Page Contents for Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Schools.

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Statistics & Facts

The Louisiana state capital is Baton Rouge.
The population of Ponchatoula is approximately 5,425 (1990), 6559 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 2,231 (1990), 2581 (2010).
The amount of land area in Ponchatoula is 9.032 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Ponchatoula to Washington DC is 976 miles.
The distance to the Louisiana state capital is 40 miles. (as the crow flies)
Ponchatoula is positioned 30.43 degrees north of the equator and 90.44 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Location

northwest of New Orleans. Here is a map page for Ponchatoula.
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History & History Related Items

Here is a history page for Ponchatoula.

Founded in 1820 by William Akers and later incorporated on 12 February 1861, Ponchatoula is the oldest incorporated city in the Parish. At the time of its incorporation, the city was located in Livingston Parish. Now it is located in Tangipahoa Parish.

The name for the town was chosen by Akers to honor a Choctaw Chief. These local Indians had helped Akers and told him of the history of their tribe and the names for landmarks in the area. The name, Ponchatoula, has several meanings, some of which are "falling hair," hanging hair," or "flowing hair." The area has an abundance of Spanish Moss hanging from the trees. The name was used to show the beauty of such moss in an area.

Ponchatoula received its motto, Strawberry Capitol of the World because of the many farms in the area. Another name for Ponchatoula is America's Antique City because there is a huge antique business in town.
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Attractions

Strawberry Jam'n Toast To The Arts
"The Little Jazzy Fest On The Northshore"
Held in March each year.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
heldin April each year
P.O. Box 446
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone: (985)-386-6677

Collinswood School Museum
P.O. Box 153 Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone: (985) 386-2221 or (985) 386-2533

Learn more about Ponchatoula at this site
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Ponchatoula City Government

Ponchatoula City Hall
110 West Hickory Street
P. O. Box 428
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone: (985) 386-6484
Fax: (985) 386-5533

Ponchatoula Chamber

Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce
Email the Chamber

Ponchatoula Organizations

Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce
Email the Chamber

Ponchatoula Schools

Ponchatoula School District Administrative Offices
Phone : (985)549-1614
313 East Oak St
Amite, LA, 70422
Hours 9:00-4:00

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See this page for local school information and links.