Creation of Tangipahoa Parish ("Out of One-Many")

Established in 1869, Tangipahoa Parish was created from the four corners of its surrounding parishes: St. Helena, Livingston, St. Tammany and Washington. One of the main reasons for the creation of Tangipahoa was to provide a parish that was centered around the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad (now known as the Illinois Central).

Today, the parish encompasses the intersection of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12. It has a population of 113,137 according to the 2006 Census and is one of the fastest growing parishes in the state.

The government of Tangipahoa Parish is organized as a parish council, which passes municipal codes and ordinances, and an executive branch--directed by a parish president--which is responsible for the administrative duties of local government.

For a more detailed history, please refer to this article written by Irene R. Morris and the History Committee entitled, "Out of Four-One, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana 1869-1969" (.pdf format)