text:
Killona, Louisiana

Killona is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 724 in 2020. On December 14, 2022, the town was hit by a destructive and deadly EF2 tornado that damaged or destroyed numerous structures, killed one person, and injured eight others.

Geography
Killona is located at 29.99944°N, -90.48694°W (29.999471, -90.487081).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.3 sqmi, of which 8.5 sqmi is land and 0.9 sqmi (9.13%) is water.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools:
 * Hahnville High School in Boutte

Place of interest
Killona is home to the following:
 * Waterford 3—Operated by Entergy Nuclear, Waterford Nuclear Generating Station (aka Waterford 3), produces roughly 10% of power for the state of Louisiana.

title: Killona, Louisiana


text:
Luling, Louisiana

Luling is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. The population was 11,512 at the 2000 census and 12,119 at the 2010 census. At the 2020 census, 13,716 people lived in Luling. It is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Luling is part of the New Orleans—Metairie—Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Geography
Luling is located at 29.91333°N, -90.36389°W (29.913260, -90.364008) and has an elevation of 7 ft.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 19.5 sqmi of which 18.5 sqmi is land and 1.1 sqmi (5.42%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2020 United States census, there were 13,716 people, 4,713 households, and 3,767 families residing in the CDP. At the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 14,049 people living in the community, spread among 4,869 housing units. The racial and ethnic makeup of Luling was 78.2% non-Hispanic white, 15.1% African American, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% Asian, 2.2% some other race, and 1.8% from two or more races. The median age was 35.9, and 6.8% of the population were under 5 years of age. The median household income was $89,034; males had a median income of $70,865 versus $48,382 for females. An estimated 9.5% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

According to the 2000 United States census, there were 11,514 people, 3,899 households, and 3,224 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 622.7 PD/sqmi. There were 4,101 housing units at an average density of 221.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 81.98% White, 15.50% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latin Americans of any race were 2.69% of the population.

There were 3,899 households, out of which 44.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.3% were non-families. 14.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $56,114, and the median income for a family was $60,625. Males had a median income of $47,862 versus $26,869 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,439. About 7.0% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Luling is home to a major chemical factory operated by Bayer and formerly Monsanto. The plant is best known for producing Roundup, a popular herbicide and making Monsanto the world's single largest producer of glyphosate. This plant, however, was involved in a string of Louisianan controversies involving environmental safety of industrial chemical production, especially carcinogens, contributing to the Cancer Alley nickname.

George Prince tragedy
Before the Destrehan-Luling Bridge was completed in 1983, connecting the communities of Destrehan and Luling, automobile ferries connected the towns. On October 20, 1976, one of these ferries, the George Prince, was struck by a tanker and capsized as it crossed the Mississippi River. Seventy-eight passengers and crew died.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools:
 * Hahnville High School in Boutte
 * R.K Smith Middle School (grades 6-8) in Luling, opened in 2006
 * J. B. Martin Middle School (grades 6-8) in Paradis serves the Mimosa/Willowdale portions of Luling
 * Lakewood Elementary School (grades 3-5) in Luling
 * Mimosa Park Elementary School (grades K-2) in Luling
 * Luling Elementary School (grades K-5) in Luling

Events and traditions
Since 1978, Luling has held an annual Krewe of Lul parade on the weekend before Mardi Gras.

The Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana has held an annual Alligator Festival every September since 1980.

The United Way of St. Charles s hosts an annual 5K/10K race over the Hale Boggs Mississippi River Bridge each spring. United Way also holds their annual "Battle For The Paddle", a jambalaya & gumbo cook-off, in the fall.

Notable people

 * Darren Barbier - Head football coach at Nicholls State University
 * Barbara Colley - romance and mystery writer
 * Skyler Green - NFL wide receiver
 * Chris Markey - College and Professional running back
 * Darius Reynaud - NFL wide receiver

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

title: Luling, Louisiana


text:
Montz, Louisiana

Montz is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. It first appeared in the 2000 census with a population of 1,120. The 2020 census indicates a population of 2,106.

History

The Bonnet Carré Crevasse occurred in and near the present-day location of Montz. It was one of several levee breaches in the Bonnet Carré area in the mid-to-late-1800s. Bonnet Carré was approximately 50 kilometers from New Orleans, Louisiana. The breach occurred when excess water from the Mississippi River flowed over the east bank levee of Bonnet Carré.

Montz is located between LaPlace, Louisiana and the Bonnet Carré Spillway. It was separated from the other municipalities and communities on the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish by the construction of the spillway, which was completed in 1931.

On December 14, 2022, the town was hit by a destructive and deadly EF2 tornado that damaged or destroyed numerous structures, killed one person, and injured eight others.

Geography
Montz is located at 30.01861°N, -90.45056°W (30.018513, -90.450683).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.5 sqmi, of which 2.8 sqmi is land and 0.7 sqmi (19.66%) is water.

Demographics
In 2020, its population was 2,106, up from 1,918 at the 2010 census. Among its population in 2020, 74.26% were non-Hispanic white, 14.72% African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.76% other, 3.56% multiracial, and 5.60% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools, including:
 * Destrehan High School in Destrehan

title: Montz, Louisiana


text:
New Sarpy, Louisiana

New Sarpy is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,169 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville discovered an indigenous Bayagoula settlement located near the Mississippi River intersection with a tributary in present-day New Sarpy. The site was named L’Anse aux Outardes or Bustard’s Cove.

In 1722 and 1723, French, German, and newly arrived settlers from French Canada were granted lands on the east bank of the Mississippi River and moved from west bank German Coast villages to establish the first east bank settlement at L’Anse aux Outardes or Bustard’s Cove. The granting of lands on the east bank, led to the founding of the Second German Coast in 1730 and the establishment of officially having settlements on both banks of the Mississippi River.

Geography
New Sarpy is located at 29.97889°N, -90.38556°W (29.978937, -90.385492).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.3 km$2$), of which 1.7 square miles (4.4 km$2$) is land and 0.3 square mile (0.9 km$2$) (17.16%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,169 people, 441 households, and 353 families residing in the CDP.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools, including:
 * New Sarpy Elementary School
 * Destrehan High School in Destrehan

Popular culture
The film Bug, directed by William Friedkin, includes scenes shot at Migliore's Grocery and Boomerang's Bar, in New Sarpy. The scenes were filmed on August 2, 2005, and the film had its US theatrical release on May 25, 2007.

Notable people

 * Jerico Nelson, NFL safety for the New Orleans Saints

title: New Sarpy, Louisiana


text:
Norco, Louisiana

Norco is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,984 at the 2020 census. The community is home to a major Shell/Valero manufacturing complex. The CDP's name is derived from the New Orleans Refining Company.

Etymology
The community of Norco was once called "Sellers," after a wealthy family there. In 1911, the land was purchased by an agent for Shell Oil, and the New Orleans Refining Company (NORCO) was established. The community's name was officially changed from Sellers to Norco sometime after 1926.

