Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana
Encyclopedia
Jefferson Davis Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state
of Louisiana
. The parish seat is Jennings
. As of 2000, its population was 31,435. Jefferson Davis Parish is named after the president of the Confederacy
during the American Civil War
, Jefferson Davis
. It is located in southwestern Louisiana and forms a part of the Acadiana
region. In 2005, the parish was damaged significantly by Hurricane Rita
, which caused much wind damage and flooding in the western part of the parish. The storm also caused Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
to be affected by saltwater intrusion.
Jefferson Davis Parish is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Lake Charles
–Jennings Combined Statistical Area
.
The first oil in Louisiana was drilled in 1901 in what became Jeff Davis Parish by W. Scott Heywood
, who in 1932 was elected to the Louisiana State Senate
.
region of Louisiana. It is named after the President of the Confederate States of America
, Jefferson Davis
.
Jefferson Davis Parish comprises five incorporated towns including Elton, Fenton, Jennings, Lake Arthur, and Welsh. There are also many unincorporated areas that add to the interest and economic structure of the parish including Barnsdall, Buller, China, Coverdale, Edna, Foremans Hall, Hathaway, Illinois Plant, Lacassine, Lauderdale, Panchoville, Pine Island, Raymond, Roanoke, Silverwood, Thornwell, Topsy, Verret, and Woodlawn. With a population of approximately 31,435 and a total land area of 652 square miles (1,688.7 km²), Jefferson Davis Parish is a quaint, rural community that is strategically positioned for success. Centered between New Orleans and Houston, each less than away, Jefferson Davis Parish can be easily accessed for business ventures. Interstate 10
runs east and west through the center of the parish, providing quick, easy access to local markets. Additionally, Union Pacific Railroad
is centrally located within the parish and the Mermentau River
, which connects to the Intracoastal Waterway
and has a channel depth of nine feet, provides access to the Port of Mermentau. The Jennings Airport, with a runway length of 5000 feet (1,524 m), is capable of landing a small jet and is conveniently located next to Interstate 10. Thanks to these and many other attributes within its community, the overall economic outlook for the parish is promising. Jefferson Davis Parish also attracts sportsmen to the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
.
of 2000, there were 31,435 people, 11,480 households, and 8,529 families residing in the parish. The population density
was 48 people per square mile (19/km²). There were 12,824 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 80.60% White
, 17.79% Black
or African American
, 0.38% Native American
, 0.19% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.20% from other races
, and 0.82% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 16.15% of the population reported speaking French
or Cajun French
at home.http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=22&county_id=53&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r
There were 11,480 households out of which 37.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples
living together, 13.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 22.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the parish the population was spread out with 29.30% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 21.00% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.
The median income for a household in the parish was $27,736, and the median income for a family was $33,129. Males had a median income of $28,279 versus $18,668 for females. The per capita income
for the parish was $13,398. About 18.10% of families and 20.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.40% of those under age 18 and 19.90% of those age 65 or over.
operates public schools in the parish.
Jefferson Davis Parish Library operates public libraries throughout the parish.
The Jefferson Davis Parish Library Headquarters Branch is at 118 West Plaquemine Street in Jennings
.
The system operates three branches:
In addition the City of Jennings operates the Jennings Carnegie Public Library.
Geology
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. The parish seat is Jennings
Jennings, Louisiana
Jennings is a small city in and the parish seat of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States, near Lake Charles. The population was 10,986 at the 2000 census....
. As of 2000, its population was 31,435. Jefferson Davis Parish is named after the president of the Confederacy
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Finis Davis , also known as Jeff Davis, was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, serving as President for its entire history. He was born in Kentucky to Samuel and Jane Davis...
. It is located in southwestern Louisiana and forms a part of the Acadiana
Acadiana
Acadiana, or The Heart of Acadiana, is the official name given to the French Louisiana region that is home to a large Francophone population. Of the 64 parishes that make up Louisiana, 22 named parishes and other parishes of similar cultural environment, make up the intrastate...
region. In 2005, the parish was damaged significantly by Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita was the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Rita caused $11.3 billion in damage on the U.S. Gulf Coast in September 2005...
, which caused much wind damage and flooding in the western part of the parish. The storm also caused Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is located in Cameron and Evangeline Parishes in southwestern Louisiana, was established in 1937 by Executive Order No. 7780 as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." The refuge is nearly in size, including leased from the Cameron...
to be affected by saltwater intrusion.
Jefferson Davis Parish is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Located in Calcasieu Parish, a major cultural, industrial, and educational center in the southwest region of the state, and one of the most important in...
–Jennings Combined Statistical Area
Lake Charles-Jennings combined statistical area
The Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area is made up of three parishes in southwestern Louisiana. The statistical area consists of the Lake Charles Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area. The largest principal city is Lake Charles, and the smaller...
.
The first oil in Louisiana was drilled in 1901 in what became Jeff Davis Parish by W. Scott Heywood
W. Scott Heywood
Walter Scott Heywood, known as W. Scott Heywood , was a member of the Louisiana State Senate who earlier headed a family-owned company which struck the first oil well in Louisiana on September 21, 1901 near Jennings in Jeff Davis Parish.Heywood was born in Cleveland, Ohio. As a young man, he...
