Cities and Towns in Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1811, St. Mary Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, St. Mary Parish was formed from part of St. Martin Parish. The city of Franklin is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 101, St. Mary Parish has a population of 48,232 and area of 612 square miles (1,585 km²).
List of all cities in Saint Mary Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amelia, LA | 70340 | 985 |
| Baldwin, LA | 70514 | 337 |
| Bayou Vista, LA | 70380 | 985 |
| Berwick, LA | 70342 | 985 |
| Calumet, LA | 70392 | 985 |
| Centerville, LA | 70522 | 337 |
| Charenton, LA | 70523 | 337 |
| Cypremort Point, LA | 70538 | 337 |
| Franklin, LA | 70538 | 337 |
| Garden City, LA | 70540 | 337 |
| Glenwild, LA | 70342 | 985 |
| Idlewild, LA | 70392 | 985 |
| Morgan City, LA | 70380 | 985 |
| 70381 | 985 | |
| Patterson, LA | 70392 | 985 |
Major Cities and Towns in Saint Mary Parish, Louisiana
Morgan City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 6.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 11,647 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70380, 70381
- Latitude: 29.6991° N
- Longitude: 91.2068° W
Location and History
Morgan City is located in the eastern part of Saint Mary Parish, on the banks of the Atchafalaya River, and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Gulf” due to its strategic location. The town was originally named Brashear after a local surgeon but was renamed in 1876 in honor of Charles Morgan, a steamship and railroad magnate who played a key role in the town’s development. Throughout its history, Morgan City has been a hub for the oil and gas industry, shrimping, and shipbuilding, all of which remain central to its economy today. The city’s location on the Atchafalaya River and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it an important center for both commercial fishing and offshore industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Morgan City is served by schools in the St. Mary Parish School District, including Morgan City High School and Wyandotte Elementary School. Major landmarks in the city include the International Petroleum Museum and Exposition, where visitors can learn about the city’s oil history, and Lake End Park, a popular spot for camping, fishing, and picnicking along Lake Palourde. The annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, held in Morgan City, celebrates the two industries that have shaped the city’s economy. The city’s riverfront also offers scenic views and serves as the site for various cultural and recreational activities.
Franklin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 10.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,397 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70538
- Latitude: 29.7966° N
- Longitude: 91.5032° W
Location and History
Franklin is the parish seat of Saint Mary Parish, located along the Bayou Teche. Founded in 1808, Franklin played a key role in Louisiana’s sugarcane industry and quickly grew into a thriving agricultural center during the 19th century. The town was named after Benjamin Franklin and is known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture. During the Civil War, Franklin was the site of several skirmishes, and its history is reflected in its historic buildings and monuments. Today, Franklin retains its small-town charm and is a cultural and economic hub for the surrounding rural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Franklin is home to Franklin Senior High School and J.A. Hernandez Elementary School, which are part of the St. Mary Parish School District. One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the historic Shadows-on-the-Teche plantation, an antebellum home that is now a museum open to the public. The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, located nearby, provides opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and exploring Louisiana’s unique ecosystems. The town is also known for its annual Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival, which celebrates the region’s natural wildlife and culture. Franklin’s historic district features several well-preserved homes and churches that reflect its rich history.
Patterson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,030 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70392
- Latitude: 29.6936° N
- Longitude: 91.3027° W
Location and History
Patterson is located in eastern Saint Mary Parish, along the banks of the Atchafalaya River. Founded in the early 1800s, Patterson grew as an important site for the lumber industry, particularly due to its location near extensive cypress forests. The town was named after William Patterson, an early settler and entrepreneur. Over time, Patterson transitioned from a timber town to one that played a key role in Louisiana’s oil industry. The town has also been an important location for the aviation industry, with the first experimental flying boat, built by Glenn Curtiss, being tested here.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Patterson is served by Patterson High School and Hattie Watts Elementary School. The town is home to the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum, which showcases the history of the lumber industry and aviation in Louisiana. The museum is part of the Louisiana State Museum system and highlights the legacy of early aviation pioneers and local industry. Another notable landmark is Kemper Williams Park, a popular recreational area offering camping, fishing, and sports facilities. Patterson’s annual Cypress Sawmill Festival celebrates the town’s heritage with parades, crafts, and family-friendly activities, paying tribute to the industries that shaped its history.
Berwick
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 6.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,946 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70342
- Latitude: 29.6946° N
- Longitude: 91.2403° W
Location and History
Berwick is a small town located across the Atchafalaya River from Morgan City, in the eastern part of Saint Mary Parish. Founded in the 1830s, Berwick was originally a small settlement known for its involvement in the lumber industry and fishing. The town was named after Berwick Bay, and over the years, it developed into an important center for commercial shrimping and boatbuilding. Berwick’s location along the river has made it integral to the maritime industries of the region, while its small-town atmosphere has allowed it to retain a close-knit community feel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Berwick is served by Berwick High School and Berwick Elementary School. A key landmark in Berwick is the Berwick Lighthouse, also known as the Southwest Reef Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s and was used to guide ships along the river. Berwick’s Cypress Gardens and the Atchafalaya River offer residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating. Each year, the town hosts the Berwick Heritage Festival, celebrating its history and maritime culture with music, food, and crafts. Berwick’s quiet residential areas and proximity to Morgan City make it an attractive place to live within Saint Mary Parish.
Baldwin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,247 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70514
- Latitude: 29.8377° N
- Longitude: 91.5485° W
Location and History
Baldwin is a small town located northwest of Franklin, along Bayou Teche. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and named after the Baldwin family, early settlers in the region. Baldwin quickly developed as an agricultural town, with sugarcane plantations dominating the local economy. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with that of the African American community, as it was home to several historically Black institutions, including the Sager Brown School, which later became a mission site for the United Methodist Church. Baldwin remains a small, predominantly residential community with strong ties to its agricultural past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Baldwin is served by schools in the nearby town of Franklin, including Franklin Senior High School. The town is home to the historic Sager Brown Methodist Mission, a key landmark that now serves as a mission center for global outreach programs. The mission’s history is deeply connected to the African American community and the Methodist Church. Another significant site is the nearby Chitimacha Indian Reservation, located just south of Baldwin, which offers cultural and historical insights into the region’s Native American heritage. Baldwin’s annual Harvest Festival celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with food, music, and community events.
Amelia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,459 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70340
- Latitude: 29.6704° N
- Longitude: 91.1038° W
Location and History
Amelia is an unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Saint Mary Parish, near the boundary with Terrebonne Parish. Situated along Bayou Boeuf, Amelia is closely tied to the oil and gas industries, with many residents working in offshore drilling or marine services. The town developed in the mid-20th century as an industrial hub, providing essential support services for the growing energy sector. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and various waterways has made it a strategic location for businesses involved in oilfield services and transportation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Amelia is served by nearby schools, including Morgan City High School. Major landmarks in the area include several industrial and marine service companies that cater to the offshore oil industry. The Amelia Belle Casino, a riverboat casino docked along the Atchafalaya River, is a significant attraction in the town, offering entertainment and dining options. Additionally, the proximity of the Atchafalaya Basin provides outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring Louisiana’s wetlands. Amelia’s role in the oil industry and its access to natural resources have made it an important community in the economic landscape of Saint Mary Parish.
