Page Contents for Gretna, Louisiana

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Louisiana state capital is Baton Rouge.
The population of Gretna is approximately 16,285 (2006), 17736 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 7,665 (2000)), 6968 (2010).
The amount of land area in Gretna is 9.106 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Gretna is 3.5 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.942 sq kilometers.
The distance from Gretna to Washington DC is 995 miles.
The distance to the Louisiana state capital is 75 miles. (as the crow flies)
Gretna is positioned 29.91 degrees north of the equator and 90.05 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Gretna elevation is 5 feet above sea level.
Gretna per capita income is $ 15,735 (2000).
Gretna median income is $ 30,500 (2005).
The Gretna median home price is $ 101,500 (2005).
Gretna average annual precipitation is 62.6 inches peryear.
The average winter temperature is 53.8 degrees F.
The average spring temperature is 69.1 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 83.1 degrees F.
The average fall temperature is 71.1 degrees F.

Location

on the west bank of the Mississippi River, opposite New Orleans, just 10 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Nearby communities include Terrytown, Harvey, Timberlane, Marrero, Woodmere, Arabi and Belle Chasse.
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History & History Related Items

Gretna was first settled around 1836 by German immigrants. The first name for the town was "Mechanikham." It became a city in 1913. There is a large historic districts with many well-preserved 19th century homes in the traditional Louisiana style. new - The City of Gretna is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River opposite New Orleans. Originally named "Mechanikham" Gretna became a city in 1913. It is home to one of Louisiana's largest historic districts.
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The founding of Gretna

1836

The incorporation of Gretna

1913

Attractions

NOTED NOTABLES
Frankie Ford
The legendary rock n' roll entertainer who is best known for the mega-hit "Sea Cruise" and his classic New Orleans style piano playing.

Gretna National Register Historic District
A walking tour which takes you through the area with historic homes. Many of the homes are open for tours.

St. Joseph Catholic Church
Lavoisier and South Streets
Gretna, LA
An old Spanish architecture church built in 1926. Parish records reach back to 1857.

the Louisiana State Fire Museum
David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1
209 Lafayette Street
Phone: 504-262-3854
The official state fire museum, also housing the oldest continuously active volunteer fire company in the United States. See an 1876 horse-drawn steam pumper fire apparatus which has been restored.

Historical Society Southern Pacific Train Depot
This center is housed in the former depot of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which was built in 1906. It not only a display area for railroad memorabilia, but also a visitor center where information may be found about the area.
Huey P. Long Avenue at 4th Street, P.O. Box 404
Gretna, LA 70054
Phone: 504 363-1580.
Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 11:30 am Phone: 504-363-1580

Gretna City Hall
This building served as the Parish courthouse until 1958. It was built in 1907 and is in the baroque style. The city leases the building from the county for its city hall. There are some historical exhibits in the building

Gretna Heritage Festival
An annual event held each year in October
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Gretna City Government

City of Gretna
P.O. Box 404
Gretna, LA 70054
Phone: (504) 363-1500

Gretna is the parish seat for Jefferson Parish.

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Gretna Police
200 Fifth St.
Gretna, LA 70053
Headquarters No. (504) 366-4374 (Not for emergencies)

Gretna Chamber

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
3421 N. Causeway Blvd, Ste 203
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504-835-3880
Improving business, Improving Lives in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Gretna Organizations

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
3421 N. Causeway Blvd, Ste 203
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504-835-3880
Improving business, Improving Lives in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Gretna

Miscellany

The population of Gretna was:
1940 - 10,879
1990 - 17,208
2000 - 17,423
2006 - 16,285

The number of housing units was:
1990 - 7,987
2000 - 7,665

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Median age:
2000 - 35.6 years

Median household income:
2000 - $ 28,065
2005 - $ 30,500

Median house value:
2000 - $ 75,400
2005 - $ 101,500

Gretna is located in the Central Time Zone and does participate in daylight savings time during a portion of the year.