Cities and Towns in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1824, West Feliciana Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, West Feliciana Parish was formed from when Feliciana Parish was divided. The city of St. Francisville is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 125, West Feliciana Parish has a population of 15,494 and area of 426 square miles (1,103 km²).
List of all cities in West Feliciana Parish, LA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Angola, LA | 70712 | 225 |
Bains, LA | 70775 | 225 |
Hardwood, LA | 70775 | 225 |
Saint Francisville, LA | 70775 | 225 |
Tunica, LA | 70782 | 225 |
Wakefield, LA | 70784 | 225 |
Weyanoke, LA | 70787 | 225 |
Major Cities and Towns in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
St. Francisville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,712 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70775
- Latitude: 30.7885° N
- Longitude: 91.3790° W
Location and History
St. Francisville is the parish seat of West Feliciana Parish, located in southeastern Louisiana along the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles north of Baton Rouge. Known as “The town two miles long and two yards wide,” it sits on a ridge overlooking the river, giving it both historical and strategic significance. The town was established in 1809 and played a key role in the West Florida Rebellion, where American settlers sought to secede from Spanish control and briefly formed the Republic of West Florida. St. Francisville also features prominently in Civil War history, including the burial of Union Navy officer John McIntosh Kell. Its historic district preserves antebellum architecture, oak-lined streets, and well-preserved 19th-century homes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The major schools serving St. Francisville include West Feliciana High School and Bains Elementary, both part of the West Feliciana Parish School District, known for high academic performance and extracurricular programs. St. Francisville is home to significant landmarks, including the Myrtles Plantation, believed to be one of America’s most haunted houses, and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, a preserved antebellum home with extensive gardens. Another popular site is the Grace Episcopal Church, established in 1827, renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture and centuries-old cemetery.
Tunica
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (unincorporated area estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70782
- Latitude: 30.9575° N
- Longitude: 91.5168° W
Location and History
Tunica is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of West Feliciana Parish, close to the Louisiana-Mississippi border. It lies roughly 10 miles north of St. Francisville and is nestled near the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, which attracts nature lovers and hikers from all over the region. The area around Tunica is steeped in history, with Native American mounds and archaeological sites, some dating back thousands of years. Tunica’s history includes the plantation era, where agriculture and cotton dominated the local economy. It’s also notable for the Tunica Trace, a historic route used by Native Americans and early settlers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Though Tunica itself is small, schools like West Feliciana Middle School and West Feliciana High School in nearby St. Francisville serve the local community. As for landmarks, the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area is a major attraction, known for its rugged hills, streams, and diverse ecosystems. The Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve is another nearby natural landmark offering hiking trails and opportunities for bird watching. Additionally, Tunica is close to several historic plantations and homes that reflect the rich history of the region.
Angola
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community, part of the Louisiana State Penitentiary)
- Population: Approximately 6,300 (prison population)
- Zip Codes: 70712
- Latitude: 30.9669° N
- Longitude: 91.5763° W
Location and History
Angola is an unincorporated area in West Feliciana Parish, most famously home to the Louisiana State Penitentiary, one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the United States. Located along the Mississippi River, about 22 miles northwest of St. Francisville, Angola occupies what was once several plantations, including the historic Angola Plantation, from which it gets its name. The penitentiary, often referred to as “The Farm,” was established in 1901 and has a storied and controversial history, particularly regarding prison labor and reform. Angola is known for hosting the annual Angola Prison Rodeo, which attracts thousands of visitors and offers a unique view into the lives of the inmates.
Major Schools and Landmarks
There are no traditional schools in Angola due to its status as a prison facility. However, the penitentiary itself offers educational programs for inmates, including vocational training and literacy courses. The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum is a key landmark, detailing the history of the prison and its impact on Louisiana. The Angola Prison Rodeo Arena is another major feature, where inmates participate in rodeo events open to the public. Visitors to the area also explore the Tunica Hills and various Civil War sites nearby, as Angola lies near several historic battlefields and antebellum homes.
Wakefield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 700
- Zip Codes: 70784
- Latitude: 30.8979° N
- Longitude: 91.3199° W
Location and History
Wakefield is a small unincorporated community located in the southeastern portion of West Feliciana Parish, near the junction of U.S. Highway 61 and Louisiana Highway 421. It lies about 13 miles southeast of St. Francisville and is part of a rural, largely agricultural region. Wakefield’s history is tied to the early settlement of West Feliciana Parish and the plantation economy that defined much of the area during the 19th century. The community was named after Wakefield Plantation, one of the many plantations that once thrived in this region. Although smaller and less developed than nearby towns, Wakefield offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s rural past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wakefield is primarily served by schools in nearby St. Francisville, including Bains Elementary and West Feliciana High School. The community itself is home to a few small churches and historical structures, though it lacks the large landmarks found in other towns. However, it is located near several notable sites, including Rosedown Plantation and the Audubon State Historic Site, where famed naturalist John James Audubon once lived. The surrounding countryside, with its historic plantations and quiet rural roads, makes Wakefield a scenic destination for those exploring the history and natural beauty of West Feliciana Parish.