred within the two-year period, led to new regulations for preventing dust explosions.

Geography
The city of Westwego is located in the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area and region. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.6 sqmi, of which 3.1 sqmi is land and 0.5 sqmi, or 10.64%, is water.

Demographics
According to the 2010 United States census, there were 8,534 people, 3,811 households, and 2,450 families residing in the city. By the 2020 census, there were 8,568 people living in Westwego.

Since 2010, there were 4,211 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples living together, 20.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.10. Among the population in 2020, there were 3,265 households. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males at the 2010 census. By 2020, the median age increased to 38.9 years, reflecting the aging population of the city.

In 2010, the racial makeup of the city was 78.16% White, 14.02% Black and African American, 2.94% Native American, 1.58% Asian, 1.01% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race were 4.59% of the population. Per the 2019 American Community Survey, the population of Westwego was 58.4% non-Hispanic white, 26.7% Black and African American, 1.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.4% Asian, 0.1% some other race, 1.5% two or more races, and 7.4% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. Per the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic makeup was 57.84% non-Hispanic white, 27.15% Black or African American, 0.89% Native American, 1.02% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 4.2% multiracial or some other race, and 8.87% Hispanic or Latino American of any race; the growth of the non-white population from 2010 to 2020 reflected state- and nationwide trends of diversification.

In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $27,218, and the median income for a family was $31,187. Males had a median income of $29,398 versus $18,916 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,160. About 17.9% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.7% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over. In 2019, the median income for a household in the city was $30,126. Males had a median income of $30,217 versus $43,022 for females. An estimated 28.3% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Education
The public schools in Westwego are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.

Elementary schools taking portions of Westwego include: Isaac G. Joseph Elementary School in Westwego, Gilbert PreK-8 school in Avondale, and Truman PreK-8 in Estelle. In 2020, Myrtle C. Thibodeaux and Vic A. Pitre Elementary Schools were consolidated into Joseph Elementary, on the site of Pitre, and named after the first African-American superintendent of the school district. Most middle school Westwego residents are zoned to Worley Middle School in Westwego, while some are zoned to Gilbert PreK-8 and Truman PreK-8. Gilbert was known as Henry Ford Middle School until 2019. High school residents are zoned to Higgins High School in an unincorporated area.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic School is a private Catholic school (of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans) in the city.

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Edith S. Lawson Library in Westwego.

In 2020, Ray St. Pierre Academy moved into the Thibodaux facility. Joshua Butler Elementary School, a public elementary school in Westwego, closed in 2023.

Government and infrastructure
The United States Postal Service operates the Westwego Post Office.

Notable people

 * John Alario, dean of the Louisiana State Legislature; State Senate President since 2012
 * Sherman A. Bernard (1925-2012), Louisiana insurance commissioner lived at the time of his election in 1972 in Westwego.
 * Robert Billiot, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Jefferson Parish since 2008; former educator from Westwego
 * Skyler Green, reared in Westwego, professional football wide receiver and return specialist
 * Ted Haggard, former Evangelical preacher, lived there for a short while in 2007 after a gay prostitution scandal

title: Westwego, Louisiana


text:
Woodmere, Louisiana

Woodmere is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 12,080 at the 2010 census, and 11,238 at the 2020 census. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Geography
Woodmere is located on the east side of Jefferson Parish at 29.8575°N, -90.07806°W (29.857588, -90.078051). It is bordered to the northeast by Harvey and to the southwest by Estelle. At its southeast corner it touches the community of Belle Chasse in Plaquemines Parish. The eastern border of Woodmere is the Harvey Canal. It is 6 mi by air south of downtown New Orleans but 11 mi by road.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Woodmere CDP has a total area of 10.0 sqkm, of which 9.5 sqkm are land and 0.5 sqkm, or 5.03%, are water.

Demographics
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 11,238 people, 3,536 households, and 2,508 families residing in the CDP. In 2019, the American Community Survey estimated 10,173 people and 3,536 households lived in the CDP. The racial and ethnic makeup was 78.8% Black or African American, 10.7% non-Hispanic white, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.0% Asian, 0.9% some other race, 3.0% two or more races, and 10.7% Hispanic and Latino American of any race in 2019; and in 2020, its racial and ethnic makeup was 79.28% Black or African American, 6.2% non-Hispanic white, 0.16% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.62% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.03% multiracial or of another race, and 7.69% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. In 2019, the median household income was $54,363 and 19.3% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Education
Residents are assigned to schools in the Jefferson Parish Public Schools system.

