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Morgan City, LA

Frequently asked questions

Morgan City, LA

Morgan City is a small city in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, United States, located in the Acadiana region. The population was 11,472 at the 2020 census. Known for being "right in the middle of everywhere", Morgan City is located 68 miles (109 km) southeast of Lafayette, 64 miles (103 km) south of Baton Rouge, and 86 miles (138 km) west of New Orleans

Morgan City sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River. The town was originally named "Tiger Island" by surveyors appointed by U.S. Secretary of War John Calhoun, because of a particular type of wild cat seen in the area. It was later changed for a time to "Brashear City," named after Walter Brashear, a prominent Kentucky physician who had purchased large tracts of land and acquired numerous sugar mills in the area. It was incorporated in 1860.

Morgan City, and all of St. Mary Parish, is included in the Lafayette-Opelousas-Morgan City CSA.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16.1 km²), of which 6.0 square miles (15.5 km²) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.7 km²), or 4.03%, is water. The northeastern border of Morgan City is at the lower St. Martin Parish line via Louisiana Highway 70.

U.S. Highway 90 (future Interstate 49) and Louisiana Highway 182 both pass through the city, both heading west 70 miles (110 km) to Lafayette. U.S. 90 also heads east approximately 90 miles (140 km) to New Orleans, while passing in between the cities of Houma, which is located approximately 40 miles (64 km) southeast, and Thibodaux, which is located 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Morgan City. U.S. 90 is a freeway between Morgan City and the Houma area with the route planned to become a section of future Interstate 49.

Morgan City is served by the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, a general aviation airfield located near the U.S. 90 four-lane highway in nearby Patterson, Louisiana.

If the Mississippi River were to experience a major course change in the vicinity of the Old River Control Structure or Morganza Spillway, the main channel of the river would likely then enter the Gulf of Mexico near Morgan City instead of New Orleans.

Health and wellness are prioritized in Morgan City, and the city offers a range of healthcare services to cater to the well-being of its residents. The Teche Regional Medical Center and Ochsner St. Mary offer 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. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Brownell Memorial Park and Carillon Tower are perfect for a scenic walk or a meditative experience amidst nature. The Med Spa of Morgan City is ideal for a rejuvenating spa day with massages and wellness treatments. For community sports, Lawrence Park features tennis courts, basketball courts, and walking paths. At Morgan City Parish Recreation Center, you can join various sports leagues and fitness programs. Maddox Chiropractic Clinic offers chiropractic care and wellness advice for holistic health.

The top sites in Morgan City, LA are the International Petroleum Museum and Exposition, Lake End Park, Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower

Population: 11,472 (2020). ZIP Code: 70380. Area code: 985. Elevation: 7 ft (2 m). Area: 6.25 sq mi (16.19 km²).

FAQs

What is Morgan City, LA is known for?

Morgan City is known worldwide for fresh and saltwater fishing, hunting, and fine Cajun cuisine. It is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries. Its economy is diverse, including large onshore and offshore drilling, production, and support services for the oil and gas industry. Situated in St. Martin Parish and St. Mary Parish, the City of Morgan City is at an elevation only 7' above sea level. Morgan City is located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River and near the Gulf of Mexico, near the southern end of the great Atchafalaya Swamp.

What county is Morgan City, LA?

Morgan City is a small city in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, United States, located in the Acadiana region. The population was 11,472 at the 2020 census. Known for being "right in the middle of everywhere", Morgan City is located 68 miles (109 km) southeast of Lafayette, 64 miles (103 km) south of Baton Rouge, and 86 miles (138 km) west of New Orleans

What is the history of Morgan City, LA?

Founded in 1850, it was incorporated (1860) as Brashear City but was renamed in 1876 for Charles Morgan, then president of the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad, which established its western terminus there. During the American Civil War, the city was a strategic point for the Confederate army as the locale for forts and gunboats. It also served as a supply line for Union soldiers.

Sources

Wikipedia

Morgan City

Louisiana Destinations

Britannica

International Petroleum Museum and Exposition

Lake End Park

Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower

Teche Regional Medical Center

Ochsner St. Mary

Planet Fitness

Brownell Memorial Park and Carillon Tower

Med Spa of Morgan City

Lawrence Park

Morgan City Parish Recreation Center

Maddox Chiropractic Clinic

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.