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Jennings, Louisiana

Jennings is a city in, and the parish seat of, Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States, near Lake Charles. The population was 10,383 at the 2010 census, a small decline from the 2000 tabulation.

Jennings is the principal city of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Jefferson Davis Parish. It is also part of the larger Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area. It is also part of the large, 22-parish Acadiana region of the state, with a large Francophone population, many descended from early Acadian settlers.

History
For whom the town was named, Jennings McComb was an Irish contractor for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He built the Jennings depot on a divide peculiar to the southwest Louisiana. This became the center of new development based on the railroad. The first settler was recorded as A. D. McFarlain, who came in 1881 from St. Mary Parish and opened a store. McFarlain also became the first rice grower, postmaster, brickmaker, and builder in the community. Prospering with Jennings’ growth, McFarlain was considered one of the town's prominent businessmen and civic leaders.

The Jennings area attracted numerous wheat farmers from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and other Midwestern states. The new settlers of southwest Louisiana were referred to as "Yankees" by the natives, who were of Acadian French and African-American descent. They had settled along the waterways in the parish, which they had relied on for transportation before the railroad. They fished in the bayous. The Cajuns gave appreciable aid to the settlers in homesteading and homemaking. The people grew rice, cotton, sweet potatoes, and corn.

Sylvester L. Cary reached this area on February 7, 1883, from Iowa. He became known as the town's "father," as he persuaded other Iowans to relocate there. He said he was "seeking a home where there was neither winter nor mortgages." So impressed was Cary by the fertile country around the Jennings depot that he shared his findings with others. He attracted fellow Midwesterners to southwest Louisiana by writing to friends in Iowa, extolling the area. When he returned to Iowa to pack up his family for the move to Jennings, he persuaded several neighbors preparing to migrate west, to follow him to Jennings and southwest Louisiana.

Much of southwest Louisiana was developed by the North American Land and Timber Co., which owned large portions of land. Seaman A. Knapp, president of the Iowa State College of Agriculture, was engaged in 1885 to demonstrate the region's suitability for rice production. Knapp attracted a number of Iowans to settle the area. The land company placed advertisements in newspapers published in the Midwestern states.

On May 2, 1888, the settlement of Jennings was incorporated as a village. In 1901, a fire destroyed a large portion of the wooden structures in Jennings.

That same year, Jennings was the site of the first oil well to produce in Louisiana, revealing its first oil field. Oil brought a boom to the town for a period. When oil production declined, the basic agricultural economy of the parish supported the town.

Geography
Jennings is located at 30.22222°N, -92.65694°W (30.222207, -92.656880) and has an elevation of 26 ft.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.3 sqmi, of which 10.2 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.19%) 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, Jennings has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,837 people, 3,862 households, and 2,390 families residing in the city.

Notable people

 * A.C. Clemons (1921–1992), served in the Louisiana State Senate
 * Chancy Croft (born 1937) Born in Jennings.  Moved to Odessa, Texas, then Anchorage, Alaska.  President of the Alaska Senate (1975–1977), Democratic Party nominee for Alaska governor (1978), President of the University of Alaska Board of Regents (2001–2002).
 * Avalon Daggett, filmmaker
 * Cleve Francis (born 1945), Country music artist, released three albums in the early 1990s.
 * John E. Guinn, current member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Jennings
 * Eugene John Hebert (1923–1990), Society of Jesus Roman Catholic priest who disappeared in Sri Lanka
 * W. Scott Heywood (1872–1950), member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1932–1936, author of homestead exemption; discovered oil in Jeff Davis Parish in 1901
 * June James, NFL player
 * Edith Killgore Kirkpatrick (born 1918), member of Louisiana Board of Regents, 1978–1990; music educator; Baptist state official
 * Monte Ledbetter, American football player
 * Pat Rapp, Former MLB player (San Francisco Giants, Florida Marlins, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Anaheim Angels)
 * Guy Sockrider, member of the Louisiana State Senate from Jennings from 1948 to 1964; industrialist in Jennings and later Lake Charles
 * Donald Ellsworth Walter, U.S. District Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, based in Shreveport; U.S. attorney from 1969 to 1977, born in Jennings in 1936
 * Travis Etienne (born 1999), American football running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
 * Trevor Etienne, American football running back for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Education
Jefferson Davis Parish Public Schools operates public schools serving Jennings. The schools serving Jennings, all within the city, include Jennings Elementary School (pk-6), and Jennings High School (7-12).

Bethel Christian School is a PreK-12 Christian school located in unincorporated Jefferson Davis Parish, near Jennings.

Jefferson Davis Parish Library operates the Headquarters Branch at 118 West Plaquemine Street in Jennings. In addition the City of Jennings operates the Jennings Carnegie Public Library at 303 North Cary Avenue.

Our Lady Immaculate (OLI) is a Catholic school serving grades PREK-8.

title: Jennings, Louisiana


text:
Lake Arthur, Louisiana

Lake Arthur is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,738 at the 2010 census, down from 3,007 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area. The current mayor is Sampson “poncho” Lejeune.

History
The lake and the abundant wildlife near Lake Arthur made the place an early camping ground for Native Americans, most likely Atakapas, although there were also Comanche Indians in the area at times during the era just before European settlement. Before Lake Arthur, first settled was a little village that was south and across the lake called Lakeside and also the area called Shell Beach.

Acadian families moved to the area in the late 1700s. They called the lake le petit lac Mentau. "Mentau" was the name of an Atakapas Indian chief who had lived in the area. One of those early Acadians was Arthur LeBlanc, and travelers passing through the country began to refer to the lake as le lac d'Arthur, and through time, it evolved into the present name, Lake Arthur. "In 1811 Atanas Hebert came to Lake Arthur to settle. That marks a date we can follow with accuracy." The first store was operated by D. D. Hebert.

1840 The first sawmill was established in the area. Cypress timber drew most of the early people. 1854 Gustave Laurents owned and operated a store. Early settlers were noble Creoles from New Orleans. Jean Revlon built a large residence in 1854. Today it is known as MacDonell plantation. The deLaunays, Deschamps and Gaithes, all who were in the French Revolution came from New Orleans.

At first, they grew corn and other crops, but found that rice was the crop to grow. 1876 The first rice mill was built by Gustave Laurents and D. Derouen. 1887 Anatole Gauthier and C. St Germain brought in the first rice thresher and portable steam boiler. 1890 The first rice irrigation pumping plant was built on Bayou Lacassine. All of this turned Lake Arthur into successful rice country.

One of the largest families in the area was Broussard. It is almost impossible to pinpoint which one arrived first. T.E. Theogene Broussard was a druggist in Lake Arthur.

1878 The first post office was opened with D. Derouen as postmaster. Mail was received once a month from Leesburg (Cameron), and once in a while by horseback from Lake Charles.

1889 Construction of The Live Oak Hotel was well on its way by 1888. Construction was completed in February 1889. One of its guests was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who came to Lake Arthur to hunt before he was stricken by polio. The Live Oak was maintained and operated as a private hotel until 1922, when it was sold to the Lake Arthur Hunting Club. It was torn down in 1934. Boat captains were an important part of early settlers lives. The lake is about one mile wide and nine miles long and connects with the Mermentau River, a waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. 1886 D. E. Sweet bought the "Louisa Storm" and "Olive" which made trips to Grand Chenier for 17 years. This was that only means of travel between Lake Arthur and Cameron Parish.

A lumber boom began not long after the town was laid out, with two sawmills. Lumber barons were Aaron Streater and Pete Reimers. 1890 Lee Fox built the first sawmill within the Lake Arthur corporate limits; it was destroyed by fire in 1905, as was the Brewer, Reynolds and Streater Mill that had been built on the lake front in 1900. Besides the mills, lumber covering several acres went up in smoke. More than 5 million feet of cypress lumber was lost.

1890 The Lake Arthur Town Lot and Land Co. planned the original town. This company was composed of Samuel Marquet, E. L. Lee, W. E. Chapin, and H. C. Kellog. These men were all from the state of Iowa. Later, Samuel Marquet bought all the interest in the town site. 1903 A petition signed by a majority of the land holders was submitted to the governor asking that Lake Arthur be incorporated as a village. Names on the petition for incorporation were Dr. V. A. Miller, E. S. Streater, F. A. Smith, J. H. Jeppeson, George S. Wheeler, A. D. Spooner, Nick Arend, H. E. Sergrist, John L. Walter, A. G. Streater, F. R Gibbs, P. T. Reimers, John Lovell, L. N. Toups, M. Broussard, J. F. Ney, W.H. Ney, J. F. Kestner, George Bailey, and T. E. Broussard. Lake Arthur was incorporated in 1904, and Dr. Miller was chosen as its first mayor. 1904 Southern Pacific Railroad came from Lake Charles.

1922 Lake Arthur was made an independent parish by Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard of Lafayette. Rev. W. E. Allen was the first pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish. He retired in 1935, and Rev. L. E deMonsabert was made pastor.

Today Lake Arthur citizens are a mixture of Acadians and French, and Anglo-Americans who arrived from the state of Iowa during the 1890s.

Geography
The town is in southeastern Jefferson Davis Parish, on the north shore of Lake Arthur, a tidal section of the Mermentau River. The town limits extend into the center of the lake, which is the Vermilion Parish line. Louisiana Highway 14 passes through the town center, leading west 44 mi to Lake Charles. To the east Highway 14 crosses the Mermentau River at its mouth then leads 36 mi to Abbeville. Louisiana Highway 26 has its southern terminus in Lake Arthur and leads north 10 mi to Jennings.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Lake Arthur has a total area of 6.3 km2, of which 4.8 km2 are land and 1.5 km2, or 23.67%, are water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,595 people, 982 households, and 737 families residing in the town.