For elementary school, much of Woodmere is zoned to: Woodmere K-8 School. Some portions are zoned to Congetta Trippe Janet K-8 in Estelle, and others are zoned to Ella C. Pittman Elementary in Marrero. For middle school, most residents are zoned to Woodmere K-8, while some are zoned to Janet K-8, and some are zoned to Marrero Middle School. All residents are zoned to John Ehret High School in Marrero.

In regards to advanced studies academies, residents are zoned to the Marrero Academy.

Previously Woodmere and Janet were elementary schools, and all residents were zoned to then-Truman Middle School in Estelle (now it is K-8). Previously some residents were zoned to Helen Cox High School in Harvey.

title: Woodmere, Louisiana


text:
Jena, Louisiana

Jena is a town in, and the parish seat of, La Salle Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 4,155 at the 2020 census.

History
The site where Jena stands today began to attract settlers in 1802. The Hemphills family entered a considerable block of land and settled about two miles below the present town of Jena. Hemps Creek and post office were named after this family. This beautiful ever-running creek had fertile bottom and hammock lands for cultivation and was an excellent range for both cattle and hogs, with wild game and fish being very abundant.

Later, in the middle 1850s, Benjamin Baker, assisted by his father, a native of Pennsylvania, built a watermill on Hemps Creek, about three miles below the present town of Jena. The mill was equipped to make corn meal and to gin cotton. This area soon became a favorite trading stop for the area farmers, and was the site of two general stores and a post office.

Hemps Creek post office was established in the late 1850s with Isaac L. Baker as the first postmaster. The mail rider boarded with Mr. Baker and made alternate weekly trips to Harrisonburg and Alexandria on horseback. In 1869, the first school house was built, and in 1892, the Jena Seminary opened, marking the beginning of secondary education in what is now LaSalle Parish. Mr. James Forsythe who came to Hemps Creek in 1861 having subsequently served with distinction in the Confederate Army returned in 1865 and established his home here. Being an educated man and having fine qualities of leadership, he was chosen as teacher of Hemps Creek School, a position he held until 1871.

In the year of 1871, it was requested from the post office department that “Creek” and “Bayou” be removed from the names of all post offices. Mr. Andrew Forsythe visiting his brother, James Forsythe from Jena, Illinois suggested Jena, his hometown, which was named for Jena, Germany. Mr. James Forsythe submitted this name to the post office department and it was accepted. Thus, the name Jena came from Germany by way of Illinois.

The Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad operated its first train into Jena on December 31, 1893, and on May 1, 1904, the first passenger train arrived. A small hotel was operated nearby, and in 1905, the “Jena Times” newspaper was founded.

On October 2, 1918, Mrs. Lula V. Coleman was made a Deputy Sheriff. It was her opinion that she was the first female sheriff in the United States. On March 28, 1920, she was appointed to head the town administration as mayor, by Governor John M. Parker. Mrs. Coleman has the distinction of being the only woman ever to serve as mayor of Jena, and was the first female to hold the office of mayor in Louisiana and possibly even the United States.

In September 2006, Jena became the focus of national news stories in the United States for a racial controversy involving its school system and a group of students known as the Jena Six.

Geography
Jena is at 31.69°N, -92.12472°W (31.689993, -92.124781) and has an elevation of 167 ft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has an area of 5.4 sqmi, all land.

Surrounding communities
Residents of these rural communities frequent Jena for school, work, and shopping.
 * Midway
 * Olla, Louisiana
 * Jonesville, Louisiana
 * Trout, Louisiana
 * Nebo
 * Summerville
 * Good Pine
 * Possum Point
 * Belah
 * Fellowship
 * White Sulphur Spring
 * Searcy
 * Whitehall
 * Rhinehart

Climate
This region experiences hot summers with rainy days, with no average monthly temperatures above 92 °F. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Jena has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

There are mild winters during which intense rainfall occurs. It has hot, rainy summers with moderate rainfall through all year months.

Snow in Jena is possible in winter months.

