Gretna, Louisiana
Encyclopedia
The city
of Gretna is the parish seat of Jefferson Parish
, in the US state of Louisiana
.
Gretna is on the west bank of the Mississippi River
, just east and across the river from uptown New Orleans
. It is part of the New Orleans
–Metairie
–Kenner
Metropolitan Statistical Area
. The population was 17,736 at the 2010 census.
, Texas and Pacific Railway
, and Southern Pacific Railroad
, with a ferry
across the River to New Orleans
. The famous spice
-maker Zatarain's
was founded here in 1889. Gretna was incorporated in 1913, absorbing the section of McDonogh within the Jefferson Parish boundaries. In the 1940 census, Gretna had a population of 10,879.
The City of Gretna received considerable press coverage when, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
(late August 2005), people who attempted to escape from New Orleans by walking over the Crescent City Connection
bridge over the Mississippi River were turned back at gunpoint by City of Gretna Police, along with Crescent City Connection Police and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies, who set up a roadblock
on the bridge in the days following the hurricane. According to eyewitnesses, some of these officers threatened to shoot New Orleans residents and tourists as they attempted to cross into Gretna on foot.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²), of which, 3.5 square miles (9.1 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1 km²) of it (9.33%) is water.
of 2000, there were 17,423 people, 6,958 households, and 4,286 families residing in the city. The population density
was 4,983.9 people per square mile (1,922.0/km²). There were 7,665 housing units at an average density of 2,192.6 per square mile (845.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.32% White, 35.53% African American, 0.60% Native American, 3.12% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.63% from other races
, and 1.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.34% of the population.
There were 6,958 households out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.7% were married couples
living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years, higher than Louisiana's median age of 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,065, and the median income for a family was $31,881. Males had a median income of $28,259 versus $21,019 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $15,735. About 20.8% of families and 24.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.7% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.
operates the Gretna Post Office.
system.
Schools serving portions of the city limits are in the City of Gretna unless otherwise noted.
Zoned elementary schools serving sections of Gretna include Shirley T. Johnson Gretna Park Elementary School, William Hart Elementary School, McDonogh #26 Elementary School, Kate Middleton Elementary School in the unincorporated area
of Terrytown
, and George Cox Elementary School in an unincorporated area.
Most residents are zoned to Gretna Middle School, while some are zoned to Livaudais Middle School in Terrytown Most residents are zoned to West Jefferson High School
in Harvey
, an unincorporated area
, while some are zoned to Helen Cox High School
, located in an unincorporated area.
L. W. Ruppel Academy, a 5-7 magnet school, is in Gretna. Thomas Jefferson High School http://www.jppss.k12.la.us/schools/websites/jefferson.html is a magnet school in Gretna.
operates the Gretna Public Library in Gretna. The current facility, with more than 5800 square foot of space, opened on March 17, 2010. The library includes a 1000 square foot meeting room that can accommodate 58 people. The library is almost twice the size of the previous 3000 square foot facility.
• Daisy Parker, first wife of Louis Armstrong
; the couple wed in 1918.
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
of Gretna is the parish seat of Jefferson Parish
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Jefferson Parish is a parish in Louisiana, United States that includes most of the suburbs of New Orleans. The seat of parish government is Gretna....
, in the US state 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...
.
Gretna is on the west bank of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
, just east and across the river from uptown New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. It is part of the New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
–Metairie
Metairie, Louisiana
Metairie is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States and is a major part of the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. Metairie is the largest community in Jefferson Parish. It is an unincorporated area that would be larger than most of the state's cities if it were...
–Kenner
Kenner, Louisiana
Kenner is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States, and a suburb of New Orleans. The population was 66,702 at the 2010 census....
Metropolitan Statistical Area
New Orleans metropolitan area
New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner, or the Greater New Orleans Region is a metropolitan area designated by the United States Census encompassing seven parishes in the state of Louisiana, centering on the city of New Orleans...
. The population was 17,736 at the 2010 census.
