Cities and Towns in Washington Parish, Louisiana

Founded in 1819, Washington Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Washington Parish was formed from part of St. Tammany Parish. The city of Franklinton is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 117, Washington Parish has a population of 45,133 and area of 676 square miles (1,751 km²).

List of all cities in Washington Parish, LA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Angie, LA	70426	985
Angie, LA	70467	985
Bogalusa, LA	70427	985
Bogalusa, LA	70429	985
Franklinton, LA	70438	985
Lees Creek, LA	70427	985
Mitch, LA	70427	985
Mitchell City, LA	70427	985
Mount Hermon, LA	70450	985
Plainview, LA	70427	985
Rio, LA	70427	985
Sheridan, LA	70438	985
Thomas, LA	70438	985
Varnado, LA	70467	985

Major Cities and Towns in Washington Parish, Louisiana

Bogalusa

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 9.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 10,659 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 70427, 70429
• Latitude: 30.7916° N
• Longitude: 89.8490° W

Location and History

Bogalusa is the largest city in Washington Parish, located in the southeastern part of the parish near the Pearl River, which forms the boundary between Louisiana and Mississippi. Established in 1906, the town was founded by the Goodyear family, who developed it as a mill town centered around the Great Southern Lumber Company. Bogalusa quickly grew as the lumber mill became one of the largest in the world, contributing to the rapid urbanization of the area. Its history is marked by labor struggles, including significant civil rights events during the 1960s. Today, while the lumber industry has declined, Bogalusa remains an important cultural and economic hub in the parish, with its history reflected in its architecture and landmarks.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bogalusa is served by Bogalusa High School and Byrd Avenue Elementary School. One of the most notable landmarks in Bogalusa is the Bogalusa City Hall and the Cassidy Park, home to the Pioneer Museum and Native American Museum. Cassidy Park also hosts the annual Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, which draws visitors from across the region. Another important site is the Bogalusa Heart Study Center, a medical research facility famous for its groundbreaking work in cardiovascular health. The downtown area retains much of its historical architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s industrial past.

Franklinton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 4.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,857 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 70438
• Latitude: 30.8474° N
• Longitude: 90.1556° W

Location and History

Franklinton is the parish seat of Washington Parish, located in the northern part of the parish along Louisiana Highway 10. The town was founded in 1821 and was originally named Franklin, after Benjamin Franklin, but changed its name to avoid confusion with another town in the state. Franklinton has long served as an agricultural center for the region, particularly for dairy farming and crop production. Its location near the Bogue Chitto River contributed to its early development as a market town. Franklinton maintains its small-town charm and continues to play a central role in the political and cultural life of Washington Parish.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Franklinton is home to Franklinton High School and Pine High School, which are part of the Washington Parish School System. The Washington Parish Free Fair, the largest free fair in the United States, is held annually in Franklinton and is one of the town’s most significant landmarks. The Bogue Chitto State Park, located nearby, offers outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and camping, and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The historic courthouse in downtown Franklinton is another important landmark, reflecting the town’s role as the administrative center of the parish.

Angie

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 251 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 70426
• Latitude: 30.9640° N
• Longitude: 89.8118° W

Location and History

Angie is a small village located in the northeastern part of Washington Parish, near the Mississippi state line. Founded in the early 20th century, Angie developed as a rural farming community. Its name is believed to have come from a local family, though the exact origin is not well documented. The town has remained largely rural throughout its history, with a close-knit community and a focus on agriculture, particularly in the areas of dairy and timber. Despite its small size, Angie plays a significant role in the northern part of the parish, serving as a local center for the surrounding agricultural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Angie is served by schools in the Washington Parish School System, with nearby Varnado High School and Angie Junior High School providing educational opportunities. The village’s landmarks are modest but reflect its rural character, with historic churches like Angie Baptist Church serving as community hubs. The nearby Bogue Chitto River offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and canoeing, and the village’s proximity to Mississippi makes it a gateway for cross-state travel. Angie’s peaceful setting, along with its agricultural roots, provides a quiet, scenic environment for its residents and visitors alike.

Varnado

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 327 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 70467
• Latitude: 30.8938° N
• Longitude: 89.8303° W

Location and History

Varnado is a small village located in the northeastern corner of Washington Parish, near Angie and the Mississippi state line. The town was established in the early 20th century and named after the Varnado family, who were prominent in the area. Like much of Washington Parish, Varnado’s economy has traditionally been tied to agriculture and timber. The village has maintained its small-town feel, with a strong sense of community among its residents. While small in population, Varnado plays a key role in the northern part of the parish, offering essential services to the surrounding rural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Varnado High School serves both the village and nearby communities, offering education for grades 7 through 12. Varnado’s landmarks include the historic Varnado Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community for decades. The village is also close to the Bogue Chitto Wildlife Management Area, a large natural area that offers hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Varnado’s proximity to the Bogue Chitto River also makes it a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Despite its small size, Varnado remains a vital part of the fabric of Washington Parish, embodying the rural charm of northeastern Louisiana.

Mount Hermon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
• Population: Approximately 1,500 (estimate for surrounding area)
• Zip Codes: 70450
• Latitude: 30.9491° N
• Longitude: 90.2807° W

Location and History

Mount Hermon is an unincorporated community located in the western part of Washington Parish, near the border with Tangipahoa Parish. The community was established in the early 19th century and has traditionally been a rural, agricultural area, with farming and timber playing key roles in its economy. Mount Hermon is named after a biblical mountain, reflecting the religious influences that have shaped the community. Its location near the state line with Mississippi has made it a gateway between the two states, while still preserving its quiet, rural atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mount Hermon School is the main educational institution in the community, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The community’s landmarks are largely tied to its agricultural heritage and religious roots, with historic churches such as Mount Hermon Baptist Church playing a central role in community life. The area is also known for its scenic rural landscapes, with numerous small farms and timberlands. The community’s annual fairs and gatherings, including agricultural showcases, celebrate its farming traditions and bring together residents from across the region. Mount Hermon is also located near the Bogue Chitto State Park, providing additional outdoor recreational opportunities.