History
By the late 18th century, French and European colonial settlers had established numerous sugar cane plantations. They imported enslaved Africans as laborers. As sugar cane cultivation was highly labor-intensive, the slave population greatly outnumbered the ethnic Europeans in the colony, a circumstance that continued after the Louisiana Purchase by the United States in 1803.

On January 8, 1811, planters were alarmed by the German Coast Uprising led by Charles Deslondes, a free person of color from Haiti (formerly the French colony of Saint-Domingue). It was the largest slave uprising in US history, though it resulted in few white fatalities. Deslondes and his followers had been influenced by the ideas of the French and Haitian revolutions. In 1809–1810, French-speaking refugees from the Revolution immigrated by the thousands to New Orleans and Louisiana: white planters and their slaves, and free people of color, adding to the French Creole, African and free people of color populations.

Deslondes led followers to the plantation of Col. Manuel André, where they had hoped to seize stored arms, but those had been moved. The band traveled downriver, gathering more slaves for the insurrection as they marched. They were armed simply with hand tools and accompanied their progress by drums. More than 200 men participated in the uprising; they killed two white men on their march toward New Orleans. The alarm was raised, and both militia and regular troops were called out by Gov. William C.C. Claiborne to put down the short-lived revolt. The white militia and troops killed 95 slaves in total, many immediately and others in executions after quick trials.

Since 1995 members of the African American History Alliance of Louisiana have gathered annually at Norco in January to commemorate the events of the German Coast Uprising, when men of color reached for freedom decades before the American Civil War and emancipation. They have been joined by descendants of the insurgents.

In 1942, a Catholic Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, was founded.

In 2021, Hurricane Ida passed through the area, leaving the oil refineries/chemical plants spewing toxic chemicals through flaring.

Geography
Norco is located at 30.00389°N, -90.41083°W (30.003753, -90.410824). The city is situated on the eastern edge of the large Bonnet Carré Spillway, which provides for an outlet from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain during flooding of the river.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.4 sqmi, of which 3.0 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (12.83%) is water.

There are two distinct neighborhoods in Norco, one of which is 'Diamond' that spans about four blocks and it is 100% African American and the other neighborhood in Norco is 98% white.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,984 people, 1,201 households, and 750 families residing in the CDP.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools, including:
 * Norco Elementary K-3 School
 * Norco Elementary 4-6 School
 * Destrehan High School in Destrehan

Prior to 1969 Mary M. Bethune High School in Norco served area black students; that year it closed, with high school students moved to Destrehan High School.

Notable people

 * Minor Hall, jazz drummer
 * Tubby Hall, jazz drummer
 * James Brown Humphrey, Musician, bandleader, and music instructor
 * Damaris Johnson, NFL wide receiver/punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans
 * Jamall Johnson, NFL and CFL linebacker and actor
 * Rondell Mealey, NFL running back for the Green Bay Packers
 * Gregory A. Miller, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from St. Charles Parish, was reared in Norco.
 * Ralph R. Miller, member of the Louisiana House from 1968 to 1980 and 1982 to 1992; father of Gregory A. Miller
 * George T. Oubre, state senator from 1968 to 1972 for St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist parishes; candidate for state attorney general in December 1971, while residing in Norco
 * Jeremy Parquet, NFL offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Rusty Rebowe, NFL linebacker for the New Orleans Saints
 * Tim Rebowe, Head football coach at Nicholls State University
 * Darrington Sentimore, NFL defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals
 * Gary Smith, Jr., Louisiana state senator

In popular culture

 * The eponymous video game NORCO takes place in the alternative future Norco and the surrounding area.

title: Norco, Louisiana


text:
Paradis, Louisiana

Paradis is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,252 at the 2000 census and 1,242 in 2020.

Geography
Paradis is located at 29.87778°N, -90.43556°W (29.877743, -90.435598).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.3 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
In 2020, its population was 1,242, down from 1,252 in 2000.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools:
 * R. J. Vial Elementary School (grades 3–5) - Opened in 1975
 * J.B. Martin Middle School (grades 6–8)
 * Hahnville High School in Boutte

title: Paradis, Louisiana


text:
St. Rose, Louisiana

Saint Rose (usually written as St. Rose) is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. St. Rose is on the east bank of the Mississippi River, two miles (3 km) north of the Jefferson Parish border and is part of the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. The population was 6,540 in the 2000 census, and 7,504 in 2020.

History
The LaBranche Plantation Dependency House is located in St. Rose. It is a surviving building of the LaBranche Plantation. The main house was the plantation home built by the Zweig family in 1792. The plantation was based on the cultivation and processing of sugar cane and was dependent on slave labor. The big house was destroyed during the Civil War. One of the few buildings left on the property after the Civil War was the dependency house, also called a garconnière (French for bachelor quarters). The property also has a preserved slave quarters building.

In 1873, Palmer Elkins purchased property in St. Rose. In 1880, Elkins invited freedman and their families to move onto his property to receive training. He established what became known as "Elkinsville" or "Freetown".

Geography
St. Rose is located at 29.96056°N, -90.31306°W (29.960421, -90.313094).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.0 square miles (13.0 km$2$), of which 4.0 square miles (10.5 km$2$) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km$2$) (19.88%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,504 people, 2,914 households, and 1,905 families residing in the CDP.

Education
St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools, including:
 * St. Rose Elementary School (PK-5)
 * Albert Cammon Middle School (6-8)
 * Destrehan High School in Destrehan

Notable people

 * Macon Clark, NFL safety for the Chicago Bears
 * Burnell Dent, NFL linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants
 * Snooks Eaglin, guitarist and singer
 * Roy Ebron, Basketball player in the ABA
 * Shelley Hennig, Miss Teen USA 2004 and actress
 * Jordan Jefferson, NFL quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
 * Justin Jefferson, NFL wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings
 * Curtis Johnson, Head football coach at Tulane University and NFL assistant coach
 * Beulah Levy Ledner, Dessert and pastry chef
 * Ed Reed, College Football Hall of Fame and NFL Hall of Fame safety for the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and New York Jets
 * Darryl Richard, NFL defensive tackle for the New England Patriots
 * Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, Co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago
 * Gary Tyler, who is believed to have been wrongly convicted of murder in 1974. He was released in 2016.
 * Josh Victorian, NFL cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Darius Vinnett, NFL cornerback for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons
 * Michael Young Jr., NFL wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts

title: St. Rose, Louisiana


text:
Taft, Louisiana

Taft is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River.

History
Taft is the location of a phosphate processing facility owned by The Mosaic Company (formerly IMC-Agrico); the Dow/Union Carbide Taft/Star Petrochemical Plant, which produces a variety of organic chemicals such as acrolein, acrylic acid, and acetaldehyde; and part of the Waterford Nuclear Generating Station owned by Entergy Corporation. Virtually all of the land is now zoned as heavy industrial.

Taft was the original site of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, which served Taft, Killona and Hahnville. The church was built in 1877, and in 1963, it moved to Hahnville. The cemetery is still in Taft and is still used as a burial ground by the church. It is bounded on three sides by the Dow chemical facilities.

Population was 700 when the first post office opened in 1905, and it remained in operation until 1967. By 1977, only 36 people lived in Taft.

