Pointe Coupee Parish, LA

Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana
Parish
Location within the state of Louisiana
Country	United States
State	Louisiana
Founded	1807
Parish seat	New Roads
Area
• Total	593 sq mi (1,536 km2)
• Land	556 sq mi (1,441 km2)
• Water	37 sq mi (95 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	20,758
• Density	35/sq mi (14/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)

Pointe Coupee Parish ( ) is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is New Roads. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,758. The parish was established in 1807.

History

Pointe Coupee Parish is one of the oldest parishes in Louisiana, with a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The name "Pointe Coupee" is French for "cut point," referring to a bend in the Mississippi River where the parish is located. The area was originally settled by French colonists and has a strong Creole heritage.

Geography

Pointe Coupee Parish is situated in the central part of Louisiana. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Atchafalaya River to the west. The parish has a total area of 1536 square kilometers, of which 1441 square kilometers is land and 95 square kilometers is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Pointe Coupee Parish had a population of 20,758. The population density is approximately 14 people per square kilometer. The parish has a diverse population with a mix of African American, Caucasian, and Creole communities.

Economy

The economy of Pointe Coupee Parish is primarily based on agriculture, with significant contributions from the sugarcane and soybean industries. The parish also has a growing tourism sector, thanks to its historical sites and natural beauty.

Education

Pointe Coupee Parish is served by the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board, which operates several public schools in the area. The parish is also home to a number of private and parochial schools.

Government

The parish government is headquartered in New Roads. The governing body is the Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury, which is responsible for local legislation and administration.

Transportation

Pointe Coupee Parish is accessible via several major highways, including U.S. Route 190 and Louisiana Highway 1. The parish is also served by the False River Regional Airport.

Notable People

• Julian Poydras, a prominent early settler and philanthropist.
• Major General John Archer Lejeune, a notable military figure.

See Also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• New Roads, Louisiana
• Mississippi River
• Atchafalaya River