History
Gretna was settled in 1836, originally as Mechanicsham, growing with a station on the Mississippi River for the Missouri Pacific RailroadMissouri Pacific Railroad
The Missouri Pacific Railroad , also known as the MoPac, was one of the first railroads in the United States west of the Mississippi River. MoPac was a Class I railroad growing from dozens of predecessors and mergers, including the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway , Texas and Pacific...
, Texas and Pacific Railway
Texas and Pacific Railway
The Texas and Pacific Railway Company was created by federal charter in 1871 with the purpose of building a southern transcontinental railroad between Marshall, Texas, and San Diego, California....
, and Southern Pacific Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
, with a ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
across the River to New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. The famous spice
Spice
A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark, or vegetative substance used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food additive for flavor, color, or as a preservative that kills harmful bacteria or prevents their growth. It may be used to flavour a dish or to hide other flavours...
-maker Zatarain's
Zatarain's
Zatarain's is a food and spice company. It was started in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna by Emile A. Zatarain, Sr., who took out a trademark and began to market root beer in 1889. He expanded his product range to include mustard, pickled vegetables, and extracts.Then he moved into the spice...
was founded here in 1889. Gretna was incorporated in 1913, absorbing the section of McDonogh within the Jefferson Parish boundaries. In the 1940 census, Gretna had a population of 10,879.
Hurricane Katrina controversy
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
(late August 2005), people who attempted to escape from New Orleans by walking over the Crescent City Connection
Crescent City Connection
The Crescent City Connection, abbreviated as CCC, refers to twin cantilever bridges that carry U.S. Route 90 Business over the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. They are tied as the fifth-longest cantilever bridges in the world...
bridge over the Mississippi River were turned back at gunpoint by City of Gretna Police, along with Crescent City Connection Police and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies, who set up a roadblock
Roadblock
A roadblock is a temporary installation set up to control or block traffic along a road. The reasons for one could be:*Roadworks*Temporary road closure during special events*Police chase*Robbery*Sobriety checkpoint...
on the bridge in the days following the hurricane. According to eyewitnesses, some of these officers threatened to shoot New Orleans residents and tourists as they attempted to cross into Gretna on foot.
Geography
Gretna is located on 29°54′59"N 90°3′15"W (29.916459, -90.054260) and has an elevation of 0 foot (0 m).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²), of which, 3.5 square miles (9.1 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1 km²) of it (9.33%) is water.
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 17,423 people, 6,958 households, and 4,286 families residing in the city. 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 4,983.9 people per square mile (1,922.0/km²). There were 7,665 housing units at an average density of 2,192.6 per square mile (845.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.32% White, 35.53% African American, 0.60% Native American, 3.12% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.63% 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 1.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.34% of the population.
There were 6,958 households out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.7% 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, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years, higher than Louisiana's median age of 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,065, and the median income for a family was $31,881. Males had a median income of $28,259 versus $21,019 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 city was $15,735. About 20.8% of families and 24.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.7% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
The United States Postal ServiceUnited States Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for providing postal service in the United States...
operates the Gretna Post Office.
Primary and secondary schools
Gretna's public schools are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public SchoolsJefferson Parish Public Schools
Jefferson Parish Public Schools is a school district based in Harvey in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. The district operates all public schools in Jefferson Parish...
system.
Schools serving portions of the city limits are in the City of Gretna unless otherwise noted.
Zoned elementary schools serving sections of Gretna include Shirley T. Johnson Gretna Park Elementary School, William Hart Elementary School, McDonogh #26 Elementary School, Kate Middleton Elementary School in the unincorporated area
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
of Terrytown
Terrytown, Louisiana
Terrytown is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. It is a suburb within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 25,430 at the 2000 census...
, and George Cox Elementary School in an unincorporated area.