In December, 1982, a major explosion occurred at the Union Carbide facility about 30 miles from New Orleans, causing nearly 17,000 people to evacuate.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, of which 1.7 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi is water. The CDP is located on the Mississippi River, across from Norco and Montz.

Demographics
The CDP first appeared in the 2000 census with a total population of zero.

title: Taft, Louisiana


text:
Greensburg, Louisiana

Greensburg is a town in, and the parish seat of, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 629 in 2020. It is part of the Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical area.

Greensburg is one of the oldest towns in Louisiana. It has two 19th-century properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the old land office and the old parish jail.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.5 sqmi, of which 2.5 sqmi is land and 0.40% is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Greensburg has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 629 people, 232 households, and 159 families residing in the town.

Education
Greensburg and all of St. Helena Parish are served by the St. Helena Parish School System. Zoned campuses include St. Helena Early Learning Center Elementary (Grades PK-2), St. Helena Art and Technology Academy (Grades 3-6), and St. Helena College and Career Academy (Grades 7-12).

Notable people

 * The parents of actor and director Tyler Perry are from Greensburg. In their honor, Perry made Greensburg the birthplace of his most famous character, Madea.
 * Stacy Aline Singleton Head, Democratic member of the New Orleans City Council, reared in Greensburg
 * Doris Lindsey Holland Rhodes, first woman to serve in the Louisiana Legislature, born and lived in Greensburg.
 * Joseph Dunn, born and reared in Greensburg, was named a Chevalier (Knight) in the French National Order of Merit in 2021 by decree of the French President Emmanuel Macron and was inducted into the Ordre des Francophones d'Amérique by the Québec Ministry of the French Language in 2023. As of January 2024, Joseph Dunn is the Honorary Consul of Canada in New Orleans.

title: Greensburg, Louisiana


text:
Montpelier, Louisiana

Montpelier is a village in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 197 in 2020. It is part of the Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical area.

Montpelier was the parish seat from 1812-1832.

Geography
Montpelier is located at 30.67972°N, -90.65472°W (30.679697, -90.654585).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.8 km$2$), of which 1.9 square miles (4.8 km$2$) is land and 0.53% is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 197 people, 135 households, and 90 families residing in the village.

Education
Montpelier and all of St. Helena Parish are served by the St. Helena Parish School System. Zoned campuses include St. Helena Central Arts and Technology Academy (Grades 3-6), St. Helena Early Learning Center (Grades PK-2), and St. Helena College and Career Academy (Grades 7-12).

title: Montpelier, Louisiana


text:
Gramercy, Louisiana

Gramercy is a town in the U.S. state of Louisiana, in St. James Parish. It is part of the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. The population was 3,613 at the time of the 2010 U.S. census and 3,188 according to the 2020 population estimates program.

History
Gramercy was originally an American Indian and French settlement and trading post. In 1739, much of the area which is now known as Gramercy was sold to Joseph Delille Dupart, Commissioner of Indian Nations under Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The town was incorporated in November 1947. A historic sugar mill was established in Gramercy in 1895, which became the Colonial Sugar Refinery in 1902. The National Park Service has designated the site as the Colonial Sugar National Historic District.

Geography
Gramercy is located at 30.05389°N, -90.68917°W (30.053907, -90.689154). The town of Gramercy is bordered on the west by the town of Lutcher and on the south by the Mississippi River. Gramercy is approximately 36 miles west of New Orleans

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.1 sqmi, of which 2.1 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (1.42%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,932 people, 1,177 households, and 954 families residing in the town. The 2019 American Community Survey determined the racial and ethnic makeup of the town was 46.8% non-Hispanic white, 52.1% Black and African American, and 1,1% Asian. Of the population, males had a median income of $45,071 versus $38,306 for females. The median household income was $57,750, and 17.7% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

At the 2000 United States census, there were 3,066 people, 1,090 households, and 833 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,477.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,163 housing units at an average density of 560.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 63.60% White, 34.83% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.10% Asian, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latin Americans of any race were 0.72% of the population.

In 2000, there were 1,090 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.5% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.27. In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males at the 2000 U.S. census.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $33,824, and the median income for a family was $39,350. Males had a median income of $39,013 versus $22,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,040. About 17.4% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Industry
Gramercy is the home of Zapp's Potato Chips and Louisiana Sugar Refining, LLC (LSR).

LSR operates a state-of-the-art sugar refinery with a capacity of 3,100 tons per day. The refinery employs about 150 people. LSR is located in the Colonial Sugars National Historic District.

title: Gramercy, Louisiana


text:
Zeta distribution

In probability theory and statistics, the zeta distribution is a discrete probability distribution. If X is a zeta-distributed random variable with parameter s, then the probability that X takes the integer value k is given by the probability mass function

 * $$f_s(k)=k^{-s}/\zeta(s)\,$$

where ζ(s) is the Riemann zeta function (which is undefined for s = 1).

The multiplicities of distinct prime factors of X are independent random variables.

The Riemann zeta function being the sum of all terms $$k^{-s}$$ for positive integer k, it appears thus as the normalization of the Zipf distribution. The terms "Zipf distribution" and the "zeta distribution" are often used interchangeably. But while the Zeta distribution is a probability distribution by itself, it is not associated to the Zipf's law with same exponent.

Definition
The Zeta distribution is defined for positive integers $$k \geq 1$$, and its probability mass function is given by
 * $$ P(x=k) = \frac 1 {\zeta(s)} k^{-s} $$,

where $$s>1$$ is the parameter, and $$\zeta(s)$$ is the Riemann zeta function.

The cumulative distribution function is given by
 * $$P(x \leq k) = \frac{H_{k,s}}{\zeta(s)},$$

where $$H_{k,s}$$ is the generalized harmonic number
 * $$H_{k,s} = \sum_{i=1}^k \frac 1 {i^s}.$$

Moments
The nth raw moment is defined as the expected value of Xn:

 * $$m_n = E(X^n) = \frac{1}{\zeta(s)}\sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac{1}{k^{s-n}}$$

The series on the right is just a series representation of the Riemann zeta function, but it only converges for values of $$s-n$$ that are greater than unity. Thus:

 * $$m_n =\left\{

\begin{matrix} \zeta(s-n)/\zeta(s) & \textrm{for}~n < s-1 \\ \infty & \textrm{for}~n \ge s-1 \end{matrix} \right. $$

The ratio of the zeta functions is well-defined, even for n > s − 1 because the series representation of the zeta function can be analytically continued. This does not change the fact that the moments are specified by the series itself, and are therefore undefined for large n.

Moment generating function
The moment generating function is defined as

 * $$M(t;s) = E(e^{tX}) = \frac{1}{\zeta(s)} \sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac{e^{tk}}{k^s}.$$

The series is just the definition of the polylogarithm, valid for $$e^t<1$$ so that

 * $$M(t;s) = \frac{\operatorname{Li}_s(e^t)}{\zeta(s)}\text{ for }t<0.$$

Since this does not converge on an open interval containing $$ t=0$$, the moment generating function does not exist.