Education
Jefferson Davis Parish Public Schools operates public schools in Lake Arthur. Schools serving Lake Arthur include Lake Arthur Elementary School (PK-6) in Lake Arthur and Lake Arthur High School (7-12) in a nearby unincorporated area.

Jefferson Davis Parish Library operates the Lake Arthur Branch at 600 4th Street.

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

title: Lake Arthur, Louisiana


text:
Welsh, Louisiana

Welsh is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. The population was 3,226 at the time of the 2010 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Welsh was originally a homestead owned by former plantation overseer and Confederate States Army soldier Henry Welsh in the late 1800s. In 1881, Welsh donated right-of-way and a section house to the Southern Pacific Railroad on the condition that trains stop in the town. The town of Welsh was platted in 1880 and incorporated on March 15, 1888, when Henry Welsh was elected the first mayor. Initially part of the Old Imperial Calcasieu Parish, in 1913 Welsh became part of the newly established Jefferson Davis Parish.

Geography
Welsh is located at 30.2375°N, -92.82056°W (30.237419, -92.820593).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16.4 km$2$), of which 6.2 square miles (16.1 km$2$) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.3 km$2$) (1.89%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,333 people, 1,128 households, and 765 families residing in the town.

Notable people

 * Canray Fontenot (1922–1995), Creole fiddler
 * Lance Guidry (born 1971), American football coach, current defensive coordinator and the University of Miami
 * Phillip Walker (1937–2010), electric blues guitarist and singer
 * Charles Mann, swamp pop legend and member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
 * Milton Vanicor (master fiddler/musician) Inducted in the Cajun French Music Hall of Fame in 2006

Education
Jefferson Davis Parish Public Schools operates public schools in Welsh. Schools serving Welsh include Welsh Elementary School (PK–5) in Welsh, Welsh - Roanoke Jr. High (6–8) in nearby Roanoke, and Welsh High School (9–12) in Welsh.

Jefferson Davis Parish Library operates the McBurney Memorial Branch at 301 South Sarah Street.

title: Welsh, Louisiana


text:
Avondale, Louisiana

Avondale is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The population was 4,582 in 2020. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Geography
Avondale is located at 29.90444°N, -90.20417°W on the south side ("West Bank") of the Mississippi River. It is bordered to the west by Waggaman and to the east by Bridge City, while to the north, across the Mississippi, it is bordered by the city of Harahan. The closest road crossing of the Mississippi is the Huey P. Long Bridge 4 mi northeast of Avondale, carrying U.S. Route 90. Downtown New Orleans is 13 mi northeast of Avondale by road.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Avondale CDP has a total area of 15.5 km2, of which 14.4 km2 are land and 1.1 km2, or 7.23%, are water.

Demographics
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 4,582 people, 1,729 households, and 1,239 families residing in the CDP. The 2019 American Community Survey reported there were 5,321 people and 1,729 households residing in the census-designated place. Of the population in 2019, there were 1,729 households spread among 1,838 housing units. The average family size was 3.72.

In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of the CDP was 40.3% non-Hispanic white, 35.4% Black or African American, 15.9% Asian, 1.2% some other race, 0.2% two or more races, and 9.0% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. An estimated 14.0% of its population was foreign-born, and the median age was 36.7. Other than English, 8.3% of the population spoke Spanish, 16.4% Asian and Pacific Islander languages, and 1.8% other Indo-European languages. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau tabulated a total racial and ethnic composition of 41.34% non-Hispanic whites, 31.51% Black or African Americans, 0.41% Native Americans, 10.78% Asians, 3.84% other races and ethnicities, and 12.11% Hispanic and Latino American of any race; the census estimates and tabulation have represented the diversification of the U.S. nationwide and its non-Hispanic white demographic decline.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $40,503, up from $35,917 at the 2000 U.S. census; approximately 14.8% of the population lived at or below the poverty line, up from 17.3% in 2000.

Education
Jefferson Parish Public Schools operates public schools.

Most areas of the CDP are zoned to: Gilbert PreK-8 School, formerly Henry Ford Middle School until 2019. A small section is zoned to Cherbonnier K-8 School. All residents are zoned to L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero. In regards to advanced studies academies, residents are zoned to the Marrero Academy and Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy.

Previously a portion of the community was zoned to Norbert Rillieux Elementary in Waggaman. In 2012 the school board announced Rillieux was being considered for consolidation into Lucille Cherbonnier Elementary. In the 2010s most residents were zoned to Catherine Strehle Elementary School in Avondale and some were zoned to Lucille Cherbonnier/Norbert Rillieux Elementary School in Waggaman. Ford MS served as the zoned middle school.

title: Avondale, Louisiana


text:
Barataria, Louisiana

Barataria is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,057 in 2020. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Etymology
The name comes from Bayou Barataria, a tributary of Barataria Bay which in turn took its name from the fictional island awarded to Sancho Panza to govern in Part II of the Spanish classic novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.

Geography
Barataria is located in south-central Jefferson Parish at 29.715°N, -90.11611°W (29.715121, -90.116024), on the west side of Bayou Barataria and just east of Lake Salvador. It is bordered to the east, across Bayou Barataria, by the town of Jean Lafitte and the unincorporated community of Lafitte. Barataria is 23 mi south of New Orleans.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Barataria CDP has a total area of 12.4 km2, of which 11.1 km2 are land and 1.3 km2, or 10.75%, are water.

Demographics
Barataria first appeared in the 1850 U.S. Census with a total recorded population of 1,176.

According to the 2020 United States census, there were 1,057 people, 428 households, and 350 families residing in the CDP, down from the 2019 American Community Survey estimate of 1,200 people living in the CDP, and from 1,109 at the 2010 U.S. census. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup was 80.7% non-Hispanic white, 7.8% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 11.3% two or more races. In 2020, its composition was 84.3% non-Hispanic white, 4.07% Black or African American, 0.76% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.09% Asian, 6.91% multiracial or of some other race, and 3.88% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The median household income was $49,931, and 3.3% of the population lived at or below the poverty line in 2019.

Education
Residents are zoned to Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

Residents from K-6 are zoned to Leo E. Kerner Elementary School (formerly Lafitte Elementary School). Those from 7-12 are zoned to Fisher Middle-High School.

title: Barataria, Louisiana


text:
Bridge City, Louisiana

Bridge City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It was established in the 1930s during the construction of the Huey P. Long Bridge over the Mississippi River. The town is located on the south side (referred to as the "West Bank") of the river. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

The Bridge City CDP population was 7,706 at the 2010 census. At the 2019 American Community Survey, its population declined to 6,602 residents. The population of Bridge City rebounded to 7,219 in 2020.

Geography
Bridge City is located on the east side of Jefferson Parish at 29.92389°N, -90.16611°W (29.923956, -90.166030). The community is bordered to the northeast, across the Mississippi, by New Orleans in Orleans Parish. The remaining neighbors of Bridge City are all within Jefferson Parish: Elmwood and Jefferson to the north across the Mississippi, Avondale to the southwest, and Westwego to the southeast. Via the Huey P. Long Bridge carrying US 90, downtown New Orleans is 10 mi to the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Bridge City CDP has a total area of 13.6 km2, of which 10.8 km2 are land and 2.8 km2, or 20.30%, are water. Bridge City is the home of the Avondale Shipyard.

Demographics
The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 6,602 people lived in the CDP, down from 7,706 at the 2010 United States census. In 2020, its population rebounded to 7,219. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup was 46.8% African American, 32.6% non-Hispanic white, 0.1% Native American, 3.1% Asian, 7.9% some other race, 1.7% two or more races, and 15.9% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The median household income was $31,711 and 26.5% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. By the time of the 2020 census, its racial and ethnic makeup was 43.33% Black or African American, 27.46% non-Hispanic white, 0.44% Native American, 2.49% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.03% multiracial or of some other race, and 23.22% Hispanic and Latino American of any race; state and nationwide, this has reflected the demographic shift in American racial and ethnic identity as the U.S. began to experience non-Hispanic white demographic decline.

Festival
Bridge City is host to Louisiana's annual Gumbo Festival.

Government and infrastructure
Bridge City is an unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish. Bridge City comes under the Jefferson Parish government. Bridge City is in the Third District Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The Bridge City Fire Department is District 70. The Bridge City Center for Youth, a juvenile correctional facility for boys operated by the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, is in Bridge City.

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

Most areas of the CDP are zoned to: Gilbert PreK-8 School in Avondale, formerly Henry Ford Middle School until 2019. A small section is zoned to Isaac Joseph Elementary School in Westwego. For middle school, most areas are zoned to Gilbert PreK-8 while some are zoned to Worley Middle School. The high school which includes the CDP is L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero.

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

Previously areas were zoned to Mildred S. Harris Elementary School (formerly Bridge City Elementary School) in Bridge City. The school was given its last name, after the founding principal of the school, in 2012. Members of the family of the founding principal and former student Nedra Cassard had campaigned to have the school renamed, and the district voted in favor of renaming. The school was founded in 1952. It closed in 2023. There was an unsuccessful community campaign to try to salvage the school.

Myrtle C. Thibodeaux Elementary School (formerly Westwego Elementary School) in Westwego and Catherine Strehle Elementary School in Avondale formerly served portions of Bridge City. In the early 2010s Henry Ford Middle School had Bridge City CDP in its boundary.

title: Bridge City, Louisiana


text:
Elmwood, Louisiana

Elmwood is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The population was 4,635 at the 2010 census, and 5,649 in 2020. Elmwood was part of neighboring Jefferson's census area from 1960 to 1990. The ZIP Code serving Elmwood is 70123.

