Plaquemines Parish, LA

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Parish
Location of Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana
Country	United States
State	Louisiana
Founded	1807
Parish seat	Pointe à la Hache
Area
• Total	2,559 sq mi (6,629 km2)
• Land	800 sq mi (2,200 km2)
• Water	1,710 sq mi (4,429 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	23,515
• Density	9.2/sq mi (3.5/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Website	Plaquemines Parish

Plaquemines Parish is a parish located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Pointe à la Hache. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,515. The parish was founded in 1807.

History

Plaquemines Parish has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The name "Plaquemines" comes from a Louisiana French word, derived from the Atakapa word "piakimin," meaning persimmon. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chitimacha and Houma. During the American Civil War, Plaquemines Parish was strategically important due to its location along the Mississippi River. The Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip took place here, leading to the Union's control of New Orleans.

Geography

Plaquemines Parish is characterized by its unique geography, which includes a mix of land and water. The parish is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Mississippi River runs through it. The total area of the parish is 6,629 square kilometers, with 2,200 square kilometers of land and 4,429 square kilometers of water.

Economy

The economy of Plaquemines Parish is diverse, with significant contributions from the oil industry, fishing, and agriculture. The parish is home to several oil refineries and natural gas processing plants. Fishing, particularly for shrimp and oysters, is a major industry due to the parish's extensive coastline and waterways.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Plaquemines Parish had a population of 23,515. The population density is low, with many residents living in rural areas. The parish has a diverse population, with a mix of Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic communities.

Education

Plaquemines Parish is served by the Plaquemines Parish School Board, which operates several public schools in the area. The parish also has access to higher education institutions in nearby New Orleans.

Transportation

Transportation in Plaquemines Parish is facilitated by several major highways, including Louisiana Highway 23. The parish is also served by the New Orleans International Airport, located in nearby Kenner.

Government

Plaquemines Parish operates under a parish council form of government. The council is responsible for local legislation, budgeting, and administration of parish services.

Related Pages

• Louisiana
• Pointe à la Hache, Louisiana
• Mississippi River
• Gulf of Mexico
• American Civil War
• Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip
• Plaquemines Parish School Board