Average annual precipitation is 59.4 in. There are on annual average 76 days with measurable precipitation.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 4,155 people, 1,169 households, and 884 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,971 people, 1,135 households, and 749 families residing in the town. The population density was 552.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,264 housing units at an average density of 235.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 85.56% White, 12.02% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.21% of the population.

There were 1,135 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were 21 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,938, and the median income for a family was $39,848. Males had a median income of $31,332 versus $18,317 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,761. About 9.9% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.

Newspaper

 * The Jena Times

Education
The La Salle Parish School Board is located in Jena.

The following schools serve Jena:
 * Jena High School, 9–12 (Jena)
 * Jena Junior High School, 6,7, & 8 (Jena)
 * Goodpine Middle School, 3,4, & 5 (Trout/Goodpine)
 * Jena Elementary School, PreK - 2 (Jena)
 * Fellowship Elementary School, Pre-K-8 (Belah)
 * Nebo Elementary School, PreK-8 (Nebo)
 * Temple Christian Academy, Private PreK-8 (Jena)

Infrastructure

 * Hospital Service District #2 of LaSalle Parish, also known as LaSalle General Hospital, is a 60-bed medical facility, with a 24-hour emergency department, a home health, a 101-bed nursing home, and physical therapy.
 * Universal Plant Services built a 24,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Jena. The full-service machining plant represents a $3.9 million capital investment and provides welding, fabrication, equipment overhaul and repair services for pipeline distribution systems and petrochemical processing plants.
 * LaSalle Detention Center is an immigration detention facility of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, operated by the GEO Group and located on 830 Pinehill Road, about two miles northwest of downtown Jena and it has a capacity of over 1160 detainees.

Notable people

 * Woodie Flowers, MIT professor and co-founder of FIRST
 * Mike Francis, prominent businessman and former Louisiana Republican state chairman; born in Jena
 * Jason Hatcher, former NFL football player for the Washington Commanders
 * Jay F. Honeycutt, former director of the Kennedy Space Center
 * Speedy O. Long (1928–2006), a member of the Long political dynasty
 * Thomas D. "Tommy" Wright, former state representative from Jena

title: Jena, Louisiana


text:
Midway, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana

Midway is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,291 at the 2010 census, down from 1,505 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Midway is located in central LaSalle Parish at 31.68222°N, -92.14694°W (31.682294, -92.146866). It is bordered to the north and east by Jena, the parish seat, and to the west by Good Pine. U.S. Route 84 passes through the northern part of Midway, leading east into Jena and northwest 14 mi to Tullos. Louisiana Highway 8 passes through the southern part of Midway, also leading east into Jena but running southwest 21 mi to Pollock.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Midway CDP has a total area of 7.9 km2, of which 0.08 km2, or 1.04%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,505 people, 512 households, and 366 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 429.6 PD/sqmi. There were 577 housing units at an average density of 164.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 53.02% White, 45.58% African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 512 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 24.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $19,479, and the median income for a family was $27,500. Males had a median income of $27,100 versus $15,000 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,819. About 28.4% of families and 30.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Midway, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana


text:
Olla, Louisiana

Olla is a town in northwest La Salle Parish, Louisiana, United States, located in the heart of the Louisiana Central Hill Country.

Olla has a federally recognized downtown Historic District and a Louisiana historic marker. The population was 1,385 at the 2010 census. Olla Historic District is the site of the annual Central Louisiana Bluegrass Festival each April and to the Olla Homecoming Parade, Celebration, and Festival that coincides with LaSalle High School Homecoming each autumn.

The Town of Olla also hosts an annual nighttime Christmas Parade, Miss Merry Christmas Pageant, and Community Christmas. These events occur on the Friday locals schools release for Christmas break. The parade begins at the Olla Elementary School and terminates at Santa's Gazebo in the Olla Town Square. The Olla Town Square in located within the Olla Historic District and contains the Olla Farmers Market/Community Pavilion (completed in 2014), Wishing Tree, Dixie Center(Community Center), Gazebo, historic marker, and a stage. The Olla Wishing Tree, which stands between the Community Pavilion and stage, is part of local lore as it's said to "grant wishes" to those who close their eyes and touch its bark. The Olla Town Square facilities can be rented by the public for events.