Geography
Elmwood is located in northern Jefferson Parish at 29.95639°N, -90.18611°W (29.956455, −90.186098). It is bordered to the north by Metairie, to the east by Jefferson, to the west by Harahan, and to the south, across the Mississippi River, by Avondale and Bridge City. The Huey P. Long Bridge, carrying U.S. Route 90, crosses the Mississippi from Elmwood to Bridge City. Downtown New Orleans is 9 mi to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Elmwood CDP has a total area of 10.45 km2, of which 9.77 km2 are land and 0.68 km2, or 6.52%, are water.

Demographics
The 2019 census estimates determined 5,698 people lived in the CDP, up from 4,635 at the 2010 U.S. census. In 2020, its population was 5,649. The racial and ethnic makeup was 52.4% non-Hispanic white, 28% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% some other race, 1.4% two or more races, and 11.8% Hispanic or Latino American of any race per 2019 estimates; and in 2020, the population was a tabulated 49.23% non-Hispanic white, 28% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 8.78% Asian, 4.14% two or more races, and 9.56% Hispanic or Latino American of any race. This has reflected the demographic growth among Hispanic populations nationwide. In 2019, the median household income was $57,396 and 7% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Economy
Elmwood is home to the offices of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, operated by Fluor for the United States Department of Energy.

Government
The United States Postal Service operates a post office in Elmwood.

Education
The Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) operates district public schools.

Most residents are zoned to: Jefferson PreK-8 School in Jefferson for elementary and middle school, while some are zoned to Harahan PreK-8 School in Harahan for those levels. All residents are zoned to Riverdale High School in Jefferson.

In regards to the advanced studies academies, most areas are zoned to Airline Park Academy, while some areas are zoned to Metairie Academy.

In 2012 the Jefferson Parish campus of the International School of Louisiana (ISL) charter school opened in a leased JPPSS building on South Clearview Parkway in Elmwood. The JPPSS board later arranged for the charter school to move from the Elmwood facility to the former Ralph J. Bunche Academy in Metairie.

In the mid-2010s most residents were zoned to Harahan Elementary School while some were zoned to Jefferson Elementary School (now merged into Jefferson PreK-8). All students were zoned to Riverdale Middle School (now part of Jefferson PreK-8).

title: Elmwood, Louisiana


text:
Estelle, Louisiana

Estelle is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 17,952 in 2020. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Estelle is located south of Marrero; the urbanized areas of the communities meet, and some businesses in Estelle list their addresses as "Marrero". The Jean Lafitte National Park Barataria Preserve is adjacent to Estelle.

History
Part of the colonial era Isleño Barataria Settlement was in the southern part of what is now Estelle. Estelle became the location of the WWL-AM transmitter.

Geography
Estelle is located at 29.8475°N, -90.10806°W (29.847527, -90.108117). It is bordered to the north by Marrero and to the east by Woodmere. It is 12 mi by highway or 7 mi in a straight line southwest of downtown New Orleans. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.01 km2, of which 0.02 sqkm, or 0.18%, are water.

Demographics
The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 17,968 people lived in the CDP, up from 16,377 at the 2010 U.S. census. At the 2020 United States census, there were 17,952 people in the CDP. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup was 50.5% non-Hispanic white, 26.6% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 6.2% Asian, 6.6% some other race, 3.5% multiracial, and 12.3% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The 2020 census determined 47.18% of its population was non-Hispanic white, 27.77% Black or African American, 0.79% Native American, 5.58% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 4.66% two or more races, and 14.0% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The growth of the Asian American and Hispanic or Latino American population in the CDP and others in Jefferson Parish have reflected the greater diversification of the U.S. following non-Hispanic white demographic decline. The median household income was $68,051 and 14.3% of the population were at or below the poverty line in 2019.

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

K-8 schools that include portions of Estelle include: Allen Ellender, Estelle, Congetta Trippe Janet, and Harry Truman. A portion in the north of the CDP is zoned to Pittman Elementary, and Marrero Middle School. Most residents are zoned to John Ehret High School, while some are zoned to L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero.

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

Previously Ellender was solely a middle school, and Estelle was divided between Ellender and Truman at the middle school level. Therefore, Ellender did not serve any portions of Estelle at the elementary level. In the mid-2010s, Miller Wall Elementary in Marrero included parts of Estelle. Schools that served Estelle for middle school in the mid-2010s were Ellender PK-8, Truman Middle in Estelle, and Worley Middle in Harvey.

title: Estelle, Louisiana


text:
Grand Isle, Louisiana

Grand Isle is a town in Jefferson Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on a barrier island of the same name in the Gulf of Mexico. The island is at the mouth of Barataria Bay where it meets the gulf. The town of Grand Isle is statistically part of the New Orleans−Metairie−Kenner metropolitan statistical area, though it is not connected to New Orleans' continuous urbanized area.

The population was 1,005 as of the 2020 U.S. census, down from 1,296 from the previous 2010 U.S. census.

Grand Isle's main street is the seaside start of Louisiana Highway 1 (LA 1), which stretches 436.2 mi away to the northwest corner of the state, ending near Shreveport. LA 1's automobile causeway at the west end of the island is the only land access to or from Grand Isle. Direct access to Grand Isle's seat of parish government is 95 mi away in suburban Jefferson Parish.

History
Grand Isle has been repeatedly pummeled by hurricanes throughout its history. On average, the town and barrier island of Grand Isle has been affected by tropical storms or hurricanes every 2.68 years (since 1877), with direct hits on average every 7.88 years. Some of the more severe are listed here.

In 1860, a 6 ft storm surge and great winds resulted in the total devastation of the island. In the 1893 Atlantic hurricane season Grand Isle was devastated by a 16 ft storm surge. In the 1909 Atlantic hurricane season the island was hit with a second 16 ft storm surge. A category 4 hurricane devastated Grand Isle on September 29 during the 1915 Atlantic hurricane season. Grand Isle was hit by a 3.6 ft storm surge on August 22 during the 1947 Atlantic hurricane season. In 1956, Hurricane Flossy damaged the island.

Hurricane Betsy in September 1965 and Tropical Storm Frances in 1998 put the entire island under water. On September 26, 2002, Grand Isle was hit by Hurricane Isidore, soon followed by Hurricane Lili passing to the west of the island, causing significant damage. Hurricane Cindy made a direct hit on Grand Isle on July 5, 2005. Even though damage was essentially limited to power outages and beach erosion, the storm's strength still caught residents by surprise.

Hurricane Katrina pounded Grand Isle for two days, August 28–29, 2005, destroying or damaging homes and camps along the entire island. Katrina's surge reached 5 ft at Grand Isle. Large waves severely damaged the only bridge linking Grand Isle to the mainland. A news report published less than two days after the hurricane hit falsely noted, however, that the area had been completely destroyed, reporting a scene similar to that which befell Last Island in 1856. Less than a month later, Grand Isle was further affected by Hurricane Rita. By mid October, a number of businesses were again open on the island.

Hurricane Gustav reached shore west of the island on September 1, 2008, at 9 am CDT, and hit it with a measured wind speed of 105 mi/h. It was one of the few locations in Louisiana affected while the storm was still classified as a major hurricane. While both storms' eyes passed the island at similar distances, Katrina's eastern passing caused the greatest damage on the bay side. The Gustav surge that washed over the island caused less damage than Katrina, in part due to the most vulnerable structures having already been destroyed by Katrina. Current construction codes prevented the rebuilding of such vulnerable structures. Barataria Pass water levels peaked at 5 ft above recent high tide. Homes along Louisiana Highway 1 had 2 ft of water below them. Large sections of levee/dunes were washed onto the highway.

Hurricane Ike passed far south of the island on September 11, 2008, while crews worked to restore power and repair the levee/dune damage caused by Gustav. Some sections of LA 1 west of the island were covered by 1 ft of water. Wind gusts reached 50 mi/h and Barataria Pass water levels reached 3 ft above recent high tide while Ike was 200 mi away.

Hurricane Ida's eastern eye wall hit the area on August 29, 2021, on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, causing widespread damage. It was reported that 100 percent of Grand Isle's structures were damaged, and around 40–50 percent of structures were completely destroyed. Nearly all of the town's utility poles had either bent or collapsed from the extreme winds. Entergy decided to fully rebuild and strengthen the island's power grid instead of repairing it like most communities north of Grand Isle had received.

Restoration
In 1998, the state of Louisiana and its federal and local partners approved a coastal restoration project called Coast 2050: Toward a Sustainable Coast. It is a $14 billion fund that is hoped to be allocated over 50 years in around 77 restoration projects with the aim of creating a sustainable ecosystem of coastal Louisiana. While the plan focuses on all of Louisiana, restoration of the Barataria Basin was the first priority and Grand Isle is at the mouth of Barataria Bay. On February 18, 2000, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources signed an agreement to initiate a restoration plan to this basin. The loss of wetland in Barataria Bay is estimated at 11 square miles per year from 1978 to 1990 (Fuller et al. 1995). Most strategies in the Barataria Basin region depend on the overall input, movement, and circulation of water, sediment, and nutrients in the basin. Other strategies can be implemented independently of these considerations. These include barrier shoreline restoration, marsh creation in the southwestern basin, and a delta-building diversion from the lower Mississippi. The completion of Coast 2050 was to restore and protect 450,000 acres of wetland. U.S. Congress had not approved the Coast 2050 plan, and when Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita hit, the federal government was studying a less costly, scaled down proposal which could be initiated in the span of a decade.