The case s = 1
ζ(1) is infinite as the harmonic series, and so the case when s = 1 is not meaningful. However, if A is any set of positive integers that has a density, i.e. if

 * $$\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{N(A,n)}{n}$$

exists where N(A, n) is the number of members of A less than or equal to n, then

 * $$\lim_{s\to 1^+}P(X\in A)\,$$

is equal to that density.

The latter limit can also exist in some cases in which A does not have a density. For example, if A is the set of all positive integers whose first digit is d, then A has no density, but nonetheless the second limit given above exists and is proportional to

 * $$\log(d+1) - \log(d) = \log\left(1+\frac{1}{d}\right),\,$$

which is Benford's law.

Infinite divisibility
The Zeta distribution can be constructed with a sequence of independent random variables with a geometric distribution. Let $$p$$ be a prime number and $$X(p^{-s})$$ be a random variable with a geometric distribution of parameter $$p^{-s}$$, namely

$$\quad\quad\quad \mathbb{P}\left( X(p^{-s}) = k \right) = p^{-ks } (1 - p^{-s} )$$

If the random variables $$( X(p^{-s}) )_{p \in \mathcal{P} }$$ are independent, then, the random variable $$Z_s$$ defined by

$$\quad\quad\quad Z_s = \prod_{p \in \mathcal{P} } p^{ X(p^{-s}) }$$

has the zeta distribution: $$\mathbb{P}\left( Z_s = n \right) = \frac{1}{ n^s \zeta(s) }$$.

Stated differently, the random variable $$\log(Z_s) = \sum_{p \in \mathcal{P} } X(p^{-s}) \, \log(p)$$ is infinitely divisible with Lévy measure given by the following sum of Dirac masses:

$$\quad\quad\quad \Pi_s(dx) = \sum_{p \in \mathcal{P} } \sum_{k \geqslant 1 } \frac{p^{-k s}}{k} \delta_{k \log(p) }(dx)$$

title: Zeta distribution


text:
Lutcher, Louisiana

Lutcher is a town in St. James Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. It is part of the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. The population was 3,559 at the 2010 U.S. census, and 3,127 at the 2020 population estimates program.

History
Lutcher was established as a sawmill town, named after Henry J. Lutcher who was a sawmill operator and businessman. Lutcher is also where James Mather and his family established a sugar plantation, and where Mather died in 1821. The Bank of Lutcher was organized by George H. Jones, M. D., son of Dr. John Welch Jones.

Starting in the late 1800s, Christmas bonfires are built along the Mississippi River levee near Lutcher. This tradition has often occurred on Christmas Eve and it says that the bonfires are made to light a path for Papa Noel.

On August 29, 2005, Lutcher sustained damage from Hurricane Katrina. On the same day sixteen years later, the town sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ida.

Geography
Lutcher is located at 30.04889°N, -90.69972°W (30.048867, -90.699744). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.8 km2), of which 3.4 square miles (8.7 km2) is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1 km2) (0.88%) is water. Lutcher is bordered by the Mississippi River and the town of Gramercy. Lutcher is approximately 36 miles west of New Orleans

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,133 people, 1,321 households, and 942 families residing in the town. At the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of Lutcher was 51.9% non-Hispanic white, 46.4% Black and African American, and 1.7% Hispanic and Latin American of any race. The median household income from 2015 to 2019 was $44,347, and males had a median annual income of $52,589 versus $41,722 for females. An estimated 11.2% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

At the 2000 U.S. census, there were 3,735 people, 1,252 households, and 986 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,107.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,368 housing units at an average density of 405.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 49.91% White, 49.77% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.03% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.19% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latin Americans of any race were 0.35% of the population.

There were 1,252 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 19.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.2% were non-families. 18.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.33. In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.1 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $34,167, and the median income for a family was $42,317. Males had a median income of $40,769 versus $22,257 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,129. About 21.1% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.2% of those under age 18 and 18.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. James Parish Public Schools operates public schools:
 * Lutcher High School (7–12)

Notable people

 * Roy Bourgeois, human rights activist and laicized Catholic priest
 * Randal Gaines, former resident and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes
 * David Jones, jazz musician
 * Jarvis Landry, American football player
 * Ron Landry, lawyer and Louisiana state senator
 * Henry J. Lutcher, sawmiller
 * James Mather, mayor of New Orleans
 * Leon Roppolo, early jazz clarinetist
 * Lionel Washington, American football player and coach
 * Lenny Webster, former resident and former catcher for the Minnesota Twins.

title: Lutcher, Louisiana


text:
North Vacherie, Louisiana

North Vacherie is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. James Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,411 at the 2000 census. Vacherie was noted in the 2000 census as being the town with the least mobility of all in the United States.

Geography
North Vacherie is located at 29.99333°N, -90.71417°W (29.993379, -90.714089).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.6 square miles (30.1 km$2$), of which 11.0 square miles (28.5 km$2$) is land and 0.6 square mile (1.6 km$2$) (5.25%) is water.

North Vacherie is known more popularly amongst locals as "Front Vacherie." Officially, both North Vacherie and South Vacherie are known overall as "Vacherie." South Vacherie is locally known as "Back Vacherie." The "unofficial" divider is Louisiana Highway 3127 which runs through the town from east to west.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,411 people, 763 households, and 618 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 219.1 PD/sqmi. There were 829 housing units at an average density of 75.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 24.55% White, 75.36% African American and Franco-African, 0.04% from other races, and 0.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 763 households, out of which 41.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 26.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.0% were non-families. 16.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 3.57.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.0% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,154, and the median income for a family was $32,404. Males had a median income of $37,700 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,032. About 20.7% of families and 21.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.8% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. James Parish Public Schools operates public schools. St. James High School is located in Vacherie. Vacherie Elementary School in South Vacherie serves the community.

title: North Vacherie, Louisiana


text:
South Vacherie, Louisiana

South Vacherie is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. James Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 3,543 at the 2000 census. In French, the name defines a cattle range for grazing.

Geography
South Vacherie, is located at 29.93667°N, -90.69417°W (29.936670, -90.694230).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 15.5 square miles (40.2 km$2$), all land.

South Vacherie is known more popularly among locals as "Back Vacherie." Officially, both North Vacherie and South Vacherie are known overall as "Vacherie." North Vacherie is locally known as "Front Vacherie." The "unofficial" divider is Louisiana Highway 3127 which runs through the town from east to west. Another divider that is commonly accepted for the dividing line of Front Vacherie and Back Vacherie is St Patrick's St which runs east to west approximately 1 1/8 miles south of LA Hwy. 3127.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,543 people, 1,233 households, and 976 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 228.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,312 housing units at an average density of 84.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 67.94% White, 31.64% African American, 0.03% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.25% of the population.

There were 1,233 households, out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.8% were non-families. 18.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,490, and the median income for a family was $53,053. Males had a median income of $37,857 versus $21,724 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,241. About 11.8% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. James Parish Public Schools operates public schools. St. James High School is located in Vacherie. Vacherie Elementary School in South Vacherie serves the community.

title: South Vacherie, Louisiana


text:
Edgard, Louisiana

Edgard is a census-designated place (CDP) in, and the parish seat of, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,637 at the 2000 census and 1,948 in 2020. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area. Edgard is part of the German Coast of Louisiana.