The "Tri-City Popper" fireworks show, an endeavor funded by donations from the Towns and businesses of Olla, Tullos, and Urania, is held at dusk each July 4 at the Historic Olla Fairgrounds. This event is conducted by the Olla Volunteer Fire Department

 * The town's motto is "Small Town, Big Heart" in reference to the hospitality and generosity of its citizens.
 * The Town of Olla has two large parks with a paved walking trail, multiple baseball fields, public swimming pool, bowling alley, and a Recreation Center that is facilitated by the YMCA.

History
The Town of Olla is the oldest incorporated town in LaSalle Parish. Settled prior to the American Civil War, the town of Olla was known as Castor Sulfur Springs, and a steamboat port on nearby Bayou Castor was its original site. The area had a post office, general store, hotel, spa, and a dry goods and cotton storage facility.

Naturally-occurring sulfur muds and spring water made Castor Sulfur Springs a nationally known "health spa".

In 1890, the Olla Military Institute, a private military school was established. The first faculty members consisted of Riley J. Wilson, Ms. Olla Mills, John Paul Jones, Missy Robertson, Rev. Elijah Bryant, and Bell Murphy. The school flourished for several years until 1899, when a fire destroyed the campus. At this time, a public school, Olla High School, was constructed to serve the towns of Olla and Standard. In 1950, Olla, Urania, and Tullos High Schools closed, and consolidated as LaSalle High School. The Olla Elementary School now sits at the former site of the Olla Military Institute and Olla High School.

In 1891, the Houston, Central Arkansas, and Northern Railroad came to what was then northwest Catahoula Parish and bought a 200-foot-wide right-of-way over which it would construct a railroad more than a mile away from Castor Sulfur Springs. Community leaders were faced with the possibility that their town would be cut off and decided that a railroad station must be constructed for passenger and commercial services to ensure the survival of Castor Sulfur Springs. Dr. Frank Mills, with the assistance of Mr. J.D. Adams, set aside 40 acres of land for a station and town-site. This transaction was recorded on February 9, 1891. When the new site was chosen and incorporation paperwork was submitted naming the new community “New Castor Sulfur Springs”, their request was denied.

The legislature was not accepting new municipalities named in reference to springs, rivers, bayous, or creeks to avoid duplication and confusion. New Lebanon was considered as well as many Greek and Biblical names, which were very popular at the time. After much debate, it was decided that the relocated community should be named for Olla Mills, daughter of Dr. Frank Mills and sister of Judge W.H. Mills, who were residents of Castor Sulfur Springs for many years. Ms. Mills was an accomplished, attractive, and popular young lady who was dramatically inclined and took part in all constructive community activities, who served with distinction as the head of the Olla Military Institute's English department. Miss Olla Mills, who later became Mrs. CC Young, died in 1901 and is buried in the Olla Cemetery.

The Town of Olla was officially incorporated on August 1, 1899, with Dr. William V. Taylor III as its first mayor. In 1906, the Zeagler Family established and erected the Olla State Bank as the cornerstone of the downtown. Built in Romanesque Revival style, the bank's structure is said to be influenced by Louisiana native and architect Henry Hobson Richardson. The Olla State Bank served Olla and the surrounding region throughout the Great Depression until its merger with Southern Heritage Bank in 1980s. The Ernest Gray Gang as well as The Jimmy Yarrell Gang held up the bank in the 1930s.

Olla is also the location of the only train holdup in Louisiana history. In August 1900, unknown bandits built a fire on the tracks north of Olla and forced the train to stop. The group then boarded and ordered the conductor to disconnect the mail and express cars from the train. The express safe was cracked, but the expected big money shipment from St. Louis, Missouri to New Orleans was not aboard. The robbers got away with less than $50.

Near the site of the former Olla Military Institute, B.E. Zeagler of Olla and L.C. Nunn of Columbia, Louisiana organized and constructed the North Central Louisiana Fair or Carnival fair barns, and an equine racetrack stadium in 1912. Since its inception, the open space has served the parishes of La Salle, Winn, Grant, and Caldwell, and it is now called the Olla Fairgrounds. Still host to an annual event every fall, it is one of the oldest continuously running fairs or carnivals in the United States. The fairgrounds also contains a modern rodeo arena that hosts the Olla Rodeo, sponsored by the local Kiwanis International club, annually.

