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Harvey, LA

Frequently asked questions

Harvey, LA

Harvey is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Harvey is on the south side (referred to as the "West Bank") of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The 2020 census determined 22,236 people lived in the CDP.

During the French colonial era, the first owner of this land was Jean-Baptiste d'Estrehan de Beaupre, royal treasurer and comptroller for the French Louisiana colony. He established a plantation here. He used his slaves to dig the ditch that would become the Harvey Canal, cutting south from the banks of the Mississippi River to the back of Bayou Barataria, to provide better access.

Years later, d'Estrehan paid German settlers in the area to work on widening the ditch; they used wooden shovels. He paid them with small parcels of land located downriver in Mechanicsham, now the city of Gretna. D'Estrehan built his home where the ditch met the river banks, naming the settlement "Cosmopolite City".

Harvey was founded as a company town at its founding, developed by Joseph Hale Harvey (born March 7, 1816). During this time, Joseph Harvey would rename Cosmopolite City after his family surname. Harvey's wife, née Louise Destrehan, was a great-granddaughter of Jean Baptiste d'Estrehan. She was the daughter of Nicolas Noel d'Estrehan and the granddaughter of Jean-Noel Destréhan.

Harvey and Destrehan initiated the construction of the canal locks leading to the Mississippi. Their son, Horace Harvey (c. 1860-1938), carried on the development of the canal and its surroundings.

Harvey is located east of the Intracoastal Canal on the Mississippi River, at coordinates 29°53′28″N 90°04′09″W. It is bordered to the east by Gretna, to the west by Marrero, to the southwest by Woodmere, and the north, across the Mississippi, by New Orleans. The closest highway crossing of the river is the Crescent City Connection 4 miles (6 km) northeast of Harvey.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Harvey CDP has a total area of 7.1 square miles (18.3 km²), of which 6.6 sq mi (17.0 km²) is land and 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²), or 7.16%, are water.

Harvey places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. West Jefferson Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Snap Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Additionally, Harvey Recreation Complex is a vibrant community hub offering a range of recreational activities for residents and visitors. Those seeking relaxation can visit The Woodhouse Spa for a range of luxurious treatments. The Westbank Athletic Club offers fitness facilities, group exercise classes, and personal training services, promoting physical activity and overall wellness for individuals of all fitness levels. The Alario Center hosts sports events, concerts, and community gatherings, providing opportunities for entertainment, socialization, and cultural enrichment. Furthermore, the Ochsner Fitness Center provides fitness facilities, wellness programs, and medical services to promote physical activity and holistic wellness for individuals and families. Pure Barre delivers a low-impact, high-intensity workout focusing on strength and flexibility.

The top sites in Harvey, LA are Mardi Gras World, Vue Orleans Observation Deck, and French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours New Orleans.

Population: 22,236 (2020). ZIP Code: 70058. Area code: 504. Elevation: 3 ft (0.9 m). Area: 6.99 sq mi (18.10 km²).

FAQs

What county is Harvey, LA in?

Harvey is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. Harvey is on the south side (referred to as the "West Bank") of the Mississippi River, within the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The designation as a CDP underscores its status as an unincorporated area, highlighting its administrative and governance structure within Jefferson Parish.

What are the demographics of Harvey, LA?

Harvey is a city located in Jefferson Parish Louisiana. Harvey has a 2024 population of 21,978. Harvey is currently growing at a rate of 1.14% annually and its population has increased by 4.7% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 20,992 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Harvey was Black or African American: 48.47% White: 33.54%. Additionally, the presence of Asian individuals at 7.5% underscores the multicultural fabric of Harvey, contributing to its rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. This diversity enhances the social and cultural dynamics within the community, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for residents and visitors alike.

How did Harvey, LA get its name?

The original owner of the land was Jean-Baptiste d'Estrehan de Beaupre, royal treasurer and comptroller for the French Louisiana colony.  Harvey was originally a company town called Cosmopolite City, developed by Joseph Hale Harvey. During this time, Joseph Harvey would rename it for his family's surname. Harvey features numerous hotels, restaurants, shopping, a casino, and lots of family-friendly activities!

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Harvey

Visit Jefferson Parish

World Population Review

Mardi Gras World

Vue Orleans Observation Deck

French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours New Orleans

West Jefferson Medical Center

Snap Fitness

Harvey Recreation Complex

Woodhouse Spa

Westbank Athletic Club

The Alario Center 

Ochsner Fitness Center

Pure Barre

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