History
One of the parish's first communities and a social haunt of the privateer Jean Lafitte, Edgard has been the parish seat since 1848. Originally named St. John the Baptist for the Catholic church at its heart, Edgard was renamed in 1850 for its postmaster, Edgar Perret. Edgard's first St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (1772) was destroyed by the Poché Crévasse in 1821. Another church was soon erected. In 1918 fire gutted the building. Parishioners gave generously to replace the church and, by the time the new church opened its doors, all debts had been paid.

The economic history of Edgard included a sawmill operated by Severin Tassin, a brick factory begun in 1878, and numerous sugar plantations that operated in the century between 1794 and 1894. By 1899, more than fifty family-owned sugar houses (sugar mills) were still operating.

The majority of the town's folk worked in the sugar houses, in the fields, or in support of the sugar industry. Many families leased land from the Caires and Graugnards on Columbia Plantation, cultivating their own produce to sell. In 1899, the Mississippi River presented excitement when in the late winter, ice could be seen floating downstream. The ice flows jammed the river, interrupting ship traffic for several days.

In early Edgard, a favorite event of many townspeople was the arrival of the showboat, which would dock at Caire's Landing. They never knew when the next boat would arrive. When it did and sounded its calliope, the instrument could be heard as far away as Wallace. Modern vessels still pass by on the river.

Geography
Edgard is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River and has an elevation of 13 ft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.9 sqmi, of which 15.5 sqmi is land and 2.3 sqmi (13.09%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,948 people, 571 households, and 348 families residing in the CDP.

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,637 people, 857 households, and 695 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 169.7 PD/sqmi. There were 905 housing units at an average density of 58.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 4.59% White, 94.84% African American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. The cultural groups for Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.15% of the population.

There were 857 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 30.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.51.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,865, and the median income for a family was $29,706. Males had a median income of $31,029 versus $22,688 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,635. About 25.9% of families and 29.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.3% of those under age 18 and 34.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates public schools in the community.

Notable people

 * Dave Bartholomew, a musician and songwriter who was a 1991 inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
 * George E. Burch, Medical school professor and cardiologist of international repute.
 * Robert R. Burch, physician, author, and inventor.
 * Etienne J. Caire, sugar cane farmer, businessman, owned the E. J. Caire Store in Edgard for many years; Republican candidate for governor in 1928 against Huey Pierce Long, Jr.
 * Gerard Walton Caire (born 1931), Republican judge of the 40th Judicial District Court in Edgard; grandson of Etienne J. Caire
 * Sidonie de la Houssaye, 19th century writer
 * Dave Malone, guitarist/vocalist, and sometimes songwriter, of The Radiators.
 * Tommy Malone, guitarist/vocalist, and songwriter, of The Subdudes.
 * Steve Amedee, percussionist of The Subdudes.
 * Terry Robiskie, a former American football player and current wide receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
 * Tyson Jackson, who was selected with the number three pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the highest selection of any Louisiana State University defensive player ever at the time of the pick. Tyson net worth is over 43 million US dollars.
 * Quinn Johnson, who was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, attended Louisiana State University.
 * Juan Joseph, who was selected in 2009 by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Juan was the 2008 Conerly Trophy winner while attending Millsaps College.

title: Edgard, Louisiana


text:
Garyville, Louisiana

Garyville is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,775 at the 2000 census and 2,123 in 2020. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The Garyville Refinery, built in 1976 by Marathon Petroleum Company, is the third-largest oil refinery in the United States.

Geography
Garyville is located at 30.05722°N, -90.61861°W (30.057346, -90.618488).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.4 sqmi, of which 20.9 sqmi is land and 1.4 sqmi is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,123 people, 822 households, and 504 families residing in the CDP. As of the census of 2000, there were 2,775 people, 913 households, and 717 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 132.6 PD/sqmi. There were 984 housing units at an average density of 47.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 46.49% White, 52.43% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.04% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.

There were 913 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 24.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.48.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,375, and the median income for a family was $34,155. Males had a median income of $34,639 versus $21,154 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,998. About 24.1% of families and 28.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.3% of those under the age of 18 and 30.2% of those 65 and older.

Attempt at incorporation
A referendum on the incorporation of Garyville was held on July 19, 2008, but failed to pass. The proposed city limits of Garyville would have contained several petrochemical industrial sites, providing the bulk of the new city's tax revenue. Louisiana Supreme Court-appointed ad hoc judge Anne Lennan Simon ruled on July 15, 2008, that the areas zoned as designated industrial areas included the facilities of Marathon Petroleum Company, Nalco Co., Gramercy Alumina LLC, Cargill Inc., and Evonik-Stockhausen Inc., thus reducing the city's proposed income from "about $144 million to about $28 million."

Education
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates public schools in the community.

Areas in Garyville are zoned to:
 * Garyville-Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School
 * East St. John High School

title: Garyville, Louisiana


text:
LaPlace, Louisiana

LaPlace is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States, situated along the east bank of the Mississippi River, in the New Orleans metropolitan area. In 2020, it had a population of 28,841.

LaPlace is the southern terminus of Interstate 55, where it joins with Interstate 10, and of US 51, where it terminates at the junction with US 61. LaPlace is located 25 mi west of New Orleans.

Pre-European
The Chitimacha lived in the region prior to the arrival of European colonists. The tribe’s lands once encompassed the entire Atchafalaya Basin, westward to Lafayette, southward to the Gulf of Mexico and eastward to the New Orleans area. The Chitimacha tribe currently resides on a reservation in St. Mary Parish.

European colonization
Present-day LaPlace was settled by German immigrants in the early 18th century during Louisiana's French colonial period, as part of a larger settlement on the bank of the Mississippi called Karlstein. Karlstein was one of the four settlements collectively known as the "German Coast" (la Côte des Allemands), having been populated by German-speaking immigrants since 1721. French and Acadians intermarried with the Germans, and the area came to be known as Bonnet Carré (French for "square bonnet"). The name Bonnet Carré was inspired by the right-angle turn of the Mississippi river near the settlement and its resemblance to a square bonnet.

1811 Slave Revolt
Manual Andry built Woodland plantation in 1793 and forced enslaved people to cultivate sugarcane there. The amount of money he stole from their forced labor was sizable. Severe violence was inflicted on the enslaved people, as had been common in Haiti (and had led to a successful slave rebellion there). In early January 1811, slaves at Woodland Plantation and several nearby plantations attempted the German Coast Uprising. A group of 200-500 slaves armed with guns, axes, and cane knives set out from LaPlace to conquer New Orleans and gain freedom for themselves and others. Local white "militia" men crushed the rebellion within three days, and nearly 100 slaves were either killed in battle, slaughtered by pursuing militia, or executed after summary trials by planter tribunals. Although more slaves may have participated in the Black Seminole rebellion in 1836 and the whole of the Second Seminole War, this is now considered the largest slave rebellion.