In 1910, the state of Louisiana split Catahoula Parish in half. The western half where the Town of Olla is situated became La Salle Parish, named for French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. An immediate struggle developed between the towns of Olla and Jena over the location of the parish courthouse. Jena was subsequently chosen as the La Salle parish seat because of its central location. Even without the prestige of being the parish seat, the early 20th century brought many changes to the Town of Olla. Olla's economy grew with the success of two large sawmills in the area – Urania Lumber Company to the south and Louisiana Central Lumber Company located to the north, in Standard. Mr. G.W. McCartney purchased a dynamo to bring electric lights to Olla. Residences were also piped with natural gas. The town took another step forward when Mr. Sam Shamblin opened a silent movie house. The Community Talking Picture Company of Shreveport sold Olla its first talking movies, and later a more modern theater was erected.

Known for its excellent ground water, Olla was the site of the Olla Bottling Works. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Olla Bottling Works made and distributed numerous flavored carbonated beverages including NuGrape Soda. The Olla Bottling Works was purchased by a firm in Monroe and eventually merged with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

The Southern Baptist encampment and the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp activities also left their mark on Olla. Each year Baptist campers gathered for two weeks of religious instruction, preaching, and recreation. The CCC Camp occupied the same facilities the remainder of the year, and the area is still crossed with public and private roads built by the CCC. Olla is also the site of Camp Olla, an annual Pentecostal summer camp, retreat, and hurricane evacuation shelter.

In 1938, oil was discovered just outside Olla's boundaries. This was a tremendous boost for the local economy because the large sawmills had begun to slow production. The Olla Oil Field brought a fresh influx of people and is large producer of light sweet crude and natural gas.

The Town of Olla currently serves as a regional hub for banking, commercial retail, and manufacturing and is heavily involved with the forestry and petroleum production industries.

Downtown Olla is a recognized Historic District with many buildings being restored for commercial use.

On November 23, 2004, a tornado that reached F3 strength tore through parts of the town, destroying or damaging a large portion of the buildings, including LaSalle High School. Classes were held in an abandoned sportswear factory, known as Holloway Sportswear, until a new high school was constructed. In 2005, the town played host to many evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Geography
Olla is located within the Louisiana Central Hill County, the upland hill areas between the Red and Ouachita River valleys, at 31.89944°N, -92.23472°W (31.899443, -92.234774).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.4 square miles (12.9 km$2$), all land. It is situated exactly halfway (47 miles) (76 km), between Monroe to the north and Alexandria to the south. Also to the south, the towns of Urania and Tullos lie four and seven miles, respectively. The town of Jena is 16 miles (26 km) to the southeast. Surrounded by pine and deciduous forests, nature's abundance and beauty of the area have been a draw for hunters, nature lovers, and tourists.

The town of Olla is served by the Union Pacific Railroad, and U.S. Route 165 traverses north and south. Nearby U.S. Route 84 and a number of state roads serve as east and west corridors.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,617 people, 587 households, and 407 families residing in the town. The population density was 413.9 PD/sqmi. There were 681 housing units at an average density of 198.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.06% White, 2.46% African American, 1.35% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.

There were 587 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

The incorporated Towns of Olla, Urania, Tullos, and Georgetown, unincorporated Northern LaSalle, Southern Caldwell, Northern Grant, and Eastern Winn Parishes are considered the Olla Market Area or Olla Region.

Education
The following schools operated by the La Salle Parish School Board serve the city:
 * Olla-Standard Elementary School (Olla)
 * La Salle Junior High School (Urania, Louisiana)
 * La Salle High School (Olla)

Notable people

 * Thomas "Bud" Brady, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1976 to 1988, resided in Olla
 * John Cooksey, Monroe ophthalmologist and former congressman, Louisiana's 5th congressional district, graduated from LaSalle High School
 * Kristy Curry, head coach of Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball
 * Ronald Jackson Hays, admiral, United States Navy, United States Naval Academy
 * Herman Johnson, New York Giants offensive guard
 * Gene Jones, film and television actor
 * Billy Masters, Denver Broncos tight end
 * J. Reed Walters, LaSalle Parish district attorney
 * Alfred (Al) Busby, born 1928-(92) town resident, former businessman, renowned transmission mechanic, ref. Al Busby day at town hall

title: Olla, Louisiana


text:
Urania, Louisiana

Urania is a town in La Salle Parish, Louisiana United States. The population was 1,313 at the 2010 census.

