Morgan City

Morgan City is an industrial port town situated along the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana, stretching through a broad system of inland waterways. The city connects shipping facilities and oil extraction operations with the natural channels that lead to the Gulf of Mexico.

The settlement began in 1860 as Tiger Island, becoming known as Morgan City in 1876 after businessman Charles Morgan funded dredging of the Atchafalaya Bay Ship Channel. This investment transformed it into a major hub for vessels traveling between inland waterways and the open ocean.

The annual Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in September merges fishing traditions with oil industry heritage through local celebrations and boat processions on the waterways. The event reflects how both economic sectors shape community identity here.

The town is best explored on foot, as most sights and the harbor lie within walking distance of the center. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and prepare for hot, humid weather during the summer months.

In the early 1900s, breeders developed a new blackberry variety here called the youngberry, which quickly moved into commercial cultivation across multiple regions. This fruit represents a surprising local contribution to twentieth-century agriculture.

Location: St. Martin Parish

Inception: 1860

Elevation above the sea: 21 m

Website: http://cityofmc.com

GPS coordinates: 29.70080,-91.19720

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:16