Post-Civil War developments
In 1879, pharmacist, planter, and patent medicine purveyor Basile Laplace arrived from New Orleans and established a large plantation in Bonnet Carré. In 1883, he allowed the New Orleans and Baton Rouge Railroad to cut through his land. The settlement's railroad depot was named after Laplace, then the post office, and eventually the town itself.

In the 1920s, Woodland Plantation was bought by the Montegut family, but the most famous person born there may have been Kid Ory, who was born in an outbuilding and later led a successful New Orleans jazz band.

Weather events
In the period between 1850 and 1883, the levee on the east bank of the Mississippi flooded several times. In 1850, a flood created the Bonnet Carré Crevasse, a levee breach that was more than a mile wide. Several major floods were exacerbated by this crevasse near LaPlace, and one resulted in severe flooding of New Orleans in 1871. The breach was closed in 1883.

In 1983, a violent F4 tornado devastated part of the town.

In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew spawned an F3 tornado that killed 2 people.

In 2012, about 5,000 houses were damaged by flooding in LaPlace during Hurricane Isaac.

In February 2016 and again in March 2016, several tornadoes touched down in LaPlace, damaging hundreds of buildings and disrupting power.

LaPlace was badly damaged by Hurricane Ida on August 29, 2021.

Spelling
Despite the spelling used for LaPlace's namesake, the St. John the Baptist Parish Police Jury decreed in 1971 that the official spelling of the town includes a capital letter "P".

Andouille
Andouille, a smoked pork sausage that originated in France, is popular in LaPlace and elsewhere in Louisiana, but in the 1970s, then-Governor Edwin Edwards proclaimed LaPlace the "Official Andouille Capital of the World". Since 1972, LaPlace has held an Andouille Festival every October. On his program Feasting on Asphalt, TV chef Alton Brown visited LaPlace to sample its andouille.

Industry
The Port of South Louisiana is headquartered in LaPlace. Other major employers in the region include Shell Chemical Company, DuPont, ADM Growmark, and ArcelorMittal (formerly Bayou Steel).

Geography
LaPlace is located at 30.075°N, -90.485°W (30.075025, -90.484896) and has an elevation of 10 ft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.7 sqmi, of which 21.5 sqmi is land and 1.2 sqmi (5.29%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2010 United States census, there were 29,872 people, 11,159 households, and 10,592 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,287.8 PD/sqmi. There were 9,888 housing units at an average density of 460.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 47.0% White, 47.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.11% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. The cultural groups for Hispanic or Latino, of any race, were 6.1% of the population. At the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 29,108 people living in the community, and 28,841 at the 2020 U.S. census. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of LaPlace was 52.1% Black and African American, 41.4% non-Hispanic white, 1.6% Asian, 2.9% some other race, and 2.0% two or more races.

In 2010, there were 9,171 households, out of which 44.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.34.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.2% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males. In 2019, the median age was 36.3.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $45,103, and the median income for a family was $50,024 at the 2010 U.S. census. Males had a median income of $39,304 versus $23,277 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,090. About 9.9% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over. In 2019, the median household income increased to $53,253 and the poverty rate was 15.3%.

Education
===Public schools === The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates public schools in LaPlace.
 * St. John STEM Magnet Program
 * East St. John Elementary School
 * Emily C Watkins Elementary School
 * Glade Elementary School
 * John L. Ory Communications Magnet Elementary School
 * Laplace Elementary School
 * St. John Special Education
 * Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School

Private and parochial schools

 * Ascension of Our Lord School
 * Liberty Christian Academy
 * Riverside Academy
 * Saint Charles Catholic High School
 * St. Joan of Arc Catholic School

List of movie and television appearances

 * The Academy Award-winning movie Monster's Ball, starring Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton.
 * The television series Memphis Beat.
 * Various scenes of the WWE Studios movie Knucklehead.
 * The Old Airline Motors Diner on Airline Highway in LaPlace doubled as an IHOP in the movie Glory Road.
 * The Jonas Brothers music video "Pom Poms" featured the Joe Keller Memorial Stadium in nearby Reserve, Louisiana.

Notable people

 * Jared Butler, basketball player for Baylor University
 * A. J. Duhe, Louisiana State University alumnus, former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins
 * Robert Faucheux, attorney and state representative from 1996 to 2004
 * Randal Gaines, attorney and Louisiana State Representative for St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes since 2012
 * Louis Lipps, former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints
 * Chris Markey, former running back for the UCLA Bruins
 * Damon Mason, defensive back and coach in the Arena Football League
 * Nickie Monica, businessman, former parish president and former state representative
 * Edward "Kid" Ory, trombonist and bandleader
 * DeQuincy Scott, football player
 * Ian Villafana, guitarist

Media
Cable and Internet services in LaPlace are provided by Reserve Telecommunications.

title: LaPlace, Louisiana


text:
Reserve, Louisiana

Reserve is an unincorporated community in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The population was 9,111 at the 2000 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Reserve as a census-designated place (CDP).

History
Prior to the name Reserve, this town was once called Bonnet Carre; the town name had been changed by businessman and resident Leon Godchaux by the late 1800s. The Godchaux–Reserve Plantation was built by Leon Godchaux, and the oldest portion of the plantation home dates to 1764, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). In the early 20th century, the plantation at Reserve had the largest sugarcane refinery in the United States, named Godchaux Sugar Refinery.

President William Howard Taft visited Reserve and the Godchaux–Reserve Plantation in 1909, while President Gerald Ford visited Reserve in 1976.

In addition, in 2005 Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, which dates back to 1937, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our Lady of Grace was built to serve the needs of the African American Catholic Community.

Pontchartrain Works
In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency reported findings of the existence of an extremely high risk of cancer in the region and noted that Reserve was the epicenter of the area of high risk for cancer. The agency identified releases of the chemical compound chloroprene as responsible for the high risk.

This chemical compound was being released from the Pontchartrain Works facility, a manufacturing facility owned and operated for decades by DuPont and sold in 2015 to Denka of Japan. The facility is the only producer of the chemical in the United States.

Geography
Reserve is located at 30.0625°N, -90.55333°W (30.062566, -90.553296).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.1 square miles (44.3 km$2$), of which 16.1 square miles (41.6 km$2$) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.7 km$2$) (6.13%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,541 people, 3,232 households, and 2,246 families residing in the CDP. As of the census of 2000, there were 9,111 people, 3,068 households, and 2,347 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 567.1 PD/sqmi. There were 3,385 housing units at an average density of 210.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 44.17% White, 53.92% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.

There were 3,068 households, out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 22.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.5% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.45.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 32.2% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $32,466, and the median income for a family was $40,191. Males had a median income of $33,297 versus $19,671 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,373. About 18.4% of families and 21.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.8% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates public schools in the community. Two K-8 schools serve separate areas that have Reserve addresses:
 * East St. John Elementary School
 * Fifth Ward Elementary School

High schools:
 * East St. John High School in Reserve serves the community.

Private schools:
 * Riverside Academy is a small private school in Reserve.