The late state Representative Thomas "Bud" Brady was born in Urania in 1938.

Geography
Urania is located at 31.86278°N, -92.29139°W (31.862835, -92.291261).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, of which 1.2 sqmi is land and 0.80% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 700 people, 274 households, and 201 families residing in the town. The population density was 563.5 PD/sqmi. There were 311 housing units at an average density of 250.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.00% White, 0.71% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.57% from other races, and 2.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.14% of the population.

There were 274 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.9% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,625, and the median income for a family was $29,167. Males had a median income of $22,404 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,517. About 18.7% of families and 24.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.6% of those under age 18 and 23.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The following schools operated by the La Salle Parish School Board serve the city:
 * Olla-Standard Elementary School (Olla)
 * La Salle Junior High School (Urania)
 * La Salle High School (Olla)

title: Urania, Louisiana


text:
Carencro, Louisiana

Carencro (historically Saint-Pierre ) is a city in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is a suburb of the nearby city of Lafayette. The population was 7,526 at the 2010 census, up from 6,120 in 2000; at the 2020 census, its population was 9,272. The name of the city is derived from the Cajun French word for buzzard; the spot where the community was settled was one where large flocks of American black vultures roosted in the bald cypress trees. The name means "carrion crow." Carencro is part of the Lafayette metropolitan area.

Etymology
Many senior Carencro natives attest that the town's name originates from before the American Civil War. According to this local legend, Native Americans told Vermilionville settlers that in old times a large number of "carrion crows" (vultures, called carencro in French) had settled around the Vermilion River between Lafayette and Opelousas, Louisiana to feast on a fish die-off.

There is a related theory, consistent with the spelling, that the place is named for the carencro tête rouge, a red-headed buzzard referred to by European explorers as early as 1699, and described in 1774 by Antoine-Simon Le Page du Pratz. Du Pratz described the bird as having black plumage and a head covered with red flesh. He said the Spanish government protected the birds, "for as they do not use the whole carcass of the buffaloes which (the Spaniards) kill, those birds eat what they leave, which otherwise, by rotting on the ground, would ... infect the air."

In a letter written on April 23, 1802, Martin Duralde, a former commandant of the Opelousas post, related the legend as it had come down from an Attakapas Indian. Duralde wrote:"'Many years before the discovery of the elephant in the bayou called Carancro [sic] an Attakapas savage had informed a man who is at present in my service in the capacity of cow-herd that the ancestors of his nation transmitted (the story) to their descendants that a beast of enormous size had perished either in this bayou or in one of the two water courses a short distance from it without their being able to indicate the true place, the antiquity of the event having without doubt made them forget it.'" (Note: The mastodon became extinct 4500–10,000 years ago)

A late 19th-century account stated the legend came from buzzards (vultures) feasting on a mastodon carcass. Its fossilized bones were reportedly discovered and collected by a French naturalist in the 18th century and shipped to the Jardin des Plantes of Paris, but the ship was wrecked on the way, and the bones were lost at sea. The only relic of the mastodon was a femur or leg bone, which was kept by an early settler, the first Guilbeau. He used it as a pestle to bruise indigo for processing, a crop then cultivated in the Attakapas Indian country. The Indians termed the birds carecros; and from the spot where the mastodon died, the river takes the name of Bayou Carencro.

First called St. Pierre, in the late 19th century, the town was renamed Carencro, after the "carrion crow" (vulture) legend. Although Carencro's current town center lies well west of the Vermilion River, this legend has permanence within the community.

Some people think that the name comes from the Spanish carnero, meaning "bone pile." This idea also comes from the mastodon legend, and the idea that the buzzards left nothing but a pile of white bones after they had picked the mastodon clean.