Most residents are zoned to Gretna Middle School, while some are zoned to Livaudais Middle School in Terrytown Most residents are zoned to West Jefferson High School
West Jefferson High School
West Jefferson High School may refer to:*West Jefferson High School in Terreton, Idaho*West Jefferson High School in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana*West Jefferson High School in West Jefferson, Ohio...
in Harvey
Harvey, Louisiana
Harvey is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Harvey is on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, an unincorporated area
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
, while some are zoned to Helen Cox High School
Helen Cox High School
Helen Cox High School is a high school located in Harvey, in unincorporated area Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States.The school is a part of the Jefferson Parish Public Schools system. The school primarily serves the Harvey and Gretna areas of Jefferson Parish...
, located in an unincorporated area.
L. W. Ruppel Academy, a 5-7 magnet school, is in Gretna. Thomas Jefferson High School http://www.jppss.k12.la.us/schools/websites/jefferson.html is a magnet school in Gretna.
Public libraries
Jefferson Parish LibraryJefferson Parish Library
Jefferson Parish Library is the library system of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It has its headquarters in the East Bank Regional Library in Metairie, an unincorporated area in the parish.-Branches:East Bank:...
operates the Gretna Public Library in Gretna. The current facility, with more than 5800 square foot of space, opened on March 17, 2010. The library includes a 1000 square foot meeting room that can accommodate 58 people. The library is almost twice the size of the previous 3000 square foot facility.
Culture
- In his book "On the RoadOn the RoadOn the Road is a novel by American writer Jack Kerouac, written in April 1951, and published by Viking Press in 1957. It is a largely autobiographical work that was based on the spontaneous road trips of Kerouac and his friends across mid-century America. It is often considered a defining work of...
", author Jack KerouacJack KerouacJean-Louis "Jack" Lebris de Kerouac was an American novelist and poet. He is considered a literary iconoclast and, alongside William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, a pioneer of the Beat Generation. Kerouac is recognized for his spontaneous method of writing, covering topics such as Catholic...
mentions Gretna. - Portions of the movie "A Love Song for Bobby LongA Love Song for Bobby LongA Love Song for Bobby Long is a 2004 American drama film written and directed by Shainee Gabel. The screenplay is based on the novel Off Magazine Street by Ronald Everett Capps.-Plot:...
" were filmed in Gretna.
Notable natives and residents
- Joseph CaoJoseph CaoAnh "Joseph" Quang Cao is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. In April 2011, he announced he will be a candidate for Attorney General of Louisiana in 2011, however in September 2011 he pulled out of the race.He was the first...
, attorney and former U.S. Representative - Joe ClayJoe ClayJoe Clay is an American rockabilly musician from Gretna, Louisiana.Clay first began performing at age 12 in a country band, who were offered a spot performing on local radio station WWEZ...
(rockabillyRockabillyRockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, dating to the early 1950s.The term rockabilly is a portmanteau of rock and hillbilly, the latter a reference to the country music that contributed strongly to the style's development...
musician) - Kiem DoKiem DoKiem Do, a native of Hanoi, was a captain in the South Vietnamese Navy and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations when Saigon fell in 1975. During his twenty-one years in the Navy, he served as District Commander, Chief of Staff of the Mobile Riverine Force, and Commandant of the Vietnamese...
(former captain and deputy chief of staff for operations in the Republic of Vietnam NavyRepublic of Vietnam NavyThe Republic of Vietnam Navy was the naval force of the former Republic of Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. The early fleet consisted of boats from France. After 1955 and the transfer of the armed forces to Vietnamese control, the fleet was supplied from the United States...
) - Frankie FordFrankie FordFrankie Ford is an American rock and roll and rhythm and blues singer.He is the adopted son of Vincent and Anna Guzzo, who named him Francis Guzzo. He was born in Gretna, Louisiana, across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, where he still lives...
(rock and roll performer) - John FourcadeJohn FourcadeJohn Charles Fourcade, Jr. is a former professional American football quarterback in the National Football League for the New Orleans Saints and the current head coach of the Rio Grande Valley Magic of the Southern Indoor Football League...
(former New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
quarterback) - Emmett HardyEmmett HardyEmmett Louis Hardy was an early jazz cornet player and one of the best regarded New Orleans musicians of his generation....
