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| Jefferson Parish - Jefferson Parish | |
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Jefferson Parish is bordered by St. Charles Parish to the west, Orleans and Plaquemines Parishes to the east, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. It consists of many diverse and culturally rich communities: Avondale • Bridge City • Grand Isle • Gretna • Harahan • Harvey • Kenner • Jefferson • Lafitte • Marrero • Metairie • River Ridge • Terrytown • Waggaman • Westwego •
Avondale, Louisiana is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi, about 15 miles from downtown New Orleans. It is the home of Avondale Shipyards, one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the country, and the third largest employer in the parish.
A part of the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area, Bridge City is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. It was established in the 1930s during the construction of the historic Huey P. Long Bridge, the longest railroad bridge in the U.S. Bridge City is also home to an annual Gumbo Festival which takes place in October.
Located at the southernmost tip of Jefferson Parish the eight-mile long island is bordered by the Gulf Caminada Bay and Barataria Bay. The only road leading into Grand Isle is LA Hwy. 1 which passes through the quaint fishing communities along Bayou Lafourche before crossing Caminada Bay.
Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss the many fishing rodeos and the sailing regatta on Grand Isle. Find out more about Grand Isle at their site. The City of Gretna is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River opposite New Orleans. Originally named "Mechanikham" Gretna became a city in 1913. It is home to one of Louisiana's largest historic districts. The museum complex includes preserved 19th century homes in traditional Louisiana styles. If you're a history buff or merely interested in what past life was like in this historic town a walking tour through the district is recommended.
Gretna Visitor Center in the Historical Society Southern Pacific Train Depot This former depot which was built in 1906 now serves as a gift shop and display area for Gretna railroad memorabilia. The Depot also houses the Visitor Center where tourists can find valuable information about the area. The Visitor Center is open Monday - Friday and is located at Huey P. Long and Fourth Streets (504) 363-1580.
Gretna City Hall
David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1
Kittie Strehle Home
For more information about Gretna, visit their site.
A city developed out of a community of railroad workers Harahan takes its name from the former president of the Illinois Central Railroad Company James T. Harahan.
Located just across the Crescent City Connection from downtown New Orleans, Harvey is a suburb of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi. Harvey is home to Boomtown Casino, the West Jefferson campus of Louisiana Technical College, and recently, musical legend Fats Domino. Located just 10 miles from downtown New Orleans, Kenner is one of the largest suburbs of New Orleans , and is in fact the state's 7th largest city. It is also home to the Louis Armstrong International Airport, the city's main airport.In 1855, Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on land that consisted of three plantation properties that had been purchased by the Kenner family. During 1915-1931 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 1950's when developers began subdividing, draining and filling the swampland in the northern half of the city. During the 1960's, the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway aided the rapid development of Kenner as a suburb of New Orleans. Kenner is now a booming city with many business and recreational attractions:
Jefferson is a suburb of New Orleans on the east bank of the Mississippi, bordered on one side by the historic River Road, which runs alongside the Mississippi River levee. Jefferson is also home to Ochsner Medical Center, one of the South's premier hospitals, and the largest employer in the parish. The area is also known as Old Jefferson and Jefferson Heights. Jefferson is home to a Civil War monument, Camp Parapet, located near the American Legion Post 267. The remaining structure is the powder magazine of the small Confederate outpost along the Mississippi River.
Once a hideaway for pirates the Town of Jean Lafitte which stretches along Bayou Barataria is now home to people who make their living from the local waters and marshlands.
The Barataria Preserve is one of the four units comprising the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. This unit interprets the culture of people who settled the delta and the unique ecosystem that sustained them. Located on Highway 45 the preserve is well-respected for its variety of birds animal wildlife and plants. There are exhibits and a 25-minute film highlight on the wildlife and foliage on the trails and waters. Guided and self-guided tours are available as well as canoe excursions. For more information call (504)589-2330. Marrero is a suburb of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi. It can boast of having two hospitals within its city limits: Advance Care Hospital , and West Jefferson Medical Center . Marrero also has several elementary and high schools that are well known for their competetive athletics.
Hugging Harahan on three sides the unincorporated area of Metairie is home to many parks theaters and shopping areas. Once primarily a residential area Metairie has now grown into a thriving business center.
One of the favorite "green spots" of Jefferson Parish residents this 155-acre park located in Metairie is ideal for visitors who want to escape the crowds of the city and have a picnic or a game of softball. At the center of the park is the Pavilion a natural wood structure designed as a multi-purpose outdoor center. The Pavilion is used throughout the year for weddings parties Christmas caroling and much more. With its picturesque lagoons and landscaping the park is perfect for family recreation. It is accessible from Veterans Boulevard and at Downs Boulevard from David Drive.
River Ridge is a small suburb of New Orleans, located along a heavily-wooded 3-mile stretch of Jefferson Highway. Its boundaries include Harahan to the east, Kenner to the west, Metairie to the north, and the Mississippi River to the south.
Terrytown is a suburb of New Orleans on the Westbank. It was founded on March 5th, 1960, by subdivision developer, Paul Kapelow, who named the town after his first daughter, Terry Kapelow. The two main intersecting streets are Terry Parkway, running north and south, and Carol Sue Ave. (named for Paul's second daughter, Carol Sue Kapelow), running east and west.
Waggaman is a Westbank suburb of New Orleans. The area was named for U.S. Senator George Augustus Waggaman (1782-1843) who settled in the area with his wife, Camille Arnoult, who inherited a large tract of land there. The two built a considerable plantation which they named Avondale. Today the Avondale area, also an unincorporated community and which abuts Waggaman, is home to Avondale Shipyards, one of the largest employers in Jefferson Parish.
Some of Louisiana's most picturesque bayous and swamps are located right outside of Westwego, a west bank community that was originally a springboard for pioneers headed to the western frontier. Nestled beside Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego is now the launching point for many swamp tours and bayou excursions. It's also just a short distance away from several plantation homes along the Mississippi River.
The City developed around the Mississippi River, the Westwego canal that once connected with the river through locks, Bayou Segnette, and the swamp and marshes south of the city that connected it to the rich wildlife and fishing areas of the Barataria basin. Westwego was founded in 1870 by the Texas and Pacific Railroad when it placed a railroad yard and docks on the Mississippi River just above the canal linking the river to Bayou Segnette. It grew to eventually incorporate the village of Salaville, Seven Oaks Plantation, Whitehouse Plantation, and surrounding farmland.
A large portion of the early residents were fishermen, shrimpers, oystermen, and trappers, the City being on the fastest route for seafood to come from the Gulf and Barataria Basin to the markets of New Orleans. In 1893, a hurricane devastated a small fishing village on Cheniere Caminada, a small barrier island west of Grand Isle, with great loss of life. Many survivors moved their families to Westwego since it was a safer location off the coast. The introduction of motorized boats resulted in more residents and further development of marine related businesses.
A trip to Westwego would not be complete without a tour of Bayou Segnette. This 580-acre state park offers picnicking, a wave pool, and boat cruises through a maze of lakes and bayous. The park is particularly popular for its overnight facilities which include carpeted cabins with screen porches, bedrooms, living areas, cathedral, ceilings, and loft space. One hundred camp sites and three dormitories are also available. Call (504) 736-7140 for reservations or more information.
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