Cities and Towns in Saint James Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1807, St. James Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, St. James Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of Convent is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 93, St. James Parish has a population of 19,742 and area of 258 square miles (668 km²).
List of all cities in Saint James Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Convent, LA | 70723 | 225 |
| Gramercy, LA | 70052 | 225 |
| Hester, LA | 70743 | 225 |
| Lutcher, LA | 70071 | 225 |
| Paulina, LA | 70763 | 225 |
| Saint James, LA | 70086 | 225 |
| Uncle Sam, LA | 70792 | 225 |
| Vacherie, LA | 70090 | 985 |
Major Cities and Towns in Saint James Parish, Louisiana
Lutcher
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,217 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70071
- Latitude: 30.0477° N
- Longitude: 90.6982° W
Location and History
Lutcher is a small town located along the east bank of the Mississippi River in northern Saint James Parish. It was founded in the late 19th century by the Lutcher family, who were prominent figures in the local timber industry. The town’s development was closely linked to the growth of the timber and sugarcane industries, which shaped the local economy for decades. Lutcher grew as a residential and industrial hub, with its location along the river providing easy access for transportation and trade. Today, Lutcher is known for its small-town charm and rich cultural traditions, particularly the annual Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River levees.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lutcher is home to Lutcher High School, known for its strong academic and athletic programs, especially football. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Lutcher Chapel, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture, and St. Joseph Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the community since the 1800s. Lutcher is also famous for its Christmas Eve bonfires, a tradition in which large wooden structures are built and set ablaze along the levee, lighting the way for “Papa Noel.” The nearby St. James Parish Welcome Center provides insights into the town’s history and serves as a hub for visitors exploring the region.
Gramercy
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,188 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70052
- Latitude: 30.0496° N
- Longitude: 90.6865° W
Location and History
Gramercy is located just upriver from Lutcher on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a company town for the Gramercy Sugar Refinery, which became one of the largest sugar refineries in the United States. The sugar industry has been central to Gramercy’s history and economy, with the refinery continuing to play a significant role in local employment and industry. Over time, Gramercy developed into a small residential community, with close ties to the surrounding agricultural areas. Today, it serves as a quiet town with a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gramercy is served by schools in the St. James Parish School District, including Gramercy Elementary School and Lutcher High School. One of the town’s major landmarks is the St. James Sugar Cooperative, reflecting its historical importance to the local sugarcane industry. The town is also known for its proximity to the Mississippi River, where residents and visitors can enjoy scenic views and fishing. The Gramercy Bridge (Veterans Memorial Bridge), which connects Gramercy to the west bank of the river, is another notable structure. The town’s location makes it a key point for industrial activity and transportation, while still retaining its small-town character.
Convent
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 711 (estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70723
- Latitude: 30.0382° N
- Longitude: 90.8285° W
Location and History
Convent is a historic community located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, serving as the seat of St. James Parish. The area was originally settled by French and Spanish colonists in the 18th century and has played an important role in the development of Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. Convent is home to several historic plantations, which were once major centers of agricultural production. The town’s name is derived from the St. Michael’s Convent, established by the Daughters of Charity in the 19th century to serve the local Catholic community. Convent’s history is deeply tied to the river and the plantation economy, making it a site of both cultural and historical significance.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Convent is served by schools in the St. James Parish School District, with nearby St. James High School being a prominent educational institution. The town’s landmarks include several historic plantation homes, such as the Laura Plantation and Evergreen Plantation, both of which offer tours that explore the area’s antebellum history and the lives of the enslaved people who worked the land. Another notable site is St. Michael’s Church, one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Louisiana, dating back to 1809. Convent’s proximity to the Mississippi River provides scenic vistas and opportunities for outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
Paulina
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 1,178 (estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70763
- Latitude: 30.0497° N
- Longitude: 90.7385° W
Location and History
Paulina is a small unincorporated community located along the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish. The town developed as part of the broader sugarcane plantation economy that defined the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. Named after Pauline Duparc, the wife of an early landowner, Paulina has maintained its rural and agricultural character over the years. The community is closely linked to neighboring towns like Gramercy and Lutcher, and its economy has historically been driven by sugar production and farming. Despite its small size, Paulina plays a significant role in the agricultural landscape of St. James Parish.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Paulina is served by Lutcher High School and Paulina Elementary School. The community’s major landmarks include the St. Joseph Catholic Church, a central fixture in the town’s social and religious life. The church’s architecture and long history reflect the deep Catholic roots of the area. Paulina’s proximity to the Mississippi River provides scenic beauty and opportunities for fishing and boating. The town’s rural setting also offers access to the surrounding sugarcane fields, giving visitors a glimpse of Louisiana’s agricultural heritage. Paulina is also close to several plantation homes, including Oak Alley Plantation, which attracts tourists interested in the history of the antebellum South.
Hester
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 500 (estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70743
- Latitude: 30.0575° N
- Longitude: 90.7435° W
Location and History
Hester is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of St. James Parish, along the east bank of the Mississippi River. The town was named after the Hester family, early landowners in the area who were involved in sugarcane farming. Like many of the communities in St. James Parish, Hester developed as part of the region’s sugarcane industry, with several plantations operating in the area during the 19th century. The town remains rural and agricultural, with sugarcane fields continuing to dominate the local economy. Its quiet, close-knit atmosphere reflects the traditional values of rural Louisiana.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hester is served by nearby schools in Lutcher, including Lutcher High School and Paulina Elementary School. The community is located near several historic plantations, including Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation, both of which are significant landmarks in the region. The plantations offer guided tours and educational programs about the history of sugarcane production and the lives of the enslaved people who worked on these estates. Hester’s proximity to the Mississippi River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, while the surrounding agricultural landscape offers a peaceful, rural setting that exemplifies the beauty of Louisiana’s countryside.
St. James
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 750 (estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70086
- Latitude: 30.0193° N
- Longitude: 90.8226° W
Location and History
St. James is a small, unincorporated community located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, serving as the namesake of St. James Parish. The community has its roots in the 18th century, when French and Spanish settlers established plantations along the river. Sugarcane quickly became the dominant crop, and the community’s economy has long been tied to the plantation system. St. James is also known for its strong Catholic heritage, with St. James Catholic Church serving as a central institution in the community since the early 1800s. Today, St. James remains a quiet, rural community with a focus on agriculture and tradition.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. James is served by schools in the nearby communities of Convent and Lutcher, including St. James High School. The town’s most notable landmark is St. James Catholic Church, one of the oldest parishes in Louisiana, with a rich history that dates back over two centuries. The church’s beautiful architecture and long-standing role in the community make it a significant cultural and religious landmark. St. James is also located near several plantations, including Evergreen Plantation, which offers tours that explore the area’s antebellum history. The community’s peaceful setting along the Mississippi River provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and scenic drives along the river road.