Cities and Towns in Tensas Parish, Louisiana

Founded in 1843, Tensas Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Tensas Parish was formed from part of Concordia Parish. The city of St. Joseph is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 107, Tensas Parish has a population of 4,043 and area of 641 square miles (1,660 km²).

List of all cities in Tensas Parish, LA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Azucena, LA	71375	318
Balmoral, LA	71357	318
Consuella, LA	71375	318
Cooters Point, LA	71375	318
Flowers Landing, LA	71357	318
Goldman, LA	71375	318
Helena, LA	71375	318
Highland, LA	71375	318
Lake Bruin, LA	71357	318
Locust Ridge, LA	71366	318
Mayflower, LA	71366	318
Montecello, LA	71375	318
Newellton, LA	71357	318
Newlight, LA	71357	318
Notnac, LA	71357	318
Saint Joseph, LA	71366	318
Saranac, LA	71366	318
Somerset, LA	71357	318
Tensas Bluff, LA	71357	318
Waterproof, LA	71375	318
Westwood, LA	71357	318
Wilsona, LA	71366	318

Major Cities and Towns in Tensas Parish, Louisiana

St. Joseph

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 959 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 71366
• Latitude: 31.9204° N
• Longitude: 91.2396° W

Location and History

St. Joseph is the parish seat of Tensas Parish, located in northeastern Louisiana, near the Mississippi River. Established in the mid-19th century, the town was named after St. Joseph, the patron saint of its founders. Historically, St. Joseph thrived as a cotton-producing region, with the surrounding fertile delta land supporting large plantations. The town is known for its antebellum homes and picturesque downtown. Due to its proximity to the Mississippi River, St. Joseph was historically a significant port town for agricultural exports. Despite its small size, St. Joseph has played an important role in Louisiana’s history, particularly during the Civil War, when the region saw considerable activity.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Joseph is served by Tensas High School, the main educational institution for the area, providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Major landmarks in the town include the historic Winter Quarters State Historic Site, a plantation home that survived the Civil War and now serves as a museum detailing the history of the region’s plantations and slavery. The nearby Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is another major attraction, offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring Louisiana’s unique wetlands. St. Joseph’s downtown features historic architecture, including the Old Courthouse, which reflects the town’s 19th-century roots.

Newellton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 887 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 71357
• Latitude: 32.0733° N
• Longitude: 91.2390° W

Location and History

Newellton is a small town in Tensas Parish, located near Lake St. Joseph and approximately 12 miles north of St. Joseph. It was founded in the late 19th century by John David Stokes Newell, a planter and entrepreneur who helped develop the area’s agricultural industry. Newellton’s economy has long been tied to farming, particularly cotton and soybean production. The town’s location near the Mississippi River and Lake St. Joseph made it a natural spot for early settlers, and it has continued to be a center for rural commerce and farming.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Newellton is served by Newellton Elementary School and Tensas High School. One of the major landmarks in Newellton is Lake St. Joseph, a large oxbow lake that offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The area is also known for its rich history, with several nearby plantations that date back to the antebellum period. These historic plantations, such as Balmoral Plantation, provide a glimpse into the region’s past and its role in Louisiana’s agricultural development. Newellton’s close-knit community and rural setting make it a peaceful and historically significant town in Tensas Parish.

Waterproof

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 614 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 71375
• Latitude: 31.8054° N
• Longitude: 91.3843° W

Location and History

Waterproof is a small town located in the southern part of Tensas Parish, along the banks of the Mississippi River. The town was established in the early 19th century and gained its unusual name because of its relatively high elevation compared to the surrounding flood-prone areas, leading early settlers to describe it as “waterproof.” Historically, Waterproof was a thriving agricultural hub, with cotton being the dominant crop. The town’s economy has been closely tied to the river, which provided transportation and trade opportunities for local farmers. Although the population has declined in recent years, Waterproof remains a town with deep cultural and historical roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Waterproof is served by Tensas High School, located in nearby St. Joseph. The town’s major landmarks include the Mississippi River levee, which offers views of the river and serves as a reminder of the region’s relationship with the waterway. The nearby Winter Quarters Plantation and State Historic Site are also significant, preserving the history of the area’s plantation economy. Additionally, the town hosts community events and festivals that celebrate its agricultural heritage, including cotton-picking contests and historical reenactments. Waterproof’s scenic location near the Mississippi River makes it an important part of Tensas Parish’s agricultural and cultural landscape.

Clayton (Part of Tensas Parish)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 580 (partly in Tensas Parish)
• Zip Codes: 71326
• Latitude: 31.7254° N
• Longitude: 91.5403° W

Location and History

Clayton is a small town located in both Concordia and Tensas parishes, near the confluence of the Black River and the Mississippi River. The town was named after a prominent local family and developed as a river port town in the 19th century. Clayton’s strategic location along the rivers made it a key point for transporting goods, particularly cotton and other agricultural products, to markets downriver. The town has historically been influenced by the region’s agricultural economy and its proximity to the river, which facilitated trade and commerce.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clayton is served by schools in Concordia Parish, with nearby Ferriday High School being a key educational institution for local students. One of the most important landmarks in the area is the Black River itself, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and recreational activities. The nearby Old River Control Structure, a critical component of the Mississippi River’s flood control system, is another significant site. Clayton’s rich river history, combined with its agricultural heritage, makes it an integral part of the larger regional economy of northeastern Louisiana.

St. Maurice (Part of Tensas Parish)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
• Population: Approximately 200 (estimate)
• Zip Codes: N/A
• Latitude: 31.7094° N
• Longitude: 91.5169° W

Location and History

St. Maurice is a small, unincorporated community located in Tensas Parish, near the Black River. Like many other towns in the parish, St. Maurice has deep agricultural roots, with cotton and soybeans being the primary crops grown in the surrounding area. The town’s proximity to both the Black River and the Mississippi River made it an important location for early settlers who sought fertile land for farming. St. Maurice has maintained its rural character over the years, with agriculture continuing to play a significant role in the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Maurice is part of the Tensas Parish School District, with students typically attending Tensas High School in nearby St. Joseph. The community’s landmarks are largely agricultural, with expansive fields and farmhouses dotting the landscape. St. Maurice’s proximity to the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. The peaceful, rural environment of St. Maurice makes it a quiet retreat for those seeking to experience the agricultural and natural beauty of Tensas Parish.