Cities and Towns in Saint John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1807, St. John the Baptist Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, St. John the Baptist Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of Edgard is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 95, St. John the Baptist Parish has a population of 42,094 and area of 348 square miles (901 km²).
List of all cities in Saint John the Baptist Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Belle Point, LA | 70084 | 985 |
| Edgard, LA | 70049 | 985 |
| Garyville, LA | 70051 | 985 |
| 70076 | 985 | |
| La Place, LA | 70068 | 985 |
| 70069 | 985 | |
| 70068 | 985 | |
| Laplace, LA | 70069 | 985 |
| Lions, LA | 70084 | 985 |
| Montz, LA | 70068 | 985 |
| Mount Airy, LA | 70051 | 985 |
| 70076 | 985 | |
| Reserve, LA | 70084 | 985 |
| Wallace, LA | 70049 | 985 |
Major Cities and Towns in Saint John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana
LaPlace
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 22.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 28,841 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70068
- Latitude: 30.0666° N
- Longitude: 90.4829° W
Location and History
LaPlace is the largest community in Saint John the Baptist Parish, located along the east bank of the Mississippi River, about 25 miles west of New Orleans. Founded in the early 18th century by French settlers, LaPlace developed as a significant agricultural center, focusing on sugarcane and other crops. The town’s location near the river and later alongside the railroad contributed to its growth as a trade and transportation hub. LaPlace is often considered the “Andouille Capital of the World,” famous for its traditional smoked sausage. Over the years, the town has grown into a suburban area with close connections to New Orleans while retaining its rural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
LaPlace is served by several schools in the St. John the Baptist Parish School District, including East St. John High School and LaPlace Elementary. Major landmarks in LaPlace include the St. John Theatre, which hosts community plays and events, and the annual Andouille Festival, celebrating the town’s culinary heritage. The San Francisco Plantation, located nearby, is a historic antebellum home and National Historic Landmark, offering a glimpse into Louisiana’s plantation history. LaPlace is also close to the Bonnet Carré Spillway, which provides flood control for the region and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.
Reserve
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 17.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,111 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70084
- Latitude: 30.0516° N
- Longitude: 90.5537° W
Location and History
Reserve is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, just west of LaPlace. The town was founded in the 1860s as a sugarcane plantation town and named for the Reserve Plantation, one of the largest in the region. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Reserve became a center for sugar production, with the construction of the Godchaux Sugar Refinery, which was once the largest sugar refinery in the U.S. Today, Reserve continues to be closely tied to agriculture, although it has also become more residential as part of the suburban expansion from New Orleans.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Reserve is home to East St. John High School and St. Peter Catholic School, serving students in the area. One of the major landmarks is the historic Reserve Plantation House, which reflects the town’s agricultural heritage. The town also features the Riverlands Golf and Country Club, providing recreational opportunities for residents. Another important site is the San Francisco Plantation, a well-preserved antebellum home located nearby, offering tours and educational programs on Louisiana’s plantation history. The proximity to the Mississippi River and its historical connection to sugarcane production make Reserve an important part of Saint John the Baptist Parish’s cultural and economic landscape.
Garyville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 22.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,123 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70051
- Latitude: 30.0594° N
- Longitude: 90.6205° W
Location and History
Garyville is a small town located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, between Reserve and Gramercy. Founded in the early 1900s, Garyville was established as a lumber and sawmill town, with the Lyon Lumber Company playing a significant role in its development. The town grew as workers moved to the area to support the lumber industry, which thrived due to the abundance of timber in the surrounding swamps and forests. Over time, Garyville diversified its economy, and today, the town is known for its connection to the petrochemical industry, with the Marathon Petroleum Refinery being one of the largest employers in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garyville is served by schools in nearby Reserve and LaPlace, including East St. John High School and Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Garyville Timbermill Museum, which preserves the history of the lumber industry in the region. Another significant site is the San Francisco Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, known for its distinctive architecture and role in Louisiana’s plantation history. The town’s location along the Mississippi River also provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing and boating, contributing to its small-town charm.
Edgard
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 17.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,315 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70049
- Latitude: 30.0341° N
- Longitude: 90.5537° W
Location and History
Edgard is a small town located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, serving as the seat of St. John the Baptist Parish’s judicial system. The town was founded in the early 19th century and named after Edgar M. Fortier, a local landowner. Edgard’s history is closely tied to agriculture, particularly sugarcane production, and it was home to several large plantations during the antebellum period. While agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, Edgard has remained a quiet, rural community with a rich historical legacy, especially in relation to Louisiana’s plantation history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Edgard is home to West St. John High School and West St. John Elementary School, both part of the St. John the Baptist Parish School District. The town’s major landmarks include Evergreen Plantation, one of the most well-preserved antebellum plantations in the South and a National Historic Landmark. The plantation offers tours that focus on its history, architecture, and the lives of the enslaved people who worked there. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located in Edgard, is another important landmark, serving as a religious and cultural center for the local community. The town’s connection to the Mississippi River and its historical plantations make Edgard an important part of the parish’s heritage.
Wallace
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 700 (estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70049
- Latitude: 30.0485° N
- Longitude: 90.6851° W
Location and History
Wallace is a small, unincorporated community located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near Edgard. The town was established in the early 19th century and is historically linked to Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. During the antebellum period, Wallace was home to several large plantations, including Whitney and Evergreen Plantations, both of which played significant roles in the region’s agricultural economy. Today, Wallace remains a quiet, rural community with a focus on preserving its historical legacy, particularly through its plantations, which have become important cultural and educational sites.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wallace is served by schools in nearby Edgard, including West St. John High School. The town is best known for the Whitney Plantation, now a museum dedicated to educating visitors about the history of slavery in Louisiana. The Whitney Plantation offers a unique perspective on the lives of enslaved people through exhibits, restored buildings, and memorials, making it one of the most significant historical landmarks in the region. Evergreen Plantation, located nearby, is another key site that offers tours and educational programs. Wallace’s proximity to these important plantations makes it a central part of the region’s efforts to preserve and share Louisiana’s complex history.
Mt. Airy
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 500 (estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70076
- Latitude: 30.0276° N
- Longitude: 90.6317° W
Location and History
Mt. Airy is a small, unincorporated community located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, between Reserve and Garyville. The community was historically associated with the agricultural industry, particularly sugarcane farming, and was home to several plantations during the 19th century. Over the years, Mt. Airy has remained a largely rural community, with much of its identity tied to the surrounding farmland and the river. While it is a small and quiet town, its history is reflective of the broader plantation culture that once dominated this region of Louisiana.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mt. Airy is served by Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School and East St. John High School. The town’s most notable landmarks are the plantations that once dotted the landscape, many of which have either been restored or preserved as historical sites. While much of Mt. Airy is residential and agricultural, its location near the Mississippi River provides opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The community’s rural atmosphere and proximity to larger towns like LaPlace and Garyville make it a peaceful place to live while still being connected to the broader economic and cultural activities of Saint John the Baptist Parish.
