JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH
Parish Offices
321 E. Plaquemine Street
Jennings 337-824-3850
https://www.jdpso.org
Chamber of Commerce
4310 Ryan Street
Lake Charles 337-433-3632
https://www.allianceswla.org
A convenient commute from vibrant Lake Charles city and cosmopolitan Lafayette, Jefferson Davis Parish is well-served by Interstate 10 and US 90, 190, and 165 along with the Port of Mermentau—linking to the Intracoastal Waterway. While oil and gas industries join shipbuilding and construction as major economic activities, much of the parish is devoted to rich agricultural fields, cattle operations, and crawfish production. Progressive industrial parks are home to thriving enterprises like Zagis USA, a $20 million cotton mill, and Louisiana Spirits of Bayou Rum fame. Several incorporated cities dot this scenic area in close proximity to Lake Charles and Lafayette amenities.
Services
Access to quality education begins on grassroots levels from preschool through 12th grade in Jefferson Parish schools. Career training and post-secondary education is as close as the local Morgan Smith Site for SOWELA Technical Community College. Residents of all ages take advantage of the diverse two-year degree and certificate programs and transfer degree options at SOWELA, ranked among Louisiana’s largest and most progressive technical colleges. Through its Workforce Development center, SOWELA works closely with local industry in developing training programs that meet specific job requirements for immediate employment. Nearby Lake Charles City is home to McNeese State University (MSU), part of University of Louisiana System and a proven innovator of relevant programs. National acclaim for MSU includes a Master’s University classification by the Carnegie Foundation and a designation by US News & World Report as a Tier One South Regional University. Serving nearly 9,000 students, MSU maintains a scenic 121-acre main campus, the 503-acre MSU Farm, Burton Coliseum, Louisiana Environmental Research Center, Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Center, and nearly 1,600 acres of land used for agricultural research and ranching activity. Other leading schools within an hour’s drive from Jefferson David Parish include the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Louisiana State University at Eunice.
The latest healthcare advances are as close as Jennings American Legion Hospital in Jennings, taking for its slogan “Big-city health care in a community hospital.” Established by committed residents, the acute-care facility that was founded in 1960 now provides access to 21st Century technology, diagnostics, and treatment for local and regional patients. Upgrades and expansions include a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab, a new obstetrics wing, and renovations from the emergency room, laboratory offices and surgical suites to the lobby. The $4.8-million 32,000-square-foot Patient Tower combines with a 24,000-square-foot Medical Office Building for easy access to skilled professionals and specialists. Jennings is also home to a VA Clinic under the Alexandria VA Health Care System. Nearby Kinder adds an acute and specialty care facility that serves patients in Allen, Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis parishes. Allen Parish Hospital combines comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care with rural health and specialty clinics. Lake Charles City is home to Lake Charles Memorial Health System, with a main hospital, Memorial Hospital for Women, and Memorial Specialty Hospital. Other leading healthcare resources in Lake Charles include Lake Area Medical Center and St. Patrick Hospital of CHRISTUS Health.
Lifestyle
Better known as Jeff Davis Parish, the historic site of Louisiana’s first oil-drilling operation draws newcomers to cherished traditions, unique cuisine, and diverse natural beauty. Longstanding colorful Cajun heritage continues to be a magnet for tourism and film producers alike. Developed recreational sites like swimming pools, lush parks, athletic fields, tennis courts, and golf clubs combine with natural assets like Mermentau River to support year-round adventure. The river connects to Lake Arthur, a regional jewel for water sports, boating and fishing. John Blank Sportsman’s Park in Welsh is another local favorite for tennis, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking, and RV camping. Historic Lorrain Bridge is still serving travelers but now offers a lush park with a boat launch, camper and RV sites, and picnic facilities. In every direction, landscapes are waiting to offer scenic backdrops for every imaginable outdoor activity.
Local attractions are crowned by Zigler Museum, where a colonial-style structure houses one of the finest galleries between New Orleans and Houston. The west wing showcases an acclaimed collection of European and American art including many William Tolliver works and a rare Audubon archive. The east wing features realistic dioramas of Southwest Louisiana, and rotating exhibits of guest artists grace the central gallery. During the holiday season, the entire venue transforms into a winter wonderland of glittering, magical beauty. The Louisiana Telephone Pioneer Museum is encompassed within the diverse displays and exhibits at the multi-faceted W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum. The Strand Theatre in Jennings is another gem, a 1939 Art Deco movie theatre on historic Main Street that serves as the proud home of the “A Block off Broadway” community theater group. For cosmopolitan amenities, Lafayette and Lake Charles City are brimming over with fine shoppin, casino resorts, and fabulous entertainment.
COMMUNITIES
Jennings City
City Offices
337-821-5500
https://www.cityofjennings.com
Chamber of Commerce
337-433-3632
https://www.allianceswla.org
A small town by most standards, bustling Jennings serves as the parish government seat and commercial and cultural hub for Jeff Davis Parish. Ideally located along Interstate 10, Jennings proudly claims “Cradle of Louisiana Oil’ as its crowning legacy. The historic downtown features Founder’s Park, where a hand-painted mural, decorative benches, landscapes patios, and an antique clock honor the city’s first fathers. The 31-acre Louisiana Oil and Gas Park attracts visitors to the Alligator House but also offers an 11-acre lake, a playground, and a walking trail.
Colorful Cajan culture and cuisine create an atmosphere filled with delicious food, electrifying music, and passion for life. Jennings is home to Zigler Museum for world-renowned fine arts displays, while a turn-of-the-century general store museum also houses a museum exclusively devoted to telephone history. Antique shops and grand historic architecture blend with scenic wetlands and byways, lush parks, majestic live oak, and cypress groves to create a community of unrivaled appeal and Southern charm.
Welsh Town
Town Hall
337-734-2231
https://www.townofwelsh.com
Chamber of Commerce
337-433-3632
http://allianceswla.org
The small community of Welsh offers a friendly home town with deeply rooted family values and strong support for local schools, churches, and organizations. The area’s proud history is on display at the Welsh Museum, a 1903 brick building filled with collections of photographs and memorability dating back to the first settlers. The museum features a blacksmith shop, an agricultural section with antique farm equipment, a home and family section, a section devoted to the cattle industry, and a military exhibit honoring the area’s veterans. Next door is an antique grocery store from the early 1900s called “Little Cove.” Newcomers will discover a charming Cultural and Historic District, a medley of services and eateries for convenient lifestyle, and the Welch Community Center for events both large and small. Nearby recreational sites are exceptional, particularly for hunting, boating, and fishing.
Lake Arthur
Town Hall
337-774-5259
https://townoflakearthur.org
Chamber of Commerce
337-433-3632
https://www.allianceswla.org
Taking for its community slogan, “Nature’s beauty spot,” scenic Lake Arthur enjoys a quaint, picturesque, small-town setting along the shores of South Louisiana’s largest body of water. The lake that shares the town’s name is one mile wide and nine miles long, fed by the Mermentau River that links to the Intracoastal Canal. To the south and west of this waterfront paradise are thousands of acres of unspoiled marshland that preserves fragile feeding grounds for vast flights of ducks and geese. Wide open spaces characterize this rural community and residents tend to share a passion for sports and outdoor recreation. Lake Arthur Beach and Lake Arthur Park along with a ballpark join the Community Center as focal points of community life. Residents also enjoy nearby attractions in Jennings that include Strand Theatre performances, a nationally recognized fine arts museum, and expanded services. World-class urban attractions are available within a reasonable commute to the Lake Charles or Lafayette metropolitan areas.
