Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
Catahoula Parish sits in east-central Louisiana, along the Mississippi state line. This rural parish is home to just over 9,000 residents, with communities spread across a landscape of pine forests, farmland, and open countryside.
The parish seat, Harrisonburg, is located in the northern part of the parish. Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy, with corn, cotton, and cattle among the major products shaping the rural landscape.
Locals take pride in Catahoula Lake, a vast shallow lake that attracts hunters and anglers from across the region. Its wetlands also provide excellent habitat for migratory birds, making the area a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | Catahoula Parish |
| Parish Seat | Harrisonburg |
| Etymology | Named after the Catahoula people, a Native American tribe indigenous to the area and the Catahoula Lake |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Harrisonburg, Jonesville, Sicily Island, Enterprise, Manifest |
| Interstates and Highways | US-84, LA-8, LA-15, LA-124 |
| FIPS Code | 22-025 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 739 square miles (704 sq mi land, 35 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Parishes (and Direction) | Franklin Parish (North), Tensas Parish (Northeast), Concordia Parish (East), Avoyelles Parish (South), La Salle Parish (West), Caldwell Parish (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 31.6881° N, 91.8459° W |
| Major Landmarks | Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, Catahoula Lake, Harrisonburg Courthouse, Jonesville Lock and Dam, Sicily Island Hills, Wild Azalea Trail |
| Population | Approximately 9,000 |
