Cities and Towns in Saint Martin Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1807, St. Martin Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, St. Martin Parish was one of the original 19 parishes. The city of St. Martinville is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 99, St. Martin Parish has a population of 51,540 and area of 817 square miles (2,116 km²).
List of all cities in Saint Martin Parish, LA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Breaux Bridge, LA | 70517 | 337 |
Butte Larose, LA | 70517 | 337 |
Cade, LA | 70519 | 337 |
Cecilia, LA | 70521 | 337 |
Henderson, LA | 70517 | 337 |
Parks, LA | 70582 | 337 |
Saint Martinville, LA | 70582 | 337 |
Major Cities and Towns in Saint Martin Parish, Louisiana
St. Martinville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,379 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70582
- Latitude: 30.1235° N
- Longitude: 91.8299° W
Location and History
St. Martinville, known as the “Petit Paris” of Louisiana, is the parish seat of St. Martin Parish. Located along Bayou Teche, the town was founded in 1765 by Acadian refugees who settled here after being exiled from Nova Scotia during the Great Expulsion. St. Martinville quickly became a cultural and commercial hub for the French-speaking Creole and Cajun populations in Louisiana. The town has deep roots in both French and African American history, contributing to its rich cultural heritage. Today, it remains a quaint but historically significant town, known for its beautiful antebellum homes and its role in preserving Acadian culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Martinville is served by St. Martinville Senior High School and Teche Elementary School, both part of the St. Martin Parish School District. Major landmarks include the historic Evangeline Oak, a symbol of the Acadian people’s perseverance, and St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches in Louisiana, dating back to 1765. The town is also home to the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, which highlights the history of the Acadian people and their journey to Louisiana. The town hosts the annual Acadian Memorial Festival, celebrating its unique heritage with food, music, and cultural performances.
Breaux Bridge
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 7.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,513 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70517
- Latitude: 30.2744° N
- Longitude: 91.8985° W
Location and History
Breaux Bridge, located along Bayou Teche in northern St. Martin Parish, is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” The town was founded in 1829 by Firmin Breaux, who built the first footbridge over Bayou Teche, connecting the two sides of the community. Originally an agricultural town, Breaux Bridge’s economy grew with the rise of the crawfish industry, turning it into a major center for crawfish farming and processing. Over the years, the town has developed a reputation for its vibrant Cajun culture, music, and cuisine, making it a popular tourist destination.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Breaux Bridge is served by Breaux Bridge High School and Breaux Bridge Elementary School. A major landmark is the Breaux Bridge Historic District, which features 19th-century architecture and charming shops and restaurants. The annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is one of the town’s most popular events, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate Cajun culture with food, music, and dancing. Nearby, Lake Martin offers opportunities for birdwatching and exploring Louisiana’s unique swamp ecosystem. The town’s historic downtown and proximity to nature make it a cultural and recreational hub in St. Martin Parish.
Parks
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 653 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70582
- Latitude: 30.2135° N
- Longitude: 91.8438° W
Location and History
Parks is a small village located just north of St. Martinville, along the banks of Bayou Teche. It was founded in the late 19th century and named after Jules Parks, a local landowner who helped develop the community. Historically, Parks was a farming community, with sugarcane being the primary crop grown in the surrounding fields. The village has maintained its rural character over the years and is known for its peaceful, tight-knit community atmosphere. Its location along Bayou Teche provides residents and visitors with scenic views and access to the area’s natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Parks is served by Parks Middle School and St. Martinville Senior High School. A significant local landmark is the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, which has been a central part of the community’s religious and social life for over a century. The nearby Bayou Teche provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. The village’s close proximity to both St. Martinville and Breaux Bridge allows residents to enjoy the cultural and historical attractions of these neighboring towns while living in a more rural setting.
Cecilia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 1,505 (2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70521
- Latitude: 30.3400° N
- Longitude: 91.8476° W
Location and History
Cecilia is an unincorporated community located just west of Breaux Bridge, near the Atchafalaya Basin. Originally settled in the early 19th century, Cecilia was primarily an agricultural community with a strong Cajun presence. The town was named after St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, reflecting the community’s deep ties to Catholicism and its musical heritage. Over time, Cecilia has grown into a small but vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage that celebrates its Cajun roots through festivals, music, and cuisine.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cecilia is home to Cecilia High School and Cecilia Junior High, both part of the St. Martin Parish School District. A key landmark in the area is St. Joseph Catholic Church, which serves as the center of religious and cultural life in the community. The town is also located near the Atchafalaya Basin, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and exploring the largest river swamp in the United States. Cecilia’s annual festivals, including the annual Gumbo Cookoff, bring the community together to celebrate its rich Cajun culture with music, dancing, and traditional Louisiana cuisine.
Stephensville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 1,024 (2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70380
- Latitude: 29.7108° N
- Longitude: 91.1960° W
Location and History
Stephensville is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of St. Martin Parish, near the Atchafalaya Basin. The community developed in the early 20th century, primarily as a fishing and hunting town, with close access to the abundant resources of the swamp. Stephensville is surrounded by the vast wetlands of the Atchafalaya Basin, making it an ideal location for residents who enjoy outdoor activities and the tranquility of rural living. Over the years, Stephensville has remained a quiet community with strong ties to the land and water.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stephensville is served by schools in the nearby towns of Morgan City and Patterson, including Morgan City High School. The community’s proximity to the Atchafalaya Basin makes it a key destination for nature lovers, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Stephensville is known for its scenic views of the swamps and bayous that characterize southern Louisiana. The community also hosts local events, such as fishing tournaments, that bring together residents and visitors to celebrate the area’s rich natural environment. Its quiet, rural setting provides a peaceful retreat from the more developed areas of St. Martin Parish.