Tangipahoa Parish

This parish in southeastern Louisiana covers approximately 323 square miles across its landscape. Hammond serves as the largest city within its borders, while Amite City functions as the administrative seat.

The parish was established in 1869 during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. It was formed by combining land from four surrounding administrative areas.

Strawberry farming shapes local traditions throughout the area, with annual festivals celebrating the harvest bringing people together. Agriculture remains central to how communities here mark seasons and maintain cultural practices.

Local schools operate throughout the region to serve area residents, while a university in Hammond offers higher education programs. Most services and amenities are concentrated in the larger towns.

The name comes from the language of the Acolapissa, an indigenous people of the region, meaning corn ear or those who gather corn. This linguistic connection preserves memory of the original inhabitants and their relationship with the land.

Location: Louisiana

Inception: March 6, 1869

Capital city: Amite City

Elevation above the sea: 35 m

Shares border with: Amite County, Pike County, St. Tammany Parish, Washington Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, Livingston Parish, St. Helena Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish

Website: https://tangipahoa.org

GPS coordinates: 30.62665,-90.40568

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:45