Overview
St. James is a town located in St. James Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It lies on the east bank of the Mississippi River, approximately 30 mi west of New Orleans. The town serves as the parish seat and is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
- The area that became St. James was originally inhabited by Native American peoples prior to European colonization.
- French settlers established plantations along the Mississippi River in the early 18th century; the town’s name derives from the Catholic parish of Saint James (Saint‑Jacques).
- In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase transferred the region to the United States.
- St. James was incorporated as a town in 1812, the same year Louisiana achieved statehood.
- The town’s historic district contains several ante‑bellum plantation homes, including the Oak Alley Plantation, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
- Coordinates: 30°04′22″ N 90°34′00″ W.
- Total area: 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²), of which 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) is land and 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) is water.
- The town sits at an elevation of roughly 10 ft (3 m) above sea level.
- Major waterway: Mississippi River (east boundary).
Climate
St. James experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Average annual precipitation is approximately 61 in (1,550 mm).
Demographics (2020 U.S. Census)
- Population: 1,124 residents.
- Racial composition: 57.3 % African American, 38.9 % White, 2.1 % Hispanic or Latino, 1.7 % other or two or more races.
- Median household income (2019 American Community Survey): $44,300.
- Poverty rate: 22.5 % of individuals.
Economy
The local economy is linked to the broader industrial and port activities of the Greater New Orleans area. Key sectors include:
- Petrochemical and chemical manufacturing (facilities located in the industrial corridor along the Mississippi River).
- Tourism, centered on historic plantation tours and river cruises.
- Small‑business retail and services serving residents.
Government
St. James operates under a mayor‑council form of government. The mayor is elected at‑large, and a town council of five members represents the community. Municipal services include police, fire protection (St. James Fire Department), and public works.
Education
- Public schools are administered by the St. James Parish School Board.
- Local institutions: St. James Elementary School (K‑5) and St. James Junior High School (6‑8). High school students attend St. James High School, located in nearby Convent.
- Higher education opportunities are available in the nearby city of New Orleans.
Transportation
- Major highway: Louisiana Highway 18 runs east‑west through the town, paralleling the Mississippi River.
- Interstate 10 is accessible approximately 12 mi to the north.
- The Mississippi River provides barge traffic for industrial freight.
- Nearest airport with commercial service: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (approximately 35 mi east).
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Oak Alley Plantation: Noted for its canopy of live oak trees, the plantation house dates to 1837 and operates as a museum and event venue.
- St. James Parish Courthouse: Built in 1896, the courthouse is an example of Romanesque Revival architecture.
- St. James Catholic Church: Established in 1765, the church remains an active parish and a landmark of early French‑colonial religious life.
Notable Residents
- Tony Clement (born 1912), former Louisiana state legislator representing St. James Parish.
- Floyd J. McClure (1909–1993), agricultural economist and author, raised in St. James.
References
Information compiled from U.S. Census Bureau data, the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office, and municipal records of St. James, Louisiana.