(early jazzJazzJazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
great) - Lash La RueLash La RueAlfred "Lash" LaRue was a popular western motion picture star of the 1940s and 1950s. He had exceptional skill with the bull whip, and taught Harrison Ford how to use a bullwhip in the Indiana Jones movies...
(Western film actor) - Greg MonroeGreg MonroeGregory Keith Monroe, Jr. is a professional basketball center for the Detroit Pistons. He was drafted by the Pistons in the 2010 NBA Draft with the 7th overall pick. In his freshman season at Georgetown University he was named Big East Rookie of the Year.-Early years:Monroe attended Helen Cox High...
, sophomore forward for the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball team and projected first-round NBA draftNBA DraftThe NBA Draft is an annual event in which the thirty teams from the National Basketball Association can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. These players are usually amateur U.S. college basketball players, but international players are also eligible to be drafted...
pick in 2010 - Mel OttMel OttMelvin Thomas Ott , nicknamed "Master Melvin", was a Major League Baseball right fielder. He played his entire career for the New York Giants . Ott was born in Gretna, Louisiana. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
(1909–1958), baseball hall of famer - Stanley Joseph OttStanley Joseph OttStanley Joseph Ott, S.T.D., was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Baton Rouge from 1983 until his death in 1992...
, Roman Catholic bishop - Elfrid PaytonElfrid PaytonElfrid Payton was an all-star football player in the Canadian Football League.Payton graduated from Grambling State University.-Career:Payton played with seven different teams over the course of his career....
(Canadian Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
defensive lineman) - Ike TaylorIke TaylorIvan "Ike" Taylor is an American football defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League...
, Defensive Back for the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... - Ricky TempletRicky TempletRicky James Templet is a businessman in Gretna, Louisiana who is a departing one-term Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives....
, RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
state representative from Jefferson Parish; member of Gretna City Council - Steve TheriotSteve TheriotSteven J. Theriot, known as Steve Theriot , is a Certified Public Accountant from Marrero in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, USA, who served as his state’s legislative auditor from 2004–2009 and as a Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1988-1996.-State legislator:Theriot...
, Certified Public AccountantCertified Public AccountantCertified Public Accountant is the statutory title of qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA...
in Gretna, member of the Louisiana House of RepresentativesLouisiana State LegislatureThe 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...
from 1988–1996, and state legislative auditor from 2004–2009, interim Jefferson Parish President - Joseph F. ToomyJoseph F. ToomyJoseph Francis Toomy, known as Joe Toomy , is a self-employed insurance broker from Gretna, the seat of Jeffersons Parish, Louisiana, who served as the District 85 member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1984 until term-limited in 2008. Toomy was a Democrat from 1984–1990, when he...
, insurance broker and Republican former member of the Louisiana House of RepresentativesLouisiana State LegislatureThe 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...
from Jefferson Parish - Fritz WindhorstFritz WindhorstFritz Heinrich Windhorst is a Gretna, Louisiana, attorney who served from 1972 to 1992 as a member of the Louisiana State Senate from Jefferson and Orleans parishes, originally District 8, and later District 7. Windhorst was a conservative Democrat from 1972 to 1985, when he switched to...
, attorney and Republican member of the Louisiana State SenateLouisiana State LegislatureThe 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...
from 1972–1992 - Stephen J. WindhorstStephen J. WindhorstStephen Joseph Windhorst, known as Steve Windhorst , is a state judge of the 24th Judicial District Court in suburban New Orleans, Louisiana, who served as a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Jefferson and Orleans parishes from 1992 to 2000...
, judge and Republican former member of the Louisiana House
• Daisy Parker, first wife of Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
; the couple wed in 1918.
External links
- City of Gretna Website
- Gretna Police Department
- Gretna Heritage Festival
- The real heroes and sheroes of New Orleans (First report of the bridge incident that was later picked up by major media.)
- March to Gretna
- "The Bridge to Gretna" story from CBS News 60 Minutes program, December 18, 2005
Audio and video
- Trapped in New Orleans: Emergency Medical Worker Describes How Police Prevented Evacuation, from Pacifica Democracy Now! program, September 16, 2005