In April 2009, the Mississippi River Sediment Delivery System was proposed to channel dredged sediment from the Mississippi River to the wetlands in South Louisiana to restore 474 acres of tidal marsh. Approximately 200 million tons of sediment flows down the Mississippi River annually, of which the Army Corps of Engineers dredges about 60 million cubic yards of the sediment to maintain Louisiana's waterways. According to the project documents, if successful, the Sediment Delivery system could potentially create 18 sqmi of marsh a year and reduce wetland losses by as much as two-thirds. The dredged sediment will be piped to Bayou Dupont via a 1 m pipe, to a 500 acre area of open water and broken marsh. Once the area has been adequately filled, it will be planted with marsh grasses. It is estimated that the project will cost $28 million and be completed by August 2009.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put up $3 million in the summer of 2009 in federal stimulus grants to restore a protective marsh that will shield the island from backwater flooding. The money will help Grand Isle strengthen its natural defenses, provide better hurricane protection, while also preserving a critical barrier island that buffers inland parishes from the full force of hurricanes. In 2009, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources used $3 million to dredge sediment from the Mississippi River and create 50 acres of tidal marsh. Not only will the marsh help support recreational and commercial fisheries by providing a healthy habitat, officials said, but it will also buffer the island and reduce storm surge and flooding.

Also in 2009, the Nature Conservancy received a $4 million grant for its Grand Isle shoreline-restoration project, which will create four miles of oyster reefs along the beach in Grand Isle and Biloxi Marsh. (see oyster reef restoration) The frames eventually grow into 2 to(-) oyster reefs that buffer the shore and create productive ocean habitats for fish. Once these reefs have fully restored themselves, they will also help filter the water. The Nature Conservancy hope that these oysters colonize on breakwater structures and that the space on these breakwater structures increase biodiversity.

In response the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the Coalition and the National Wildlife Foundation organized the planting of more than 1,600 mangroves in Grand Isle State Park on June 25, 2011. They hope that this planting will help stabilize the sediment and sand and provide habitat for wildlife, specifically pelicans.

On September 29, 2012, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) and the Abita Brewing Company partnered together to bring out more than 100 volunteers to help restore and protect the beach dunes at Grand Isle State Park in response to Hurricane Isaac. It was the first project undertaken in Grand Isle since Hurricane Issac made landfall. Volunteers installed dune fences and planted more than 12,000 plugs of dune grass. This will help stabilize the fragile beach along Grand Isle. Abita Beer and CRCL together implemented this and other restoration projects which will directly restore dune habitat and strengthen Grand Isle State Park and other sites in the future.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covered a total area of 7.8 sqmi, of which 6.1 sqmi is land and 1.7 sqmi (20.88%) is water.

Climate
Grand Island has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and long, hot, humid summers.

Coastal protections

In 2010, the United States Army Corps of Engineers installed an artificial levee along the island's southern coast that cost $ and measures 7.7 mi long, 13 ft tall, and 80 ft wide. The core of the levee consists of an 8+1/2x30 ft geotextile tube core that gives the levee its nickname of the "Burrito Levee". The tube is filled with 760000 cuyd of sand pumped from the gulf floor. In 2017, Jefferson Parish declared a state of emergency over the levee's disrepair and exposed core. The levee has been damaged by multiple storms, including Tropical Storm Cristobal and Hurricane Zeta in 2020 and Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Demographics
At the 2000 U.S. census, 1,541 people, 622 households, and 436 families lived in the town.

The population density was 251.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,875 housing units at an average density of 305.6 /sqmi. In 2000, there were 622 households, out of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. The U.S. Census Bureau tabulated that 24.0% 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 2.46 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,548, and the median income for a family was $35,517. Males had a median income of $34,000 versus $19,333 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,330. About 9.1% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

At the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 2,038 housing units and 214 were owner-occupied; there were 184 families in the town. The average household size was 2.06 for owner-occupied housing units, and the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $203,600. Residents of Grand Isle had a median household income of $43,333 in 2019, and an estimated 22.3% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. A year later by the 2020 United States census, there were 1,005 people, 330 households, and 184 families residing in the town.

In 2000, the racial makeup of the town was 96.04% White, 2.27% Native American, 0.19% African American, 0.19% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latin Americans of any race were 1.49% of the population. In 2019, 94.9% of Grand Isle's population were non-Hispanic white, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.0% multiracial, and 2.3% Hispanic or Latin American of any race. By 2020, the composition was 92.44% non-Hispanic white, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.49% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 2.29% multiracial or some other race, and 2.99% Hispanic or Latino American.

Government
The United States Postal Service operates a post office in Grand Isle.

Arts and culture

Fishing is an important part of Grand Isle's culture, with more than 280 species of fish in the surrounding waters. In 1928, the annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, fishing tournament, was established on the island and is now one of the premier salt water fishing rodeos in the United States. The Cajun rodeo draws over 15,000 people annually.

The island also has well maintained beaches. Grand Isle State Park, on the east end of the island, is the only state-owned and operated beach on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. The beach is a popular destination for people living in South Louisiana, and is also one of the only locations in Louisiana where people surf. A local surf club also exists, established in 2017, and rents out surf boards and gives surf lessons.

The island is home to the Coast Guard Station Grand Isle located on the eastern end of the island.

Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival
The Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival, held annually in April, was first established in 1997 by several nature organizations dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Grand Isle's chenier habitat. The idea for the project of preserving and establishing the chenier habitat in order for tourists and bird watchers to see the migratory birds was first established by the Grand Isle Community Development Team. The project was then picked up a year later by the Barataria-Terrebonne Nation Estuary Program to help in the development and preservation of the habitat as well as the advertisement of the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival.

Originally, the festival was held on a single day, but due to increased popularity and funding, the festival has grown into a three-day event. Sponsors of the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival believe that future efforts will be more successful if more people are educated about not only the identification of the birds that migrate through the island, but also the identification and importance of the plants the birds utilize. Each day during the festival, multiple tours are given throughout the diverse habitats of Grand Isle where experienced guides instruct beginner birders on the different techniques used to find and identify birds as well as the ecological aspects of the island. Other tours are offered that guide visitors through the chenier forests and teach them about the native plants found on the island, including the species that are not only edible to birds but to people as well. Other features of the festival include bird banding and mist netting demonstrations, seminars on what to look for when choosing a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope, as well as games and other activities.

Described as a barrier island, Grand Isle consists of mainly marsh habitat, beaches and chenier forests which attract numerous species of migratory birds. The presence of these hardwood forests allows for the seasonal arrival and departure of major flocks of birds that migrate across the Gulf of Mexico to South America during both the fall and spring migrations. The Migratory Bird Festival is held annually and coincides with the arrival of the spring migrants returning from their winter habitat in the south.

Chenier habitat
Chenier habitats are not limited to Grand Isle, but were historically found in wetlands throughout the southeastern coasts of Louisiana called the Chenier Plain. Today, the Chenier Plain consists of uplands, wetlands, and open water that extends from Vermilion Bay, Louisiana to East Bay, Texas. Of the original 500,000 acre that had existed, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 square acres remain. Chenier forests consist of hardwood trees, primarily oaks and hackberries, as well as a variety of other vegetation such as mulberry, honeylocust, water oak, green ash, and American elm, all which grow along slightly elevated ridges. These ridges are the result of the build-up of sediment from periodic shifts of the Mississippi River's delta and can range in size from 1-3 m high and between 30-450 m wide. Because of the slightly higher elevation, chenier forests not only allow for the growth of hardwood trees that support the variety of migratory birds that pass through Grand Isle, but also act as a barrier for salt water intrusion into a marsh during storm surges. Typically, marshes that are north of a chenier are less saline than marshes that are closer to the gulf.

The cover of a chenier forest provides for migratory birds a place to rest before or after making the flight across the Gulf of Mexico and in some species of birds, the habitat is essential for breeding. However, some studies suggest that it is not just the cover that habitats like chenier forests provide that attract migratory birds, but it is the food availability that is the principal factor in migratory bird stopover. Stopover is a term used for when flocks of migratory birds pause in a certain area to rest and/or feed. Studies have shown that significant stopover occurs more frequently as flocks of migratory birds near the coast. There is a correlation between large densities of birds occurring in continuous hardwood forests, such as old-growth cheniers. Studies done on forest cover indicate that as the amount of cover increased, arthropod abundance and the presence of fleshy, fruit bearing vegetation increased as well, and that migratory birds use forest cover as an indicator of greater habitat quality, thus a better food source per impending journey across the Gulf of Mexico.

Grand Isle Birding Trail
The birding trails along Grand Isle consists of nearly sixty acres of marsh and chenier habitat and are divided up into six tracts that are managed by the Louisiana Nature Conservancy and the Grand Isle Community Development Team. The trails mainly consist of tracts procured by the Grand Isle Nature Conservancy or donated by local landowners. However, because some of the boundaries of the tracts are partially fragmented, the chenier habitat can sometimes expand into private property. But due to the increased popularity of the Migratory Bird Festival, private landowners will generally allow bird watchers and ornithologists permission onto their land. Some residents will go as far as to post signs that say "Bird Friendly" as a way to invite bird watchers onto their property. The Grilleta Tract was established by a donation of ten acres by the Xavier Grilleta of B&G Services in 1998. In 2001, an additional three acres were acquired that were adjacent to the original property. Although slightly smaller than the Port Commission Marsh, the Grilleta Tract is mostly chenier habitat and is considered the center of the Grand Isle Birding Trail. This stand of forest is one of only two undisturbed chenier forests that still exist on the island. In addition to live oaks, in which a few are over 125 years old, the area supports a variety of trees and shrubs, including red mulberry, black willow, and red bay.

