Gretna

Gretna is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, with a Historic District spanning downtown that features buildings from different periods between the 1840s and early 1900s. The structures display various architectural styles developed during these decades.

The city formed in 1913 from three merged settlements: McDonoghville established in 1815, Mechanickham founded in 1836, and original Gretna developed by the St. Mary's Market Steam Ferry Company. This union created a new administrative center for the area.

The German-American Cultural Center displays how German immigrants shaped the region since 1720 through exhibits about local figures and heritage. You can see the marks this community left on everyday life here.

The downtown core is easy to explore on foot since historic buildings spread across the center. It helps to visit an information center or museum first to learn about public buildings and how to access them.

The David Crockett Fire Company, founded here, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating volunteer fire department in the United States. This organization continues a long tradition of community service to the present day.

Location: Jefferson Parish

Inception: 1836

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Website: https://gretnala.com

GPS coordinates: 29.91640,-90.05420

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:35