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Westwego is located on the west bank of
Jefferson Parish,
about 10 miles SE of New Orleans. Some of southern Louisiana's most
beautiful bayous sit just on the outskirts of Westwego. We are a community
that was originally a springboard for settlers heading for the west. With our
western border being Bayou Segnette State Park, located on beautiful
Bayou Segnette, we have many choices for outdoor recreation. We also have
many historic plantation homes in the area along the Mississippi River,
which makes up our northern border.
While in Westwego, complete your visit with a trip
into Bayou Segnette State
Park. The park offers 580 acres of picnicking
with shelter rentals, a campground with 100 sites, 20 bayou side cabins,
and dorm rentals that can accommodate up to 120 people. They also have a wave pool
and boat launching facilities. You may also want
to take a local swamp tour.
The name of the city comes from an old folk tale. Back in
the 1800's the Harvey locks located to the east of the city were used as
ferries to transport rail cars across the Harvey Canal. Once on this side
of the canal, the cars would be reunited and the trainmen would shout
"West-We-Go" as they pulled out of the station.
Many of the early residents were fishermen,
shrimpers, and trappers who came from a small fishing village located on Cheniere
Caminada, which was located just to the west of Grand Isle before it
was devastated by a 1893 hurricane, resulting in a big loss of life. Many
of the survivors relocated to Westwego since it was a safer location away
from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, yet still offered easy access to
fishing in the Gulf and Barataria Basin.
More detailed history of Westwego can be seen by a visit
to the Westwego
Historical Museum. The museum is located at 275 Sala Ave. They can be
reached by calling 504-341-3161. You may also check out their brochure
or visit their website.
Special thanks to Hunter Logan
for the use of his song
titled "Westwego"
Back to: Segnette.com
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