St. Peter Catholic School of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans is a K-7 Catholic school. Our Lady of Grace School was a Catholic K-7 school in Reserve. It closed in 2015; it had 171 students remaining, with about 51 having taken advantage of a Louisiana school voucher regime. There were two graduating classes in 2015.

Notable people

 * Jared Butler, NCAA basketball player for the Baylor Bears, MVP of the 2021 Final Four
 * Demond "Tweety" Carter, former basketball player at Baylor
 * Rico Gathers, NFL Football player with the Dallas Cowboys and former College Basketball player at Baylor University
 * Edmond Hall, jazz clarinet player and bandleader
 * Herb Hall, jazz clarinet player
 * Ryan Perrilloux, Quarterback for Louisiana State University, Jacksonville State and New York Giants
 * Patrick Lewis, professional football player for Seattle Seahawks; collegiate player at Texas A&M
 * Kid Thomas Valentine, jazz trumpeter and bandleader

title: Reserve, Louisiana


text:
Wallace, Louisiana

Wallace is a census-designated place (CDP) in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 570 at the 2000 census. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area. The rural community is on the west bank of the Mississippi River and easily accessible to Interstate 10 via the Gramercy Bridge.

It is the site of Evergreen Plantation, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Evergreen is unusual for having 22 surviving slave quarters buildings. It is one of the most complete plantations in the South. Because of its significance, it was selected as one of the sites on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.

The Whitney Plantation is also located here. Also a designated site on the state heritage trail, this historic complex opened to the public in 2014. It is the first plantation museum in the country dedicated to the slave experience. The museum includes a plantation main house, and relocated church and outbuildings. There is a newly commissioned multi-part slave memorial, containing the names of thousands of slaves in Louisiana, and other public art related to slavery history. In addition, a memorial and information commemorate the 1811 German Coast Uprising, a slave revolt that occurred in this region soon after it was acquired by the United States, during the Territory of Orleans period.

Geography
Wallace is located at 30.04056°N, -90.66639°W (30.040492, -90.666471).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.6 square miles (19.6 km$2$), of which 6.5 square miles (16.9 km$2$) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.7 km$2$) (13.77%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 755 people, 382 households, and 348 families residing in the CDP. As of the census of 2000, there were 570 people, 174 households, and 144 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 87.6 PD/sqmi. There were 195 housing units at an average density of 30.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 6.14% White and 93.86% African American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.18% of the population.

There were 174 households, out of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 28.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 16.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.28 and the average family size was 3.70.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $19,118, and the median income for a family was $25,179. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $11,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $6,625. About 35.6% of families and 45.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.1% of those under age 18 and 34.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board operates public schools in the community.

Areas in Wallace are zoned to:
 * West St. John Elementary School
 * West St. John High School

Notable people

 * Cousin Joe (1907-1989), blues singer
 * Ernest "Doc" Paulin (1907–2007), New Orleans jazz musician
 * Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981), Bishop of Lafayette in Louisiana from 1956 to 1972

title: Wallace, Louisiana


text:
Cankton, Louisiana

Cankton is a village in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 484 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Opelousas–Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Cankton is located at 30.34917°N, -92.11167°W (30.349149, -92.111571).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, all land.

Origins
Cankton, a small bedroom community located at the southern tip of St Landry Parish, was incorporated in 1960. It received its name from a prominent citizen here by the name of Dr. Lois Aristide Guidry, known to all as “Dr. Cank”. It seems when he was just a boy, there were ducks and other game in the woods surrounding the property he grew up on. He loved to hunt ducks and would signify his return from a hunt by using the duck call which made the nasal sound of cank, cank, cank. When the old folks heard the call, they would say “Cank est revenue.” (Cank is back) He kept the name all through childhood and apparently into adulthood as well.

When he finished high school, he went on to medical school. After receiving his degree in medicine from Tulane, he think of no better place to practice medicine than his beloved little community of “Coulee Croche” as it was known then. His first office was on Guidry Street. As the practice grew, he built a bigger office, which still stands today, on Main Street, next door to his home, which he shared with his wife, Cecile. Dr ”Cank” died on July 1951 at the age of 69.

In early 1960, incorporation procedures were started and was finalized in October 1960. The community to be incorporated consisted of an elementary school, a Catholic church, a grocery store, and several homes. When looking for a name, none seemed more suitable than that of their beloved Dr. “Cank”, who was always proud of his community. Freddie Miller was appointed the first mayor with George Elmo Broussard, and Jerome Guidry as the first board of alderman. In 1961, the first elections were held and Wilhelmina Savoie was elected the first mayor of Cankton as well as the first female mayor in St. Landry Parish. Former mayors include Elmo Broussard, Donald Menard, and Susan Menard. The Cankton City Hall was built in 1979 and houses the clerk’s office, the police department, and community center.

Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 484 people living in the village. The racial makeup of the village was 86.0% White, 9.1% Black, 0.8% from some other race and 1.4% from two or more races. 2.7% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000, there were 362 people, 154 households, and 97 families living in the village. The population density was 178.7 PD/sqmi. There were 161 housing units at an average density of 79.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.20% White, 5.25% African American, 0.28% Asian, and 0.28% from two or more races.

There were 154 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $22,500, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $26,731 versus $15,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,225. About 19.8% of families and 26.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.8% of those under age 18 and 38.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cankton, Louisiana


text:
Grand Coteau, Louisiana

Grand Coteau is a town in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 947 at the 2010 census. Grand Coteau is on Interstate 49 south of Opelousas and is part of the Opelousas–Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area. The town is a center for local farming. , the mayor is Patrick Richard.

History
The first known land grant by the colonial Louisiana government was in 1776 in the area referred to as Buzzard Prairie. In the early 19th century, Buzzard Prairie served as a stopping point for travelers between Washington, Louisiana, and St. Martinville, Louisiana. The thriving community had two bakeries, a cobbler, a millinery, a blacksmith shop, a post office, six bars, and nine brothels.

In 1821, Mrs. Charles Smith, widow of a wealthy planter in Opelousas, donated land, a two-story building, and funds to pay for the travel expenses of two nuns from St. Charles, Missouri. The two nuns of the Religious of the Sacred Heart founded a convent and a school that became the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

The Jesuits arrived in 1837 when St. Charles College was built. The settlement that grew up around the schools was called St. Charles Town before it was changed to Grand Coteau. Grand Coteau is derived from the French meaning "great hill."

On October 3, 1863, the Campaign of the Teche was commenced. The Ninety-ninth infantry regiment of Illinois was in several skirmishes, and a detachment of the regiment, Captain A. C. Mathews commanding, was engaged in the Battle of Grand Coteau. On November 9, they moved on to New Orleans. Although thousands of Union troops were encamped in the fields surrounding the Academy during the Civil War, the school was not touched.

In the 19th century the population of Grand Coteau grew with African-Americans, free people of color, Acadians, Creoles, French, Irish, and German immigrants. The town retains examples of Victorian architecture from its mid-19th-century boom.

Grand Coteau was home to Sacred Heart Colored School and St. Peter Claver High School.