The Grand Isle Port Commission Tract is roughly 22 acres and is located on the western part of the island at the corner of Ludwig Lane. Two hundred eighty feet of boardwalk allow access to the salt marsh tidal ponds that dominate the area. In this tract, birders can spot a variety of passerines, raptors, colonial birds roosting in the sparse chenier habitat, and wading birds. The second largest stretch of forest is a combination of the Maples tract and the Landry-Leblanc tract. It is locally called the Sureway Woods, as it is near the Sureway Supermarket. Together, the Maples tract and the Landry-LeBlanc tract comprise twenty acres of chenier forest.

The remaining two tracts on the island consist of the Cemetery Woods, which is property of Louisiana State University, and the Govan Tract. The Cemetery Woods is roughly four and a half acres and, like the Grilleta Tract, it contains old growth trees that are over 125 years old. In addition to the hardwood forest, the property contains salt flats and marshland, which promote the habitation of ducks, moorhens, grebes, and other wading birds. The Govan Tract was donated to the Nature Conservancy in 2003 by the Govan family, who had owned it since the late 1800s. The tract only consists of half an acre, but within it, the mass availability of lives oaks, hackberries, dewberry, and poison oak attracts birds such as painted buntings, red-winged blackbirds, warblers, and other passerines that can be seen during the migratory season.

In addition to the Grand Isle Birding Trail, bird watchers can also see marine birds such as gulls, terns, pelicans, and other shorebirds from the Grand Isle State Park at the northeast end of the island.

Education
Grand Isle is served by Jefferson Parish Public Schools. The Grand Isle School serves pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Grand Isle Library is a small public library responding to the needs of local residents and visitors. The new Grand Isle Library opened on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.

Jefferson Parish is in the area of Delgado Community College.

In popular culture

 * Grand Isle was the setting for the novel The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin. Chopin spent her summers in Grand Isle for over a decade.
 * The second episode of Route 66 was filmed on Grand Isle in 1960. The plot involved the local shrimp-fishing community imperiled by an approaching hurricane.

title: Grand Isle, Louisiana


text:
Gretna, Louisiana

Gretna is the second-largest city in, and parish seat of, Jefferson Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Gretna lies on the west bank of the Mississippi River, just east and across the river from uptown New Orleans. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The population was 17,814 at the 2020 U.S. census.

History
According to the history published by the city, Gretna's history can be traced to a plantation established by Jean-Charles de Pradel by 1750 (when the plantation house, Monplaisir, was built). By 1813, the plantation had passed into the hands of one François Bernoudy. John McDonogh (also spelled John McDonough), then a resident of New Orleans, bought the establishment, moved into the house and founded a settlement in 1815, that would be named McDonoghville. He subdivided the rest of the former plantation into regular city lots and 30-arpent farming strips. McDonoghville thus became the first subdivision in Jefferson Parish. McDonough either leased or sold these properties to white laborers or free people of color.

Gretna was settled in 1836, originally as Mechanikham, growing with a station on the Mississippi River for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Texas and Pacific Railway, and Southern Pacific Railroad, with a ferry across the River to New Orleans. The famous food and spice company Zatarain's, founded in 1889 in New Orleans, has been located in Gretna since 1963. Gretna was incorporated in 1913, absorbing the section of McDonogh within the Jefferson Parish boundaries. In the 1940 census, Gretna had a population of 10,879.

Hurricane Katrina controversy
The city and its police received considerable press coverage when, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, people who attempted to escape from New Orleans by walking over the Crescent City Connection bridge over the Mississippi River were turned back at gunpoint by City of Gretna Police, along with Crescent City Connection Police, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies, who set up a roadblock on the bridge in the days following the hurricane. According to eyewitnesses, some officers threatened to shoot those coming from New Orleans as they attempted to cross into Gretna on foot, shots were fired overhead, and downdraft from a police helicopter was used to help clear refugees from the bridge. New Orleans Police Department 911 operator Patryce Jenkins, having walked the city for two days after her dispatch center was flooded, tried to return to her unflooded Gretna apartment via the bridge. Though she had ID to prove her status as a resident, she said instead of checking it police ordered her to turn back, used racial slurs, and fired a warning shot over her head, leaving her crying in disbelief.

Gretna mayor Ronnie Harris pointed out though the city had not flooded, Gretna had been severely damaged as well, losing power, water, and sewage services, claiming the city had no food, no water, no shelters, and no capacity to take refugees. Harris said that the city had commandeered buses and been transporting a crowd of about 6,000 refugees to a nearby FEMA facility. But he said the city enacted the blockade after a spate of door-to-door robberies began in Gretna and stores at the Oakwood Mall were looted and burned. Residents of Gretna were themselves required to evacuate after a few days. Four federal civil lawsuits were filed against the city for violation of civil rights. Two were dismissed, and in a third the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office settled with a family from Algiers for $10,000. A fourth federal case, involving Regional Transit Authority workers, was scheduled to go to trial in April 2011. Several other cases were filed in New Orleans Civil District Court.

Geography
Gretna has an elevation of 0 ft behind the levee along the Mississippi River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.9 sqmi, of which 3.5 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (9.33%) is water.

Demographics
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 17,814 people residing in the city. The 2019 American Community Survey determined there were 7,156 households and 3,954 families residing in the city limits. In 2010, there were 17,734 people, 6,958 households, and 4,286 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,685 PD/sqmi. There were 7,665 housing units at an average density of 2,082 /sqmi.

In 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup was 41.24% non-Hispanic white, 32.96% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 2.75% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.81% multiracial or some other race, and 18.73% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 44.9% non-Hispanic White, 35.5% Black and African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 0.2% some other race, 1.3% two or more races, and 16% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. In 2010, the racial makeup of the city was 48.05% White, 20.43% African American, 1.20% Native American, 8.12% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 4.03% from other races, and 2.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race were 24.38% of the population. From 2010 to 2020, the growth of Hispanic or Latino Americans reflected nationwide demographic trends of diversification and identity.

In 2010, there were 6,958 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.7% were married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years, higher than Louisiana's median age of 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

As of 2019, the median household income in Gretna was $47,244. Males had a median income of $44,902 versus $31,992 for females. Approximately 17.8% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $28,065, and the median income for a family was $31,881. Males had a median income of $28,259 versus $21,019 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,735. About 20.8% of families and 24.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.7% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.

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

Police
The city has a police department that was established in 1913.

In 2016, press reports indicated that local police made 6,566 adult arrests in 2013, a rate about fourteen times that of a typical city. Such arrests may have generated over $5 million in fines and other revenue for the city.

In July 2019 it was reported that two officers of the Gretna Police were fired for threatening United States Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

In 2024, Gretna was part of a investigation by ProPublica and WVUE-TV into fines and fees issued by municipalities in southeastern Louisiana, which found that Gretna had the highest number of violations per case as well as the highest average amount levied per case among the seven municipalities studied.

Primary and secondary schools
Gretna's public schools are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public Schools system.

Schools serving portions of the city limits are in the City of Gretna unless otherwise noted. Zoned elementary schools serving sections of Gretna include Shirley T. Johnson Gretna Park Elementary School, William Hart Elementary School, and McDonogh #26 Elementary School. George Cox Elementary School, which also serves a portion of Gretna, is in Timberlane, an unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish. Most residents are zoned to Marrero Middle School in Marrero, while some are zoned to Livaudais Middle School in Terrytown. Most residents are zoned to West Jefferson High School in Harvey, an unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish, while some are zoned to John Ehret High School. For advanced studies, residents are zoned to the Gretna Academy.

Gretna #2 Academy for Advanced Studies, a Pre-K to 5th grade magnet school, and L. W. Ruppel Academy, a Pre-K to 8th grade French immersion magnet school, are located in Gretna. Thomas Jefferson High School is another magnet school in Gretna.

Previously Gretna Middle School was in Gretna. It closed in 2023, with Thomas Jefferson High scheduled to move there for the following school year. Previously Kate Middleton Elementary in Terrytown served a portion of Gretna; it closed in 2012. Previously some residents were zoned to Helen Cox High School, also located in Harvey.

Milestone Sabis Academy, a K-8 charter school, is in Gretna.

Arden Cahill Academy is a private school in Gretna.

Public libraries
Jefferson Parish Library operates the Gretna Public Library in Gretna. The current facility, with more than 5800 sqft of space, opened on March 17, 2010. The library includes a 1000 sqft meeting room that can accommodate 58 people. The library is almost twice the size of the previous 3000 sqft facility.

German American Cultural Center
The German American Cultural Center (GACC), headquartered at 519 Huey P. Long Avenue, was founded in 1988. It strives to interpret the contribution of German immigrants to Louisiana's history by presenting educational opportunities such as exhibits, lectures and other programs. GACC has sponsored special events such as Maifest and Oktoberfest. The latter is a 3-day event held during the first weekend of October each year at the center.

Cultural References to Gretna, Louisiana

 * In his book "On the Road", author Jack Kerouac mentions Gretna.
 * Portions of the movie "A Love Song for Bobby Long" were filmed in Gretna.
 * Portions of "Monster's Ball" were filmed in Gretna.
 * Portions of "Homefront(2013 film)" were filmed in Gretna.

