Page Contents for Westwego, Louisiana

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Historical Events

Chamber of Commerce.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Louisiana state capital is Baton Rouge.
The population of Westwego is approximately 10,003 (2006), 8534 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 4,521 (2000), 3437 (2010).
The amount of land area in Westwego is 8.251 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Westwego is 3.19 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.995 sq kilometers.
The distance from Westwego to Washington DC is 999 miles.
The distance to the Louisiana state capital is 71 miles. (as the crow flies)
Westwego is positioned 29.90 degrees north of the equator and 90.14 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Westwego elevation is 5 feet above sea level.
Westwego per capita income is $ 13,160 (2000).
Westwego median income is $ 29,600 (2005).
The Westwego median home price is $ 92,100 (2005).

Location

about eight miles from New Orleans in southeastern Louisiana and about seven miles from Metairie. Other nearby communities include Bridge City, Marrero, Avondale, Jefferson, Estelle, Elmwood, Harahan and Harvey.
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History & History Related Items

Westwego has a fun naming story. It began as a major crossing point on the Mississippi River during the late 1800s when so many were going west. When travelers were asked where they were going, they would often reply, west we go. Thus the name began.
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The incorporation of Westwego

1919

Attractions

See picturesque bayous and swamps near Westwego. It is next to Bayou Segnette State Park and is the starting point for many swamp tours and excursions. Bayou Segnette is a 580 acre park with many features including picnicking, boat cruises and a wave pool. Overnight camping and cabins are available.
Phone: 504-736-7140

City of Westwego Tourist Information Center
10 Westbank Expressway
Westwego, Louisiana 70094
Phone: 504.436.0812
Fax: 504.436.0877
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Westwego Historical Museum
275 Sala Ave.
Westwego, LA 70094
PHone: 504-341-3161
in the Fisherman's Exchange Building. See an early 1900s restored hardware store, upstairs living quarters and more. Please call ahead for hours of operation
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Westwego City Government

City of Westwego
419 Avenue A
Westwego, LA 70094
Phone: 504-341-3424
Fax: 504-341-8941

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Police Department
417 Avenue A
Westwego, LA 70094
Phone: 504-341-5428

Westwego Historical Events

1977
In 1977, a grain elevator in Westwego exploded due to a spark igniting graindust. The explosion killed more than 30 people. The explosion prompted new safety developments in grain elevators.

Westwego 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

Westwego 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 Westwego

Miscellany

The population of Westwego was:
1990 - 11,218
2000 - 10,763
2006 - 10,003

The number of housing units was:
1990 - 4,690
2000 - 4,521

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Median age:
2000 - 34.7 years

Median household income:
2000 - $ 27,218
2005 - $ 29,600

Median house value:
2000 - $ 68,400
2005 - $ 92,100

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