, who in 1932 was elected to the Louisiana State Senate
Louisiana State Legislature
The Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
.
History
Jefferson Davis Parish was one of the last incorporated parishes in the state of Louisiana. Originally a part of Imperial Calcasieu Parish, it became a separate entity in the year 1912. Jefferson Davis Parish is also a part of the AcadianaAcadiana
Acadiana, or The Heart of Acadiana, is the official name given to the French Louisiana region that is home to a large Francophone population. Of the 64 parishes that make up Louisiana, 22 named parishes and other parishes of similar cultural environment, make up the intrastate...
region of Louisiana. It is named after the President of the Confederate States of America
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
, Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Finis Davis , also known as Jeff Davis, was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, serving as President for its entire history. He was born in Kentucky to Samuel and Jane Davis...
.
Geography
The parish has a total area of 659 square miles (1,706.8 km²), of which 652 square miles (1,688.7 km²) is land and 6 square miles (15.5 km²) (0.95%) is water.Jefferson Davis Parish comprises five incorporated towns including Elton, Fenton, Jennings, Lake Arthur, and Welsh. There are also many unincorporated areas that add to the interest and economic structure of the parish including Barnsdall, Buller, China, Coverdale, Edna, Foremans Hall, Hathaway, Illinois Plant, Lacassine, Lauderdale, Panchoville, Pine Island, Raymond, Roanoke, Silverwood, Thornwell, Topsy, Verret, and Woodlawn. With a population of approximately 31,435 and a total land area of 652 square miles (1,688.7 km²), Jefferson Davis Parish is a quaint, rural community that is strategically positioned for success. Centered between New Orleans and Houston, each less than away, Jefferson Davis Parish can be easily accessed for business ventures. Interstate 10
Interstate 10
Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90, I-80, and I-40. It is the southernmost east–west, coast-to-coast Interstate Highway, although I-4 and I-8 are further south. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean at State Route 1 in Santa Monica,...
runs east and west through the center of the parish, providing quick, easy access to local markets. Additionally, Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
is centrally located within the parish and the Mermentau River
Mermentau River
The Mermentau River is a river in southern Louisiana in the United States. It enters the Gulf of Mexico between Calcasieu Lake and Vermilion Bay on the Chenier Coastal Plain.The Mermentau River supplies freshwater for the Mermentau Basin...
, which connects to the Intracoastal Waterway
Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Some lengths consist of natural inlets, salt-water rivers, bays, and sounds; others are artificial canals...
and has a channel depth of nine feet, provides access to the Port of Mermentau. The Jennings Airport, with a runway length of 5000 feet (1,524 m), is capable of landing a small jet and is conveniently located next to Interstate 10. Thanks to these and many other attributes within its community, the overall economic outlook for the parish is promising. Jefferson Davis Parish also attracts sportsmen to the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is located in Cameron and Evangeline Parishes in southwestern Louisiana, was established in 1937 by Executive Order No. 7780 as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." The refuge is nearly in size, including leased from the Cameron...
.
Major highways
Interstate 10Interstate 10Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90, I-80, and I-40. It is the southernmost east–west, coast-to-coast Interstate Highway, although I-4 and I-8 are further south. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean at State Route 1 in Santa Monica,...
U.S. Highway 90
U.S. Highway 165
Louisiana Highway 14Louisiana Highway 14Louisiana Highway 14 is a state highway that serves Calcasieu Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Vermillion Parish, and Iberia Parish in Louisiana. It spans , running from west to east. Highway 14 is often referred to as "The Four Lane" by the local residents.-Route description:From the west, LA 14...
Louisiana Highway 26Louisiana Highway 26Louisiana Highway 26 is a state highway that serves Beauregard Parish, Allen Parish, and Jefferson Davis Parish. It spans , running in a northwest/southeast direction-Route description:...
Louisiana Highway 97
Louisiana Highway 99
Louisiana Highway 101
Louisiana Highway 102
Louisiana Highway 380
Louisiana Highway 382
Louisiana Highway 395
Adjacent parishes
- Allen ParishAllen Parish, LouisianaAllen Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Oberlin. As of the 2000 census, the population was 25,440. Allen Parish is in southwestern Louisiana, southwest of Alexandria....
(north) - Evangeline ParishEvangeline Parish, Louisiana-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 35,434 people, 12,736 households, and 9,157 families residing in the parish. The population density was 53 people per square mile . There were 14,258 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile...
(northeast) - Acadia ParishAcadia Parish, LouisianaAcadia Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Crowley. According to the 2010 census, the population of Acadia Parish is 61,773. The parish was founded from parts of St...
(east) - Vermilion ParishVermilion Parish, LouisianaVermilion Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Abbeville. As of the 2010 census, the population was 57,999....
(southeast) - Cameron ParishCameron Parish, LouisianaCameron Parish is the parish with the most land area in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Cameron and as of 2010, the population was 6,839...
(south) - Calcasieu ParishCalcasieu Parish, LouisianaCalcasieu Parish[p] is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Lake Charles. As of 2010, the parish population was 192,768...
