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Cities & Towns
City of Kentwood Kentwood, incorporated in 1891, and named after settler Amos Kent, is a beautiful area that encompasses acres of dairy and grain farms. Kentwood is well known for its spring water. The first settlers of the Village of Tangipahoa traveled to the area by wagon train in 1806. Arriving from South Carolina were Mrs. Rhoda Holly Singleton Mixon and her daughter, Martha Singleton. Mrs. Mixon purchased about six sections of land now comprising the site of the Village of Tangipahoa and vicinity. In the year 1854, the I.C. Railroad was completed from New Orleans to Jackson, Mississippi. The Village was later incorporated and according to the 1995 census, had 624 residents. Roseland is nestled against the northern city limits of Amite and was incorporated in 1892. The town was named after the Cherokee Rose, a white rose that grows wild in the area. Amite, incorporated in 1861, is the parish seat. Located in the center of Tangipahoa Parish, it is easily accessible from any location within the area. Amite is well known for its oyster industry, dating back to 1949, and hosts the annual Oyster Festival each March. Independence, located just south of Amite, is the ethnic culture focal point in the parish, with such attractions as the Italian Festival, attracting thousands of visitors each year and Amato's, a Louisiana Native Winery. Tickfaw is an Indian name meaning "Rest Among the Pines." The Village was founded in 1852 and was incorporated in 1957 under the leadership of Joe Greco who later became the Village's first mayor. The governing body consists of the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and an elected Chief of Police. According to the 1995 census, the Village of Tickfaw had 616 residents. Hammond, the commercial hub for Tangipahoa Parish is located near the intersection of interstate highways 55 and 12. Over 20,000 residents of this area enjoy fine restaurants, several modern shopping centers and many beautiful parks for the entire family. Hammond is the home of Southeastern Louisiana University, which is the fastest growing University in the Nation. Ponchatoula, the oldest incorporated city in the parish, is host to the popular Strawberry Festival every spring. The city derives its name from the Choctaw Indian language meaning "hair to hang" because of the abundance of Spanish moss on the trees surrounding the area. America's Antique City, Ponchatoula, is stocked with numerous art, antique and hand crafted items in the many restored old buildings in the downtown area. |