Notable people

 * Bianca Del Rio (born Roy Haylock, 1975), American actor, drag queen, insult comedian, costume designer, and reality-show personality in RuPaul's Drag Race
 * Joseph Cao (b. 1967), attorney and U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district, 2009-2011
 * Joe Clay (1938-2016), rockabilly musician
 * Kiem Do, former captain and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) in the Republic of Vietnam Navy
 * Olaf Fink (1914-1973), educator and state senator for Orleans Parish from 1956 to 1972.
 * Frankie Ford (1939-2015), rock and roll performer
 * John Fourcade (b. 1960), former New Orleans Saints quarterback was born in Gretna.
 * Emmett Hardy (1903-1925), early jazz great
 * Frederick Jacob Reagan Heebe (1922-2014), United States district court judge
 * Eddie Lacy, former running back for the Green Bay Packers
 * Lash LaRue (1917-1996), Western film actor
 * John McDonogh (1799-1850), entrepreneur and philanthropist, established McDonoghville section of Gretna.
 * Greg Monroe, NBA player
 * Mel Ott (1909–1958), baseball hall of famer
 * Stanley Joseph Ott (1927-1992), Roman Catholic bishop
 * Elfrid Payton, Canadian Football League defensive lineman
 * Elfrid Payton, Jr., professional basketball player
 * Ike Taylor, Retired defensive back who played his entire career for the Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Scott Williams, bassist for sludge metal band Soilent Green, died in 2004 in Gretna.

Audio and video

 * Trapped in New Orleans: Emergency Medical Worker Describes How Police Prevented Evacuation, from Pacifica Democracy Now! program, September 16, 2005

title: Gretna, Louisiana


text:
Harahan, Louisiana

Harahan is a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana and suburb of New Orleans. The city of Harahan is located in Jefferson Parish; its population was 9,116 at the 2020 census.

History
Harahan occupies land which was once part of the Soniat Plantation. The area was historically known for ideal conditions to use as farming and raising cattle. In the late 1800s, part of the former plantation was used as an experimental farm operated by Southern University and A&M College.

Non-agricultural development began in 1894, when the Illinois Central Railroad (now Canadian National) built a repair yard and roundhouse adjacent to the current city hall. In 1914, the Harahan Land Company, composed of ICRR officials, bought the Southern University tract of land and subdivided it. Residents included railroad workers, river workers and truck farmers. The village of Harahan was incorporated in 1920–named after James Theodore Harahan, the ICRR President.

Prior to the Huey P. Long Bridge being built, Harahan was one of few points on the entire Mississippi River where railcars could cross. The Illinois Central and Southern Pacific Railroads maintained a ferry crossing between Harahan and Avondale to carry their railroad cars across the Mississippi River. To reach this ferry, the rail cars traveled up an incline that brought them over the river levee. The three largest barges in the world, the Mastodon, the Mammoth and El Grande once called Harahan home.

In 1908, the Colonial Country Club was built and occupied the old Soniat Plantation home. By 1910, Wedell-Williams on the eastern edge of Harahan, had become the de facto New Orleans airport, and aviation pioneer John Moisant died there in a plane accident while preparing for a competition. Shortly thereafter, Harahan dedicated Moisant Park on Hickory Avenue in his honor. This park was later renamed Zeringue Park shortly after World War II. Wedell-Williams operated commercial and military flights through the 1940s.

In 1930, the Huey P. Long Bridge was opened, increasing the importance of Harahan and by 1940, the population had risen to 1,082 citizens.

During World War II, Camp Plauche was established on the current land occupied by Elmwood. In addition to the camp, Freiburg Mahogany manufacturing began producing critical aircraft and boat components for the war effort. This activity spurred economic growth, particularly new homes; Harahan's population tripled during this period. This growth continued after the war.

By 1960, the population had grown to over 9,000. Numerous improvements were undertaken, including modernizing the police and fire departments, paving more streets and building a water treatment facility. Commercial activity was limited to Jefferson Highway and the northern end of Hickory. The 1970s and early 80s so rapid development of apartment construction on Hickory and areas of Elmwood. Completion of Earhart Expressway, making access to New Orleans proper much easier, influenced this growth as the appeal of Harahan as a “bedroom community.” Today, Harahan is directly influenced by its relationship with the larger surrounding areas including Jefferson Parish and the city of New Orleans.

Demographics
The 2010 U.S. census tabulated a population of 9,277. At the 2000 U.S. census, there were 9,885 people, 3,994 households, and 2,799 families residing in the city. In 2000, the population density was 5,023.5 PD/sqmi. In 2019, there were 4,082 housing units. By the 2020 United States census, there were 9,116 people, 3,733 households, and 2,262 families residing in the city.

In 2000, there were 3,994 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males. In 2019, the American Community Survey estimated 3.4% of the population were under 5 years of age; 82.2% were aged 18 and older; and 20.6% were aged 65 and older. The median age was 44.2 and 90.9% of the population spoke only English at home.

At the 2019 American Community Survey, the median income for a household was $66,741, up from $44,702 in 2000. The median earnings for full-time, year-round males was $46,996 versus $43,022 for females. The city had a poverty rate of 10.3%.

In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of Harahan was 83.9% non-Hispanic white, 4.8% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% multiracial, and 10% Hispanic or Latino American of any race. A year later, the U.S. Census Bureau determined 81.41% of the population was non-Hispanic white, 4.19% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.21% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 4.04% multiracial or some other race, and 8.96% Hispanic or Latino American of any race. In 2000, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 97.06% White, 0.62% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races; 2.46% of the population were Hispanic or Latino American of any race. Against nationwide demographic trends since 2020, Harahan has remained predominantly non-Hispanic white as non-White Americans migrate to other suburban communities surrounding New Orleans.

Arts and culture

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Harahan Library.

Parks and recreation
Harahan was home to Colonial Golf and Country Club. It hosted the 1954 New Orleans Women's Open. It closed in early 2012.

Education
Harahan's public schools are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS).

Residents are zoned to Harahan School (formerly an elementary school) for PK-8, and Riverdale High School in Jefferson. Formerly Harahan ES took elementary grades, while Riverdale Middle School in Jefferson (now part of Jefferson PK-8 School) took middle school grades.

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

In 2012, the Jefferson Parish campus of the International School of Louisiana (ISL) charter school opened in a leased JPPPS building on South Clearview Parkway in Elmwood. near Harahan. The Jefferson Parish Public School board later arranged for the charter school to move from the Elmwood facility to the former Ralph J. Bunche Academy in Metairie.

Private Schools in Harahan include St. Rita, a Catholic Elementary and Middle School, and Faith Lutheran, a K-12 Private Lutheran School.

Notable people

 * Robert T. Garrity, Jr., politician
 * Johnny Giavotella, second baseman for Kansas City Royals

title: Harahan, Louisiana


text:
Harvey, Louisiana

Harvey is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Harvey 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 majority-minority population was 20,348 at the 2010 census, down from 22,226 at the 2000 census. The 2020 census determined 22,236 people lived in the CDP.

History
During the French colonial era, the first owner of this land was Jean-Baptiste d'Estrehan de Beaupre, royal treasurer and comptroller for the French Louisiana colony. He established a plantation here. He used his slaves to dig the ditch that would become the Harvey Canal, cutting south from the banks of the Mississippi River to the back of Bayou Barataria, to provide better access.

Years later, d'Estrehan paid German settlers in the area to work on widening the ditch; they used wooden shovels. He paid them with small parcels of land located downriver in Mechanicsham, now the city of Gretna. D'Estrehan built his home where the ditch met the river banks, naming the settlement "Cosmopolite City".

Harvey was founded as a company town at its founding, developed by Joseph Hale Harvey (born March 7, 1816). During this time, Joseph Harvey would rename Cosmopolite City after his family surname. Harvey's wife, née Louise Destrehan, was a great-granddaughter of Jean Baptiste d'Estrehan. She was the daughter of Nicolas Noel d'Estrehan and granddaughter of Jean Noel Destréhan.

Harvey and Destrehan initiated construction of the canal locks leading to the Mississippi. Their son, Horace Harvey (c. 1860-1938), carried on development of the canal and its surroundings.

Geography
Harvey is located east of the Intracoastal Canal on the Mississippi River, at coordinates 29.89111°N, -90.06917°W. It is bordered to the east by Gretna, to the west by Marrero, to the southwest by Woodmere, and to the north, across the Mississippi, by New Orleans. The closest highway crossing of the river is the Crescent City Connection 4 mi northeast of Harvey.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Harvey CDP has a total area of 18.3 km2, of which 17.0 sqkm are land and 1.3 km2, or 7.16%, are water.

Demographics
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 22,236 people, 8,119 households, and 4,756 families residing in the CDP. At the 2019 American Community Survey, there were 21,054 people living in the CDP. According to the census of 2010, there were 20,348 people, 7,544 households, and 5,160 families residing in the CDP.

In 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup of Harvey was 43.65% Black or African American, 29.18% non-Hispanic white, 0.29% Native American, 6.53% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.62% two or more races, and 16.72% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. The racial and ethnic makeup was 34.2% non-Hispanic white, 51.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.9% Asian, 4.1% some other race, 1.3% two or more races, and 9.5% Hispanic or Latino American of any race in 2019. In 2010, the racial makeup of the CDP was 43.5% White, 41.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 6.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.6% some other race, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.4% of the population. From 2010 to 2020, the population and diversification of the CDP has reflected state and nationwide demographic trends of African American, Asian, and Hispanic and Latino growth.

For the period 2012-2016, the median annual income for a household in the CDP was $37,058, and the median income for a family was $52,173. Male full-time workers had a median income of $40,205 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,344. About 17.4% of families and 21.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over. By 2019, the median household income was $41,559 and 16.6% of the population lived at or below the poverty line.

Government and infrastructure
The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice operates the New Orleans Metro Office in Harvey.

The United States Postal Service operates the Harvey Post Office.

Education
Harvey is within the Jefferson Parish Public School System, which has its headquarters in Harvey.