Early settlement
Few European people settled in the Carencro area (around Lafayette) until the coming of the Acadian refugees in the 18th century. Some of the Acadians transported in 1765 to the Attakapas district were given lands along Bayou Carencro, although probably not in what is now the town of Carencro. At that time, Jean and Marin Mouton, Charles Peck, Louis Pierre Arceneaux and others began to establish vacheries in the vicinity. More cattlemen would follow after 1770, when Spanish Gov. Alejandro O'Reilly decreed that "a grant of 42 arpents [42 arpent] in front by 42 in depth could be issued only to those who owned 100 head of tame cattle, some sheep and horses, and two slaves to oversee them."

In 1769, Juan Kelly and Eduardo Nugent toured the area for the government and reported to O'Reilly that "the inhabitants maintain everything imaginable in the way of livestock, such as cows, horses and sheep." A Frenchman named Lyonnet, visiting in 1793, found thousands of cattle on the Attakapas and Opelousas prairies.

Jean and Marin Mouton were among the early settlers on Bayou Carencro. Other early settlers in the Carencro area were Charles Peck, Traveille Bernard, Rosamond Breaux, Ovignar Arceneaux, and the Babineaux family. An 1803 census of the Carencro area listed family names including Arceneaux, Babineaux, Benoit, Bernard, Breaux, Carmouche, Caruthers, Comeaux, Cormier, Guilbeaux, Hébert, Holway, LeBlanc, Melançon, Mire, Mouton, Pierre, Prejean, Roger, St. Julien, Savoie, and Thibodeaux.

First post office
The first post office in Carencro was established on January 11, 1872, with Auguste Melchior as postmaster. The telegraph line reached there in 1884. The first telephones were installed by the Teche and Vermilion Telephone Line in 1894. The company was headquartered in New Iberia.

Historic churches
According to Roger Baudier's history of the Catholic Church of Louisiana, the Carencro area was first served from Grand Coteau, Louisiana, later from Vermilionville, and then from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

The parish of St. Peter was established in 1874 and the archdiocese sent Father Andre Marie Guillot as its first pastor. Before a church was built at Carencro, services were held in the Carmouche blacksmith shop. The church was initially called St. Pierre au Carencro, named for Pierre Cormier, who donated land for the first church. Father Guillot died of yellow fever while serving in Carencro. He was buried in the church cemetery.

According to Baudier, "(Father Guillot's) successor was Father J.F Suriray. Trouble with the parishioners arose and Father Suriray was threatened by the people.  Some three years after his coming to Carencro, he was obliged to leave.  Some time after, the church was destroyed by fire and the parish remained without a pastor until 1883."

A plaque outside the later church notes the land was donated by the Jean Jacques Coussan family. A new church was built in 1893, but was destroyed by a tornado before it was ever used. Another church was built, and it burned in 1904. The current church was built in 1906 under the administration of Father F.J. Grimeaux, who served the parish for some 25 years. In addition, he organized the Carencro Brass Band and played clarinet with it.

A young carpenter named Hector Connolly worked for $2.50 a day to build the 110-foot steeple.

The Church of the Assumption was built in 1925 to serve a Black congregation. The Holy Ghost Fathers accepted an invitation to direct the parish and sent Father Joseph Dolan as the first pastor. Assumption Church continues to operate today with its original structure. This is the only white, wood-frame structure of its kind in the Diocese of Lafayette.

Our Lady of the Assumption Religious Complex consists of the church, rectory, school, Drexel Parish Hall (former Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Convent), the church cemetery, and St. Katharine Drexel Shrine. The complex was listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places in November 2001.

Historic schools
In 1870 Auguste Melchior, a Frenchman from New Orleans, was appointed as director of the Lafayette Parish educational system. In 1874, what was probably the first school in Carencro, was opened on his farm in town. His wife, Viviana Carencro, taught at the village school.

In 1889, Carencro had two private schools. Charles Heichelheim, a German, ran a school for boys, and Edmond Villére operated one for both boys and girls. That year, the first public school was built in Carencro. A second story was added to it 10 years later. The school became an approved high school about 1917.

About the turn of the century, Father J.B. Laforet sold three lots to Mother St. Patrick of the Sisters of Mount Carmel. They opened St. Ann's School of Carencro, in 1897.

Assumption School was built in 1932 and was staffed by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. It brought together Black students from several smaller Catholic schools in the area. The school was operated with funding from Saint Katharine Drexel of New Orleans.

After the 1950s, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament taught at Carencro Catholic School, located at the west end of Church Street. In the early 1980s, the students of Assumption School were combined with those of St. Pierre School to form Carencro Catholic.