Geography
Grand Coteau is located at 30.41889°N, -92.04806°W (30.418861, -92.048174).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.4 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 776 people, 296 households, and 182 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 947 people living in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 71.0% Black, 26.0% White, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% from some other race and 0.6% from two or more races. 2.2% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,040 people, 377 households, and 260 families living in the town. The population density was 427.1 PD/sqmi. There were 407 housing units at an average density of 167.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 30.77% White, 67.69% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.83% of the population.

There were 377 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 24.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.32.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $19,943, and the median income for a family was $26,528. Males had a median income of $21,992 versus $16,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $9,728. About 25.2% of families and 29.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.6% of those under age 18 and 19.9% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Grand Coteau has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

title: Grand Coteau, Louisiana


text:
Krotz Springs, Louisiana

Krotz Springs is a town in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the Atchafalaya River. The population was 1,198 at the 2010 census, down from 1,219 in 2000. It is part of the Opelousas–Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Around the turn of the 20th century, an Ohio native, Charles William Krotz, bought 20000 acre of woodland around the Atchafalaya Basin and set up a sawmill to trim the trees hauled out of the basin. The tiny settlement that grew up around the mill was called Latania (fan palm), after the bayou of the same name and the types of palm plants found in the area.

Thinking he was sitting on an untapped pool of oil, Krotz attempted to drill the first oil well in St. Landry Parish in 1900, but he struck water instead of oil, the result becoming known as Krotz’s spring. The spring was used to supply water for the developing sawmill town, and Krotz even bottled the water, selling it throughout the country.

In 1909, a post office was established in the town, and the obvious choice of a name was Krotz Springs.

The Krotz Springs Bridge spanning the Atchafalaya River opened in 1928 and carried railroad and automobile traffic. It was superseded by other bridges at the same location in 1934, 1973, and 1988.

Mayors
Robert A. Moran, a Democrat served as mayor from 1986 until his death in May 1987. On November 21, 1987, James Rasie Nall defeated Ina Moran (D) in a runoff election for mayor. Four years later, on October 6, 1990, Gary Soileau (D) defeated Larry Martinez, Sr. (D), in a landslide victory with 86 percent of the ballots cast. Soileau would remain mayor until he retired in 2010, when he was succeeded by current Mayor Carroll Snyder, another Krotz Springs Democrat.

List of most Krotz Springs Mayors since 1917:

Geography
Krotz Springs is located at 30.5375°N, -91.755°W (30.537565, -91.754926). On the eastern border of the town is Pointe Coupee Parish over the Atchafalaya River via U.S. Highway 190 while Opelousas, the St. Landry Parish seat, is located 20 mi west of Krotz Springs. The city of Baton Rouge is located 40 mi to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.7 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 904 people, 373 households, and 242 families residing in the town.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 1,198 people living in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 97.2% White, 0.2% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian and 0.3% from two or more races. 1.5% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,219 people, 490 households, and 339 families living in the town. The population density was 705.0 PD/sqmi. There were 562 housing units at an average density of 325.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.10% White, 0.25% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.08% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.74% of the population.

There were 490 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $26,823, and the median income for a family was $31,842. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,914. About 17.5% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.6% of those under age 18 and 18.3% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2010, 77.39% of the population identified themselves as belonging to a faith community; of these 86.5% were Catholic, 9.4% were Southern Baptist and 2.4% were Churches of Christ.

According to the American Community Survey of 2010-2014, 82.2% of residents identify as having either French or French Canadian ancestry.

Film history

 * 1966: The prison camp scenes in Nevada Smith, starring Steve McQueen, were filmed just west of Krotz Springs in the 2 O'Clock Bayou area.
 * 1969: The final scene of Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, was filmed a few miles north of there, in which the two main characters are shot by two local residents, David C. Billodeau and Johnny David, on Louisiana Highway 105.
 * 1998: In the film Out of Sight, starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, two of the main characters lose control of their vehicle coming down the Atchafalaya River Bridge on U.S. Route 190 Westbound.

title: Krotz Springs, Louisiana


text:
Leonville, Louisiana

Leonville is a town in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,084 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Opelousas–Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Leonville is located at 30.47°N, -91.9825°W (30.470031, -91.982407).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.7 square miles (6.9 km$2$), all land.

Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 1,084 people living in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 58.3% White, 40.8% Black, 0.1% Native American and 0.3% from two or more races. 0.6% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,007 people, 365 households, and 281 families living in the town. The population density was 376.9 PD/sqmi. There were 389 housing units at an average density of 145.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 65.34% White, 33.37% African American, 0.50% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.89% of the population.

There were 365 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,982, and the median income for a family was $30,673. Males had a median income of $29,554 versus $15,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,839. About 17.1% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 34.7% of those age 65 or over.

Religion
The majority of people who live in Leonville are Catholics. They are served by three church parishes: Saint Leo the Great, Saint Catherine and lastly Saint Jules, which is on the road to Opelousas. In the days of segregation, Whites attended St. Leo's, Blacks went to St.Catherine's and St.Jules served the mixed race population. Since the diocese placed one priest in charge of all three communities in 2005, Masses have been coordinated and there is greater movement of races between the parishes. There is also a Southern Baptist church, just outside the village, on the road to Opelousas. Burials and interments take place in the village's one cemetery, next to Saint Leo's church.

Facilities
The village has a post office, a bank, a grocery store (Champagne's and M&M) and a convenience store both selling gas, and a Dollar General store.

Notable people

 * Clifton Chenier, zydeco recording artist

title: Leonville, Louisiana


text:
Melville, Louisiana

Melville is a town in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,041 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Opelousas−Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area. It was founded in 1889 and is known as the Atchafalaya River Catfish Capital of Louisiana. It is directly across the river from the ghost town Red Cross, Louisiana.

Geography
Melville is located at 30.69333°N, -91.74556°W (30.693351, −91.745506).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.3 km2, all but 0.1 km2 (2.34%) of which is land.

It is mostly flat land surrounded by a ring levee to protect it from flooding from the Atchafalaya River and the West Atchafalaya Floodway.

Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 1,041 people living in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 51.9% Black, 45.0% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian and 1.0% from two or more races. 1.8% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,376 people, 542 households, and 363 families living in the town. The population density was 1,098 PD/sqmi. There were 648 housing units at an average density of 517 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 52.47% White, 45.78% African American, 0.87% Asian, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.74% of the population.

There were 542 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 20.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% 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 3.17.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $18,487, and the median income for a family was $20,625. Males had a median income of $22,083 versus $15,833 for females. The per capita income for the town was $8,881. About 35.6% of families and 40.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 47.2% of those under age 18 and 37.7% of those age 65 or over.

In 2010, Melville had the 12th-lowest median household income of all places in the United States with a population over 1,000.

Notable people

 * Lottie Beebe, superintendent of public schools in St. Martin Parish and Republican member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, was born in Melville in 1953.
 * LTG Edward Honor Sr., retired lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, serving for 35 years as a Transportation Corps officer and holding the position of director of logistics, Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon from 1987 until his retirement in 1989. Honor was born on March 17, 1933, in Melville, Louisiana.
 * Velma Hendrix, mayor, died in a car accident on Election Day, November 8, 2022. She was seeking reelection.

title: Melville, Louisiana