Tensas Parish, LA

Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Parish
Location within the state of Louisiana
Country	United States
State	Louisiana
Founded	March 17, 1843
Parish seat	St. Joseph
Area
• Total	641 sq mi (1,660 km2)
• Land	602 sq mi (1,560 km2)
• Water	39 sq mi (100 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	4,200
• Density	6.6/sq mi (2.5/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)

Tensas Parish is a parish located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,200. The parish seat is St. Joseph. The parish was founded on March 17, 1843, and is named for the Taensa people, a Native American tribe.

Geography

Tensas Parish covers a total area of 641 square miles, of which 602 square miles is land and 39 square miles is water. The parish is bordered by Madison Parish to the north, Warren County, Mississippi to the northeast, Claiborne County, Mississippi to the east, Concordia Parish to the south, and Franklin Parish to the west.

History

Tensas Parish was established in 1843 from parts of Concordia Parish and Madison Parish. The area was historically inhabited by the Taensa people, from whom the parish takes its name. The region has a rich history tied to the Mississippi River and the development of plantations during the 19th century.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Tensas Parish had a population of 4,200. The population density is low, with much of the area being rural and agricultural. The parish has experienced a decline in population over the years, reflecting broader trends in rural areas across the United States.

Economy

The economy of Tensas Parish is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including cotton, soybeans, and corn. The parish also has a significant amount of forestry and hunting land, contributing to the local economy.

Education

Tensas Parish is served by the Tensas Parish School Board, which operates several schools in the area. The parish also has access to higher education institutions in nearby parishes and states.

Communities

• St. Joseph (Parish seat)
• Newellton
• Waterproof

Notable People

• Andrew H. Hynes, a prominent 19th-century politician and lawyer.
• John S. Harris, a U.S. Senator from Louisiana.

See Also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• Mississippi River
• Louisiana
• Taensa people