Lafourche Parish, Louisiana
Lafourche Parish lies in southeast Louisiana, stretching from the outskirts of New Orleans south toward the Gulf of Mexico. It is a place where the Mississippi Delta gradually gives way to the sea, creating a landscape shaped by waterways and coastal wetlands.
The parish features a distinctive mix of marshes, bayous, and coastal plains, and local life has long been closely connected to the water. Thibodaux, the parish seat, is a small city with a lively personality and a strong connection to the region’s Cajun heritage.
Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, while the parish is also known for its flavorful Cajun cuisine. Outdoor activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, and cruising along Bayou Lafourche offer plenty of ways to experience the area. With its deep French and Cajun roots, a little French knowledge can also add to the experience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | Lafourche Parish |
| Parish Seat | Thibodaux |
| Etymology | Named after the French word “la fourche,” meaning “the fork,” referring to the fork in the Bayou Lafourche |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Thibodaux, Lockport, Golden Meadow, Larose, Cut Off, Galliano, Raceland, Bayou Blue |
| Interstates and Highways | LA-1, LA-308, US-90 |
| FIPS Code | 22-057 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,472 square miles (1,068 sq mi land, 404 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Parishes (and Direction) | St. James Parish (North), St. John the Baptist Parish (North), St. Charles Parish (Northeast), Jefferson Parish (East), Terrebonne Parish (West), Assumption Parish (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 29.6732° N, 90.7840° W |
| Major Landmarks | E.D. White Historic Site, Bayou Lafourche, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, Laurel Valley Village, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, Grand Isle State Park |
| Population | Approximately 98,000 |