West Jefferson High School is the sole zoned public high school in the Harvey CDP. A portion of Harvey in the south is zoned to John Ehret High School, and a portion to the northwest is zoned to L. W. Higgins High School.

Some residents are zoned to Gretna Middle School in Gretna, and some are zoned to Marrero Middle School in Marrero.

Woodland West Elementary School is in Harvey. Ella C. Pittman Elementary School is in Marrero, adjacent to Harvey and serving portions of Harvey. Other schools outside of Harvey serving portions: Gretna Park and McDonogh #26 in Gretna, Cox Elementary in Timberlane, Collins Elementary (formerly Ames) in Marrero. Woodmere Elementary in Woodmere is nearby, but its attendance zone does not cover the Harvey CDP.

Public kindergartens:
 * Harvey Kindergarten Center

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

Helen Cox High School was in Harvey until 2023. Previously Homedale Elementary in Harvey served portions of the city. In 2012 Homedale Elementary closed. A plan called for Homedale students to be rezoned to McDonogh 26 Elementary in Gretna.

Private schools
 * St. Ville Academy for High School Preparation
 * Homedale School
 * St Rosalie Elementary School

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Jane O'Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library in Harvey. The 35000 sqft facility opened in 1990 and is the largest public library in the West Bank of Jefferson Parish.

Notable people

 * Zaila Avant-garde, winner of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee
 * Ja'Marr Chase, wide receiver in the NFL. Currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
 * Patrick Connick, the District 84 Republican state representative, practices law in Marrero and resides in Harvey.
 * Fats Domino, rock and roll singer and pianist
 * Girod Jackson III, former state representative for District 87 in Jefferson Parish; contractor in Harvey
 * Patrick O'Neal Kennedy (plaintiff in Kennedy v. Louisiana)
 * Greg Monroe, NBA player
 * Laremy Tunsil, NFL player, currently playing for the Houston Texans.
 * Ebony Woodruff, Democratic member since 2013 of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 87, resides in Harvey.

title: Harvey, Louisiana


text:
Jean Lafitte, Louisiana

Jean Lafitte is a town on Bayou Barataria in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Located in Jefferson Parish, it is named after the privateer Jean Lafitte. The population was 1,809 at the 2020 census. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

History
Jean Lafitte was originally settled by Native Americans, then explored and settled by the French who established the area as a harbor for large vessels coming in and out of New Orleans. Today, the communities along Bayou Barataria are made up of Jean Lafitte, Lafitte, Crown Point and Barataria.

The town of Jean Lafitte was officially incorporated in 1974, an effort led by Leo E. Kerner Jr., who became the town's first mayor. His son, Tim Kerner Sr., later served 7 terms as mayor from 1992 to 2020. In 2020, his son Tim Kerner, Jr. was elected as mayor.

Under the leadership of Timothy Kerner Sr., the town built a number of civic and infrastructure improvements, including: a visitor center, museum, 1,300-seat auditorium, library, civic center, baseball park, senior center, medical clinic, art gallery, and nature trail. One of the mayor's major accomplishments was the creation of the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District that eventually secured over $300 million in funds to build tidal protection levees and flood walls.

In 2012, a historical marker for the community of Manila Village was placed in Jean Lafitte. Since mid-2013, Manila Plaza, located in front of Jean Lafitte Town Hall, has held several historical markers and commemorative plaques acknowledging important individuals in the area's Filipino American history. The Philippine-Louisiana Historical Society participated in the dedication ceremony.

While there were several settlements of Filipinos (sometimes called Manilamen or Tagalas) along the Louisiana coast in the late 19th century, Manila Village was the largest. The residents there implemented a system of platforms on which they dried shrimp, as forerunners of Louisiana's 21st-century dried shrimp industry. This community-on-stilts thrived for nearly a century, until it was destroyed by Hurricane Betsy in 1965.

In 2014, the town of Jean Lafitte unveiled a historical marker sponsored by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission at the town's visitor center. The historical marker reads: “Named for legendary privateer Jean Lafitte, who helped the United States win the Battle of New Orleans and used area bayous for his smuggling operations. Home to a thriving seafood industry. Incorporated in 1974 as a village. Became a town in 1977. First mayor of village and town was Leo E. Kerner, Jr., 1974-1991.”

Geography
The town of Jean Lafitte is located at 29.73611°N, -90.12667°W (29.735587, -90.122053). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.3 sqmi, of which 6.0 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (4.47%) is water.

Demographics
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 1,809 people, 604 households, and 446 families residing in the town. At the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of Jean Lafitte was 95.4% non-Hispanic white, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.5% some other race, and 3.4% two or more races. By 2020, its composition was 82.42% non-Hispanic white, 1.11% Black or African American, 2.32% Native American, 1.22% Asian, 7.85% other races and ethnicities, and 5.09% Hispanic and Latino American, representing the demographic increase of Asians and Latinos nationwide. The median age of the town in 2019 was 39.7 and the median household income was $55,671 with a poverty rate of 17.1%. Of the 656 housing units in the township, males had a median income of $54,400 versus $39,830 for females.

Government
The United States Postal Service operates a post office in Jean Lafitte.

Education
Lafitte residents are zoned to Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

Residents from K-6 are zoned to Leo E. Kerner Elementary School (formerly Lafitte Elementary School). 7-12 are zoned to Fisher Middle-High School.

The Leo. E. Kerner Jr. City Park Multi-Purpose Complex is located in Jean Lafitte. Jefferson Parish Library operates the Lafitte Library inside the complex. The over 4500 sqft facility, which is almost three times larger than the previous library facility, opened on March 4, 2010. The previous library facility sustained damage during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and the library contents were destroyed. The American Library Association donated $200,000 to the State of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Library Association's Disaster Relief Program awarded $20,000 of that to Jefferson Parish Library; the funds were used to rebuild the Lafitte Library. The previous library building became the Sheriff Harry Lee Police Station.

title: Jean Lafitte, Louisiana


text:
Jefferson, Louisiana

Jefferson is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the north side (referred to as the "East Bank") of the Mississippi River. Jefferson is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The population was 11,193 at the 2010 census, and 10,533 in 2020. It is often known by locals as "Old Jefferson" (to distinguish itself from the rest of Jefferson Parish), but should not be confused with Old Jefferson in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

History

Early French colonial documents show what would become Jefferson as part of the "Tchoupitoulas Coast" of Native American settlement. In the French and Spanish colonial era it was divided into a series of plantations with boundary lines perpendicular to the Mississippi River.

In the American Civil War, Camp Parapet was built originally by Confederate forces to defend New Orleans from an attack from the upriver side. After the Union liberated the city sailing up from downriver, U.S. troops expanded the fortifications to defend from Confederate counterattacks which never came.

What is now Jefferson includes formerly separate small communities dating back to the 19th century, including, Hoeyville, New Carrollon, Southport, and Shrewsbury,  along with 20th century subdivisions/land developments including Azalea Gardens, Camellia Gardens, Jefferson Heights, and Rio Vista. Some of these names continue to sometimes be used locally to refer to neighborhoods.

The current 4 lane Jefferson Highway was inaugurated in 1928, accelerating development as a suburban area within Greater New Orleans.

Former landmarks included what is best remembered as "The Beverly". An old plantation house was first converted to a "road house" music venue called "Suburban Gardens" in the 1920s; Louis Armstrong and his band had a summer residency here in 1931. In 1945 it was expanded into a lush (but illegal) gambling casino under the name the Beverly Country Club. After Federal crackdowns, it became a dinner theater until it burned down in 1983.

Geography
Jefferson is located in northern Jefferson Parish at 29.96417°N, -90.15722°W (29.964132, -90.157170). It is bordered to the north by Metairie, to the west by Elmwood, to the south, across the Mississippi River, by Bridge City, and to the east by the city of New Orleans in Orleans Parish. U.S. Route 90 (Jefferson Highway) runs through the center of the community, leading east 6 mi to downtown New Orleans.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Jefferson CDP has a total area of 8.5 km2, of which 7.0 km2 are land and 1.5 km2, or 17.46%, are water. The western part of Jefferson's Census area was lost to Elmwood during the 2000 census.

The northern boundary is separated from Metairie by the triple barriers of a drainage canal, railroad tracks, and the Earhart Expressway. The only open public road crossings are Causeway Boulevard and Central Avenue. Many years ago, Labarre Road and Shrewsbury Road connected from River Road to Airline Dr. Many Residents in Old Jefferson prefer the route to continue to Airline Dr. Old Jefferson is now a tucked away neighborhood. It's largely expanding with new shops and businesses coming in. Landmarks include the Ochsner Medical Center complex.

Demographics
The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 10,501 people lived in the CDP, down from 11,193 at the 2010 United States census. At the 2020 census, there were 10,533 people in the CDP. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup was 62% non-Hispanic white, 23.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.6% some other race, 1.7% two or more races, and 10.8% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. In 2020, its makeup was 59.07% non-Hispanic white, 21.79% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.39% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.83% two or more races, and 13.63% Hispanic and Latino American of any race. From earlier census reports and estimates, 2019 and 2020 have revealed the continuous diversification of the United States overall, representing a stark rise against the non-Hispanic white population. The median household income was $50,972 and 12.6% of the population lived at or below the poverty line according to 2019 census estimates.

Primary and secondary schools

Jefferson Parish Public Schools operates schools in the parish and serves Jefferson.

Residents are zoned to: Jefferson K-8 School in Jefferson. Jefferson Elementary and Riverdale Middle were merged into a single school in 2020. Residents are also zoned to Riverdale High School in Jefferson.

In regards to the advanced studies academies, students are zoned to Metairie Academy or Haynes Academy in Old Metairie.

