Area Information

ELTON
The town of Elton is located in the northeastern corner of Jeff Davis Parish on Highway 190 north of Interstate 10. It is a small community with a population of approximately 1,248 people and a total land area of 1.6 square miles.

Early settlers were drawn to the Elton area because the land in this region was higher than the surrounding land, providing better health conditions and more prosuctive crops.

German settlers also had a significant impact on the farming community of Elton. They brought with them better techniques for growing rice, and their industrious work ethics were an inspiration to all. They also had a major influence on the architecture of this period.

In 1921, the Village of Elton officially became a town, keeping the name that was given to it by the Isaac Henderson family. Through hard work and dedication, the early settlers of Elton forged a close-knit community that still thrives today.

FENTON
The town of Fenton is located in the northwest region of Jeff Davis Parish on Highway 165 north of the Interstate 10. With a population of approximatley 377 people and a land area of 0.4 square miles, Fenton is the smallest incorporated town within the parish.

An enterprising man from New York named Silas J. Fenton was the first to settle in the area. Designating 240 acres of land to be set aside for the town, Silas J. Fenton was a major contributor to the future success of Fenton. In fact, his family still lives in the hometown created by their beloved forefather.

The land surrounding Fenton was fertile and settlers were able to successfully raise cattle and grow rice.

Today, the town of Fenton still enjoys a flourishing farming industry and a community that takes pride in its heritage that was built on hard work and a commitment to family values.

JENNINGS
The town of Jennings is located in the central region of Jeff Davis Parish on the eastern border just off of Interstate 10. Jennings is the largest incorporated city within the parish with a population of approximately 10,785 people and a land area of 10.2 square miles. Jennings also holds the honor of being the parish seat.

Like most other regions in the south, Jennings offered a refuge for many settlers looking to escape harsh climate and limited growing seasons of the north. The newcomers were not to be disappointed in what they found. Jennings was endowed with fertile soil that would support abundant rice crops and provide good land for cattle.

In 1901, a man by the name of Jules Clement made a monumental discovery, black gold, near Jennings. This first oil well in Louisiana produced over 7000 barrels of oil a day. Needless to say, this event had an enormous impact on the area in and around Jennings.

Jennings continues to be a thriving community in Jeff Davis Parish. Historic homes can be found throughout the town as well as museums and quaint shops that attract visitors from all over.

LACASSINE
Although Lacassine is not an incorporated city within Jeff Davis Parish, it contributes a great deal to the area in terms of commerce. It is located in the central western portion of the parish just south of Interstate 10 off of highway 90.

Lacassine currently has a sugarcane loading facility and a rail spur that shipped approximately 106,000 tons of cane during the 2003 season. A $45 million syrup mill was completed in the year 2005. A proposed ethanol and co-generation plant is also ontap for this small but enterprising community.

LAKE ARTHUR
The town of Lake Arthur is located in the southeastern region of Jeff Davis Parish south of the Interstate 10 off of Highway 26. Lake Arthur has a population of approximately 2,942 people and a land area of 1.9 square miles.

The town derives its name from an early settler, Arthur LeBlanc. Over time, the region that developed along the lake became known as Lake Arthur. The lake itself is what attracted people to this area and convinced them to settle there. Lake Arthur is over a mile wide and over nine miles long and is fed by the Mermantau River.

The lake provided plenty of food and water for these early settlers, which deterred them from attempting to cultivate the land and establish communities.

Eventually, settlers moving into the area recognized the potential prosperity that could be otained from the surrounding forests.

Because of its natural beauty and the fact that it provided opportunities for recreational hunting and fishing, Lake Arthur was also regarded as somewhat of a resort commuinty.

Today, beautiful homes grace the lakefront with cypress knees peering out from muddy banks. Lake Arthur is still a treasure of stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and leisurely paces.

WELSH
The town of Welsh is located in the center of Jeff Davis Parish just off of Interstate 10. It has a population of approximately 3,325 people and a land area of 6.2 square miles.

The town is named after Miles Welsh, a native of Pennsylvania, who journeyed south in search of a warmer climate due to health reasons.

In 1881, the railroad moved in, the area grew quickly. In 1888 the town was incorporated, naming Welsh as its first mayor. Today, the rice and cattle industries are the economic backbone of this town.

Welsh is a small, spirited community that loves to share its heritage through music, food, and festivals. It frequently has something on tap throughout the year to celebrate the many wonderful aspects of the South.