Economic prosperity
The Opelousas Courier reported on the young settlement at least twice during the year 1879. The April 19 edition stated, ''"This little village is rapidly expanding. ... The grounds of the church have been planted in trees and enclosed with a fence of a new kind. This enclosure is of iron wire and armed with steel barbs, forming a barrier inaccessible to animals."  On September 6, the newspaper gave this account: "The little village of St. Pierre, at Carencro, born only a short time ago, tends to stretch itself in an astonishing fashion with numbers of buildings where all kinds of trades and professions are prospering there.  Many beautiful stores, well assorted with that which meets the needs of the inhabitants, are established there since a short time ago and we note, among others, the fine establishment of Mr. Ignace Bernard near the church." ''

By 1889, Carencro had two sugar factories, one operated by J.C. Couvillon, and another run by I. Singleton. In 1894, Victor E. Dupuis, one of the larger cane growers of the area, formed the Carencro Sugar Company to build another sugar mill alongside Morgan's Railroad. The sugar mills in the area closed about 1900.

There were several horse-powered cotton gins in Carencro before 1876. In that year, Avignac Arceneaux built the first steam-powered gin in the parish. Four more gins were built there in the late 1880s and in the 1890s. In 1889, 1,800 bales of cotton were shipped from the Carencro Station. Cotton gins continued to operate in Carencro until the middle 1970s, when the last two, Cotton Products Co. and Farmer's Gin Co., were closed.

Merchants and plantation owners
In 1891, historian William Henry Perrin suggested that "there is no prettier site for a town (than Carencro) nor one with more solid advantages than comprised in this place. "

Among leading merchants in the 1890s were the Brown Brothers, Jacob Mitchell, D. Daret, A.G. Guilbeau, G. Schmuler, C. Micou, and J.C. Martin.

People owning large plantations near the town were Mrs. Z. Broussard, Dr. R.J. Francez, Mrs. O.C. Mouton, Louis Roger, Mrs. F. Abadie, C.C. Brown, St. Clair Kilchrist, V.C. Dupuis. and L.J. Arceneaux. Entrepreneur Charles J. Richard opened the town's lumberyard along the Southern Pacific Railroad. Nearly 100 years later, the enterprise closed during a regional economic recession in 1985.

Modern
Carencro's St. Peter's Catholic Church and cemetery form an artistic centerpiece of the town. St. Peter's Catholic Church has an ornate cypress-carved entrance, altar and narthex, as well as intricate pew end caps. These unique end caps were designed by Catholic Frs. Wassler and Edwards (now both deceased). In one period, the pews were 'sold' to parishioners for their use at worship to raise money for the church.

Carencro notables such as former postmaster William J. Broussard and former lumberyard owner Oliver Richard are buried in this cemetery. Carencro's cemetery is above ground, unlike low-lying areas to the east in the Atchafalaya Basin and areas south of Baton Rouge. These eschew the ground-level graves of Lafayette (as well as points west and north) for mausoleums because of the high water table.

The City Hall and Fire Station complex, designed by local architect Lynn Guidry, is a modern counterpoint to the traditional Catholic church. It can be seen at the southern turn of Church Street east of U.S. 182.

Geography
Carencro is located at 30.31417°N, -92.04361°W (30.314232, -92.043614) and has an elevation of 39 ft. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,272 people, 3,533 households, and 1,980 families residing in the city. According to the 2019 American Community Survey, its racial and ethnic makeup was 52.1% non-Hispanic white, 46.0% Black and African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian, 1.1% some other race, and 0.3% two or more races. The median household income was $39,162 and 19.0% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

At the 2000 U.S. census, there were 6,120 people, 2,237 households, and 1,579 families residing in the city. The population density was 1005.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,401 housing units at an average density of 394.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 56.37% White, 42.19% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latin Americans of any race were 1.09% of the population.

There were 2,237 households, out of which 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 21.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,716, and the median income for a family was $27,539. Males had a median income of $27,879 versus $21,496 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,491. About 24.1% of families and 29.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.6% of those under age 18 and 27.1% of those age 65 or over.

Sister city

 * Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada
 * Leuze-en-Hainaut, Belgium

title: Carencro, Louisiana