Previously some residents were zoned to Dolhonde Elementary in Metairie.

Private schools:
 * St. Agnes School (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans) a K-7 Catholic school of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, was previously in Jefferson. It was founded in 1941, and closed in 2015. In 2014 it had 161 students, and then in 2015 it had 125 students. Principal Michael Buras stated that the school community gained an acceptance that the school will close. The school accepted school vouchers.  Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy (JCFA) maintains a charter school for non-traditional students in the building.

Public libraries
Jefferson Parish Library operates the Rosedale Library in Jefferson. A Greek revival plantation house named "Rosedale," established in 1838, used to occupy the present day site of the library. In 1978 two fires destroyed the house, which was 140 years old. The library was established in 1986.

Healthcare
Ochsner Medical Center of the Ochsner Health System is in Jefferson CDP.

Notable people
Old Jefferson was home to jazz musicians Johnny Wiggs and William "Baba" Ridgely.

title: Jefferson, Louisiana


text:
Kenner, Louisiana

Kenner is a city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the most populous city in Jefferson Parish, and is the largest incorporated suburban city of New Orleans. The population was 66,448 at the 2020 census, making it the sixth-most populous city in Louisiana.

History
In 1855, Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on land that consisted of three plantation properties Oakland, Belle Grove and Pasture that had been purchased by the Kenner family. At the time, all land north of what is now Airline Highway was swampland.

In Kenner on May 10, 1870, "Gypsy" Jem Mace defeated Tom Allen for the heavyweight championship of the bare-knuckle boxing era; a monument marks the spot near the river end of Williams Boulevard.

From 1915 to 1931, a New Orleans streetcar line operated between New Orleans and Kenner. The line ran between the intersection of Rampart and Canal in New Orleans and the intersection of Williams Blvd and Jefferson Hwy in Kenner.

Kenner's growth began in the late 1950s when developers began subdividing, draining and filling the swampland in the northern half of the city. During the 1960s, the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway aided the rapid development of Kenner as a suburb of New Orleans.

In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759 crashed in a residential area of Kenner when a microburst forced it down. Eight people on the ground were killed, as were all 145 people aboard the aircraft. Six houses were completely destroyed and five more substantially damaged.

In October 2017, an explosion on the surface of an oil rig platform in Lake Pontchartrain north west of the Treasure Chest Casino injured 7 people.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.2 sqmi, of which 15.1 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.7%) is water.

The city of Kenner is located on the west side of Greater New Orleans, in Jefferson Parish. Its boundaries are Lake Pontchartrain to the north, the Mississippi River to the south, the unincorporated areas of Metairie and River Ridge to the east, and St. Charles Parish to the west.

Demographics
In 2013, there were 66,975 living in Kenner, down from 70,517 people in 2000. The population density was 4,486.0 people per square mile. There were 28,076 housing units. In 2000, there were 70,517 people, 25,652 households, and 18,469 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,798.3 /km2. There were 27,378 housing units at an average density of 698.2 /km2. At the 2020 U.S. census, the city's population declined to 66,448.

During the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of Kenner was 64.6% non-Hispanic white, 23.8% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.7% Asian, 5.4% some other race, and 2.3% two or more races. In 2013, the racial makeup of the city was 48.8% White, 34.7% African American, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Native American, 3.7% Asian, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. In 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 68.12% White, 22.55% African American, 0.40% Native American, 2.84% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. 13.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Reflecting the nationwide demographic shift in 2020, 40.01% were non-Hispanic white, 21.48% Black or African American, 0.17% American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.55% multiracial or some other race, and 30.01% Hispanic or Latino American of any race.

In the Hispanic and Latin American population of Kenner, 12 of the city's tracts have Hispanic or Latino populations of 15% or more in 2010. By 2011, many businesses catering to Hispanics and Latin Americans had opened in Kenner. A portion of north Kenner is called "Little Honduras." Kenner's Hispanic Resource Center offers English as a second language classes and after school programs.

Economy
At one time L'Express Airlines had its headquarters in Kenner.

Library and planetarium

Jefferson Parish Library operates the North Kenner Library.

Places of interest

The following are located in Kenner:
 * A. J. Muss Bertolino Playground – a high school stadium, running track, and gymnasium.
 * Chateau Golf and Country Club.
 * Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex - 22 court sand volleyball complex, and the largest man-made sand complex in the United States.
 * The Esplanade Mall – Opened in 1983, as of 2023, all but abandoned. Plans are underway to redevelop the mall. Only a Target store and a Regal Cinema movie theatre remain open at the site..
 * Laketown – A park built with a boat launch, two piers, pavilions, a jogging/biking path, and a concession stand and bait house.
 * Pontchartrain Center – Opened in 1991, it is the second-largest convention center in the New Orleans metro area.
 * Rivertown – The historic district with museums, shops, and cultural resources. Located there are the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Kenner Heritage Park, Kenner Planetarium, and Rivertown Science Center.
 * Treasure Chest Casino.

Government
The mayor of Kenner is Michael Glaser.

Kenner is represented in the Louisiana House of Representatives by the Republican attorney Debbie Villio. The state senator is Republican Kirk Talbot, a former state House member. Kenner is part of Louisiana's 1st Congressional district, presently represented in the U.S. House by Steve Scalise.

Primary and secondary schools
Kenner is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.

Kenner originally had one high school, Alfred Bonnabel High School, which is located on the border between Metairie and Kenner. Most areas in Kenner are zoned to this high school, while some areas in the southeast are zoned to East Jefferson High School in Metairie.

Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, a public charter school, was founded in 2013. It has an elementary campus in Metairie and secondary campuses in Kenner.

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

Theodore Roosevelt Middle School and Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy are the two middle schools in Kenner. In addition to Roosevelt and Kenner Discovery, middle schools serving sections of Kenner include Adams Middle and Harris Middle in Metairie, and Riverdale Middle in Jefferson.

Jefferson Parish public elementary schools include:
 * A.C. Alexander Elementary School
 * John James Audubon Elementary School
 * Chateau Estates Elementary School
 * John Clancy Elementary School
 * Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School
 * Walter Schneckenberger Elementary School
 * Granville T. Woods Elementary

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

Washington Elementary School in Kenner closed in 2023.

Private schools include:
 * First Baptist Christian School
 * Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans). The school, the parish school of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, opened in 1928. In 1951 an annex to the school opened. Another building with classrooms and a gymnasium was dedicated in 1956, and the current school building was dedicated in 1961. The Mercy Center, which houses school offices and a library, gymnasium, and a dedicated room for music classes, was dedicated in August 2004.
 * St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans)
 * Islamic School of Greater New Orleans (ISGNO)

Media
The Kenner Star is Kenner's free monthly community newspaper. Kenner is served primarily by New Orleans-based media outlets.

Buses
Public transportation in the city is operated by the Jefferson Parish Department of Transit Administration which operates Jefferson Transit. Jefferson Transit provides service to points in Kenner, Metairie and New Orleans as well as other locations in incorporated and unincorporated Jefferson Parish.

Roads
Kenner is served by Interstate 10, which travels east–west through the city. Traveling westbound from the city line there are exits at Power Blvd., LA 49 (Williams Blvd.)/32nd St. New Orleans Int'l Airport, and Loyola Dr.

In addition, the interstate, U.S. 61 (generally signed as Airline Dr.) travels east–west through the southern end of the city. LA 49 (signed as Williams Blvd) is the city's primary north–south corridor.

Airport
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (IATA: MSY), the main commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area, is located within the city limits, just south of Interstate 10. It serves as a major tax-revenue generator for the city.

Health care

 * Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner – one of the major hospitals in the New Orleans metro area.

Notable people

 * Jon Batiste, musician, has a song I'm from Kenner
 * Aaron Broussard, former Jefferson Parish President, 2003-2010
 * Chris Howard, NFL player
 * Chris Kenner (1929–1976), R&B singer and songwriter
 * Arthur Maulet, NFL player
 * Edmond J. Muniz, former mayor of Kenner and captain of the Krewe of Endymion
 * Lloyd Price, R&B vocalist known as "Mr. Personality"

title: Kenner, Louisiana


text:
Lafitte, Louisiana

Lafitte is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 972 at the 2010 census, and 816 in 2019. In 2020, its population increased to 1,014 people. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. Lafitte is located at the southern end of Louisiana Highway 45 along Bayou Barataria, and fishing is a major part of the local economy and culture.

Geography
Lafitte is located at 29.6775°N, -90.10528°W (29.677566, -90.105386). It is 27 mi by road south of New Orleans. Lafitte is bordered to the north by the town of Jean Lafitte, and to the west, across Bayou Barataria, by unincorporated Barataria. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lafitte CDP has a total area of 16.6 km2, of which 12.5 km2 are land and 4.1 km2, or 24.57%, are water.

Demographics

The 2019 American Community Survey estimated 816 people lived in the CDP, down from 972 at the 2010 U.S. census. At the 2020 United States census, there were 1,014 people, 316 households, and 222 families residing in the CDP, up from the 2019 census estimates. In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup was 89% non-Hispanic white, and 11% two or more races; the 2020 census determined 80.87% of the population was non-Hispanic white, 0.79% Black or African American, 1.78% Native American, 1.58% Asian, 9.17% two or more races, and 5.82% Hispanic or Latino American of any race; this has been in contrast to its once predominantly non-Hispanic white population as the U.S. diversifies overall. According to the 2019 estimates, the median household income was $58,375 and 19.2% lived at or below the poverty line.

Education
Lafitte residents are zoned to Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

Residents in K–6 are zoned to Lafitte Elementary School. Grades 7–12 are zoned to Fisher Middle-High School.

title: Lafitte, Louisiana