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Gonzales, LA

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Gonzales, LA

Gonzales is a city in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 12,231. Known as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World", it is famous for its annual Jambalaya Festival, which was first held in 1968. Stephen "Steve" F. Juneau came up with the idea for the Jambalaya Festival and served as the first president of the Jambalaya Festival Association.

Early European settlers of the area that was developed as Gonzales were, for the most part, of French and Spanish ancestry. They settled among the Houma Indians who lived in the area.

Among the projects and plans carried out by Luis de Unzaga ("Le Conciliateur") while he was governor of Louisiana between 1769 and 1777 was the promotion of new settlements by Europeans; among them were French Acadians and Málaga in the fertile Mississippi region, and more specifically in the Unzaga Post or "Puesto de Unzaga" that he created in 1771 in Pointe Coupee, the parish of Saint Gabriel in 1773 and Fort Manchac in 1776; the Gonzales people occupied land at the confluence of the aforementioned European settlements.

By 1851, the small European settlement still had only ten residents. A school was established in 1855 by Adlard Gautreaux for the European-American children in the area. By 1886, the settlement had grown, and the citizens of the community elected "Big" José Gonzáles as their sheriff. José's son, Joseph "Tee-Joe" (for Petit Joe) Gonzales, opened a general store and post office in May 1887. The post office became known as the Gonzales Post Office.

Construction of the railroad to the village stimulated the growth of Gonzales. When the Louisiana Railway and Navigation Company (LR&N) constructed its rail line through the area, the local post office was already named Gonzales. The rail company executives wanted to name their station Edenborn, after the company's owner, Willam Edenborn. The company also wanted to move the station north of the area to New River, Louisiana, then called Belle Hellene. After residents filed protests with the Louisiana Railroad Commission, the railroad company was ordered to leave the station at Gonzales. The LR&N still tried to change the name to Edenborn. However, the residents continued to protest and persuaded the Louisiana Legislature to pass a law requiring railroad companies to name their railroad stations the same as the local post offices.

Gonzales was laid out and subdivided in 1906. It was officially incorporated as a village in 1922. Joseph Gonzales was elected as the first mayor. The village continued to grow, with transportation improved by the construction of the Airline Highway.

Governor Earl K. Long proclaimed Gonzales as a town in 1952, during his term. The town held its first Jambalaya Festival in 1968. Governor John J. McKeithen marked the occasion by proclaiming Gonzales as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World".

Following the growth of industrial corporations in the area, the town was chartered by the state legislature as a city in 1977.

Gonzales became better known in 2005, after the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. The National Guard, HSUS, and other animal rescue groups established their bases at the fairground in Gonzales. This became their main search and rescue headquarters, as well as the site for holding pets pending return to their families; the animals were rescued from New Orleans and many other locations. Some people were reunited with their lost pets at this site.

Gonzales is located at 30°13′38″N 90°55′11″W (30.227128, -90.919771). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.5 square miles (22.0 km²), of which 8.4 square miles (21.7 km²) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.3 km²), or 1.27%, is water.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Gonzales. The city is home to healthcare facilities such as the Gonzales Healthcare Center, providing essential medical services to residents, and St. Elizabeth Hospital which offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. The Ochsner Therapy & Wellness provides comprehensive physical therapy and wellness services to help you stay fit and recover from injuries. For a luxurious relaxation experience, visit the Medical Spa at Ascension Center for Women's Health, which offers treatments like microblading and weight loss programs. Club Pilates offers comprehensive Pilates classes suitable for all levels.

Top sites in Gonzales, LA are Whitney Plantation, Houmas House Estate and Gardens, and Jambalaya Park.

Population: 13,837 (2024). ZIP code: 70737. Area code: 225. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 9.25 sq mi (23.96 km²).

FAQs

What is the race population in Gonzales, LA?

Gonzales is a city located in Ascension Parish Louisiana. Gonzales has a 2024 population of 13,836. Gonzales is currently growing at a rate of 2.89% annually and its population has increased by 12.65% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 12,282 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Gonzales was: Black or African American: 47.33% White: 46.26% Other race: 3.59%. This diverse composition reflects the multicultural fabric of Geismar and underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding among its residents. Efforts to promote social cohesion and celebrate cultural diversity can contribute to building a more harmonious and united community in Geismar.

How did Gonzales, LA get its name?

The town's name does not originate, as one might imagine, from the Spanish colonial days of Louisiana. Rather, the town was named after a resident of the late 19th century. With its proximity to the Mississippi River, there are several antebellum plantation homes within a short drive. Gonzales is a shopper’s Xanadu. Its sprawling Tanger Factory Outlet Mall attracts people from miles away. The same goes for the 165,000-square-foot Cabela’s, which is part museum, a part retail store for campers, fishermen, and hunters.

What is Gonzales, LA known for?

Along the road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Gonzales awaits. This city brashly proclaims itself the “Jambalaya Capital of the World.” With so much competition in the neighborhood, you better be able to back up such a claim. And Gonzales does. For more than 40 years, Gonzales has held an annual springtime Jambalaya Festival and even has a Jambalaya Park next to the city hall.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Gonzales

Explore Louisiana

World Population Review

Whitney Plantation

Houmas House Estate and Gardens

Jambalaya Park

Gonzales Healthcare Center

St. Elizabeth Hospital

Planet Fitness

Ochsner Therapy & Wellness

Medical Spa at Ascension Center for Women's Health

Club Pilates

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