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Ponchatoula, Louisiana, located in Tangipahoa Parish, is known as the Strawberry Capital of the World. Ponchatoula real estate was established as a logging camp in 1820 and became incorporated in 1861. The name "Ponchatoula" comes from an Indian word meaning "flowing hair", believed to be name so because of the abundance of moss hanging from local trees.
Ponchatoula Demographics
|
Population |
Median Household Income |
Median Home Value |
|
6,156 |
$26,600 |
$78,900 |
Ponchatoula History
William Akers, the founder of Ponchatoula, bought over a thousand acres of land from the federal government for "a bit an acre" ("bit" being Spanish for 12 1/2 cents). This land comprised area from the Ponchatoula River east to Selzers Creek. In 1832, Mr. Akers built his home in the exact spot that Mayor Haight, the past mayor of Ponchatoula, currently resides. Mayor Haight's mother's maiden name, in fact, is Akers. The present Illinois Centrail Railroad was established in 1850. The first railroad depot was built in 1853 (the current depot was built in 1923). James B. Clark planned the town of Ponchatoula, with four squares designated for public parks (one northwest, one northeast, one southwest and one southeast) and a fifth square for a repair shop and railroad station for the railway company.
Ponchatoula Education
The public education for residents of Ponchatoula real estate is provided by the Tangipahoa Parish School District. There are five elementary schools, one junior high and one high school in the Ponchatoula public school system. For parents interested in a private school education for their child, Magnolia Montessori caters to Pre-K and Kindergarten-aged children.
Things to See and Do in Ponchatoula
Every March, residents of Ponchatoula real estate hold a Strawberry Jam'n Toast to the Arts in historic downtown. This is a huge music festival featuring several different artists. The mission of the Strawberry Jam is to promote music and art education and increase artist exposure in the area.
Every April, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is held. A Strawberry King and Queen are named for each festival as well as a Grand Marshall for the Strawberry Parade. There is also a pageant to name Little Miss and Little Master of the Strawberry Festival, a baking contest, a dance (Strawberry Ball), rides, food, music and talent show.
The Collinswood School Museum was constructed in 1876 as a one room school house and operated as a one room schoolhouse for grades 1-6 until 1908. In 1975, the city of Ponchatoula purchased the real estate to create the Collinswood School Museum and it was opened in 1976. While visiting the museum, you can learn about the history of the local strawberry industry, see Native American artifacts from 10,000 years ago, see pictures depicting the history of Louisiana's cypress industry (including the Louisiana Cypress Lumber Company), Civil War, railroad and early farming artifacts or simply relax and enjoy the outdoor garden. |
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