Reconstruction Period

Historical marker location:
404 East Gibson Street, Covington, Louisiana
( Marker is at the intersection of East Gibson Street and North New Hampshire Street, on the right when traveling west on East Gibson Street.)

Bicentennial Covington - Historical Point of View

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Louisiana is home to several unique cultural traditions, including Mardi Gras, a festival that is celebrated in the weeks leading up to Lent. Mardi Gras is known for its elaborate parades, colorful costumes, and festive atmosphere.
St. Tammany Parish, located in southeastern Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that spans over centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans, including the Choctaw, Houma, and Chitimacha tribes. In the 17th century, French explorers began to settle in the region and establish relationships with the local tribes.

The area officially became known as "St. Tammany Parish" in 1810, named after the patron saint of the Choctaw tribe. During the 19th century, the parish experienced rapid growth with the arrival of European settlers, particularly from Germany and Ireland. The town of Covington, located in the heart of the parish, became a thriving center of commerce and trade.

St. Tammany Parish also played a significant role in the Civil War. It was occupied by Union forces early on during the conflict and saw skirmishes and battles throughout the war. After the war, the parish began to rebuild and diversify its economy, embracing agriculture, timber, and fishing as major industries.

In the 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the nearby Gulf of Mexico brought new economic opportunities to St. Tammany Parish. As a result, the population grew and the parish became a popular destination for tourism, offering numerous recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Today, St. Tammany Parish continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic community, blending its rich history with modern development. The area is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit, making it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1699 - St. Tammany Parish is included in the French colonial territory
  • 1763 - The area becomes part of British West Florida after the French and Indian War
  • 1800 - St. Tammany Parish is incorporated as one of the original parishes of the Louisiana Territory
  • 1812 - Louisiana becomes a state, and St. Tammany Parish is officially recognized as part of the state
  • 1819 - Covington is established as the parish seat
  • 1834 - St. Tammany Parish is divided to create Tangipahoa Parish
  • 1840s - St. Tammany Parish experiences rapid growth due to its proximity to New Orleans and the expansion of the railroad
  • 1888 - Mandeville is incorporated as a town
  • 1964 - Slidell becomes an incorporated city
  • 2005 - St. Tammany Parish is heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina, causing significant damage throughout the area
  • 2010 - St. Tammany Parish’s population reaches over 240,000, making it one of the fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana