Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Name	Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Settlement type	Parish

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Located in the southeastern part of Louisiana, the parish is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the east, St. Bernard Parish to the north, Orleans Parish to the northwest, and Jefferson Parish to the west. The parish seat is Pointe à la Hache, and other notable communities include Belle Chasse, Boothville, and Venice. The parish is part of the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area and is near the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.

Geography

The geography of the parish is characterized by its low-lying coastal wetlands, including the Mississippi River Delta and the Barataria Basin. The parish is home to several notable geographic features, including the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal, and the Plaquemines Parish Coastal Zone. The parish is also near several notable bodies of water, including Lake Borgne, Lake St. Catherine, and the Gulf of Mexico. The United States Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have studied the parish's geography, particularly in relation to Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The parish is also home to several notable parks and wildlife refuges, including the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge and the Breton National Wildlife Refuge.

History

The history of the parish dates back to the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the area, including the Bayougoula and the Houma people. The parish was later settled by French colonists, who established the Fort de La Boulaye and the Fort St. Philip. The parish was also home to several notable American Civil War battles, including the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the Battle of LaFourche Crossing. The parish was also affected by several notable natural disasters, including the 1900 Galveston hurricane and Hurricane Betsy. The parish is also near several notable historic sites, including the Chalmette National Historical Park and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the parish had a population of approximately 23,000 people, with a mix of Cajun and Creole ancestry. The parish is also home to several notable communities, including the Isleños and the Louisiana Creole people. The parish has a diverse economy, with major industries including fishing, shrimping, and oil and gas production. The parish is also home to several notable festivals and events, including the Plaquemines Parish Fair and the Belle Chasse Seafood Festival. The parish is near several notable cities, including New Orleans, Metairie, and Gulfport.

Economy

The economy of the parish is driven by several major industries, including fishing, shrimping, and oil and gas production. The parish is home to several notable companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell Oil Company. The parish is also a major producer of Sugarcane and Citrus crops, with several notable farms and plantations, including the St. Joseph Plantation and the Oak Alley Plantation. The parish is near several notable ports, including the Port of New Orleans and the Port of Gulfport. The parish is also home to several notable tourist attractions, including the Honey Island Swamp and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Government

The government of the parish is led by the Plaquemines Parish Council, which is composed of several notable members, including the President of the Plaquemines Parish Council and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff. The parish is also part of the Louisiana state legislature, with several notable representatives, including the Louisiana state senators and the Louisiana state representatives. The parish is also home to several notable law enforcement agencies, including the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana State Police. The parish is near several notable government institutions, including the Louisiana State Capitol and the New Orleans City Hall.

Education

The education system in the parish is led by the Plaquemines Parish School Board, which oversees several notable schools, including the Belle Chasse High School and the South Plaquemines High School. The parish is also home to several notable universities and colleges, including the University of New Orleans and the Delgado Community College. The parish is near several notable research institutions, including the Louisiana State University and the Tulane University. The parish is also home to several notable libraries, including the Plaquemines Parish Library and the New Orleans Public Library. The parish is part of the Louisiana department of education, which is led by the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education.

Category:Parishes in Louisiana