ST. JAMES PARISH

St. James Parish

Located midway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge on the mighty Mississippi River and divided in two by the Father of Waters, is one of the original nineteen parishes created on March 31, 1807, by an act of the Orleans Territorial Legislature.

Prior to its creation as a civil parish, St. James Parish formed a part of the "Comte' d'Acadie" or Country of Acadia, which was composed of the old ecclesiastical parishes of the St. James and "The Ascension," commonly referred to then as the First and Second Acadian Coasts.

The original seat of government was in the village of St. James on the west bank of the river, but in 1869 it was changed to the east bank, near the "Convent of the Sacred Heart" and a new courthouse was erected. The area is now known as Convent and is at present the parish seat.

St. James Parish is bounded by Ascension Parish on the north, St. John the Baptist on the east, Assumption on the west and southwest, and Lafourche on the south.

From its historical past, to its promising future, St. James Parish offers unique opportunities in a unique setting: 

See St. James Parish recent promotional video here:

http://www.youtube.com/StJamesParishGov#p/a/u/0/n07y-Brmwl8


Other St. James Parish sites:
Manresa
Originally Jefferson College; built in 1830. Unable to survive as a college after a major  fire in 1842, then occupied by federal troops in 1862. Ultimately purchased by the Jesuit Fathers of New Orleans in 1931, and continues to operate as a Catholic men’s retreat. 



Oak Alley
One of the more famous of the many plantation homes adorning River Road, Oak Alley is surely one of the grandest of the grande dames of the river road



Historic St. Michael’s Church
An antebellum church with roots extending into the colonial period, St. Michael's has been the heart beat of Convent for generations.

Christmas Bonfires
Christmas Eve Bonfires: Bonfires along the levee from Gramercy to Convent traditionally light the way for Papa Noel's annual visit.


St James Parish Lagniappe   
Come and visit St. James Parish and experience the hospitality and fun of the "River Parishes".

Gambit Weekly
Discover New Orleans food, entertainment and culture 


Country Roads Magazine
Explore Louisiana culture, food and events