(west) - Beauregard ParishBeauregard Parish, LouisianaBeauregard Parish [p] is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Beauregard Parish was formed on 1 January 1913. The parish seat is DeRidder. As of 2000, the population was 32,986. Beauregard Parish is part of the DeRidder Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Fort Polk...
(northwest)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 31,435 people, 11,480 households, and 8,529 families residing in the parish. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 48 people per square mile (19/km²). There were 12,824 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 80.60% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 17.79% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.38% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.19% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.20% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.82% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 16.15% of the population reported speaking French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
or Cajun French
Cajun French
Cajun French is a variety or dialects of the French language spoken primarily in Louisiana, specifically in the southern and southwestern parishes....
at home.http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&state_id=22&county_id=53&mode=geographic&zip=&place_id=&cty_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r
There were 11,480 households out of which 37.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 22.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.18.
In the parish the population was spread out with 29.30% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 21.00% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.50 males.
The median income for a household in the parish was $27,736, and the median income for a family was $33,129. Males had a median income of $28,279 versus $18,668 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the parish was $13,398. About 18.10% of families and 20.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.40% of those under age 18 and 19.90% of those age 65 or over.
Communities
Cities and towns
- EltonElton, LouisianaElton is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,261 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
- FentonFenton, LouisianaFenton is a village in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 380 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.Thomas A...
- JenningsJennings, LouisianaJennings is a small city in and the parish seat of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States, near Lake Charles. The population was 10,986 at the 2000 census....
- Lake ArthurLake Arthur, LouisianaLake Arthur is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 3,007 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area...
- WelshWelsh, LouisianaWelsh is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 3,380 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Welsh is located at ....
Unincorporated areas
- LacassineLacassine, LouisianaLacassine is a city in Jefferson Davis Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The Little Kahuna Water Park is currently being constructed right off of Interstate 10 in Lacassine...
- Roanoke
- Topsy
Education
Jefferson Davis Parish Public SchoolsJefferson Davis Parish Public Schools
Jefferson Davis Parish Public Schools is a school district headquartered in Jennings, Louisiana, United States.The district covers Jefferson Davis Parish.-K-12 schools:* Hathaway High School...
operates public schools in the parish.
Jefferson Davis Parish Library operates public libraries throughout the parish.
The Jefferson Davis Parish Library Headquarters Branch is at 118 West Plaquemine Street in Jennings
Jennings, Louisiana
Jennings is a small city in and the parish seat of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States, near Lake Charles. The population was 10,986 at the 2000 census....
.
The system operates three branches:
- Elton Branch at 813 Main Street, EltonElton, LouisianaElton is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,261 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
- Lake Arthur Branch at 600 4th Street, Lake ArthurLake Arthur, LouisianaLake Arthur is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 3,007 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area...
- Welsh Branch at 301 South Sarah Street, WelshWelsh, LouisianaWelsh is a town in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 3,380 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Welsh is located at ....
In addition the City of Jennings operates the Jennings Carnegie Public Library.
Notable residents
- A.C. Clemons
- Thomas A. "Tom" Greene
- John E. GuinnJohn E. GuinnJohn Eddie Guinn, Sr., also known as Johnny Guinn , is a businessman from Jennings, Louisiana, who is a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 37 in Jefferson Davis and Calcasieu parishes in the southwestern portion of his state...
- Charles Franklin HildebrandCharles Franklin HildebrandCharles Franklin Hildebrand, usually known as Franklin Hildebrand , was an American journalist who from 1930 to 1957 published the Jeff Davis Parish News, subsequently renamed the Jennings Daily News and located in Jennings, the seat of Jeff Davis Parish in southwestern Louisiana.Hildebrand was...
- Dan MorrishDan MorrishDan Wesley Morrish, sometimes known as Blade Morrish , is a Republican member of the Louisiana State Senate from Jennings, the seat of Jefferson Davis Parish in southwestern Louisiana....
- Claude KirkpatrickClaude KirkpatrickClaude Kirkpatrick was a diversified businessman who served two terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives , worked to establish Toledo Bend Reservoir through his directorship of the state Department of Public Works , and was the administrator and then president of Baton Rouge General Medical...
- Edith Killgore KirkpatrickEdith Killgore KirkpatrickEdith Aurelia Killgore Kirkpatrick is a retired music educator from Baton Rouge who served on the Louisiana Board of Regents for Higher Education from 1977—1989, the superboard which must approve education budgets presented to the state legislature. She is also a former member of the...
- Gerald TheunissenGerald TheunissenGerald Joseph Theunissen, or Jerry Theunissen , is the vice president of Jeff Davis Bank in Jennings, Louisiana, USA, and served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 37 and as the state senator from District 25...
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson Davis Parish, LouisianaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson Davis Parish, LouisianaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties on the National Register of Historic Places in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States...
External links
Geology
- Heinrich, P. V., J. Snead, and R. P. McCulloh, 2002, Lake Charles 30 x 60 minute geologic quadrangle. Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Heinrich, P. V., J. Snead, and R. P. McCulloh, 2003, Crowley 30 x 60 minute geologic quadrangle. Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.