Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Tensas Parish is located in northeastern Louisiana along the Mississippi River. This rural region has a deep history, from its Native American mounds to its later development as cotton country.
The parish takes its name from the Tensas tribe. Locals enjoy fishing at Lake Bruin and hunting throughout the expansive hardwood forests. Unfortunately, the population has declined over the years.
Agriculture remains the main part of the local economy. There are no large cities here, just small towns filled with friendly people and a slower pace of life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | Tensas Parish |
| Parish Seat | St. Joseph |
| Etymology | Named after the Taensa Native American tribe that lived along the Mississippi River |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | St. Joseph, Newellton, Waterproof, Clayton, Balmoral |
| Interstates and Highways | US-65, LA-4, LA-128, LA-887 |
| FIPS Code | 22-107 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 641 square miles (602 sq mi land, 39 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Parishes (and Direction) | Madison Parish (North), Warren County, Mississippi (Northeast), Claiborne County, Mississippi (East), Jefferson County, Mississippi (East), Adams County, Mississippi (Southeast), Concordia Parish (South), Catahoula Parish (Southwest), Franklin Parish (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 32.0139° N, 91.3332° W |
| Major Landmarks | Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, Winter Quarters State Historic Site, St. Joseph Historic District, Lake Bruin State Park |
| Population | Approximately 4,300 |
