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| coor_pinpoint = | coordinates_footnotes = | grid_name = | grid_position = | subdivision_type = Country| subdivision_name = United States| subdivision_type1 = State| subdivision_name1 = Louisiana| subdivision_type2 = ParishJefferson Parish, Louisiana>Jefferson| subdivision_type3 = | subdivision_name3 = | subdivision_type4 = | subdivision_name4 = | established_title = Founded| established_date = | established_title1 = | established_date1 = | established_title2 = | established_date2 = | established_title3 = | established_date3 = | established_title4 = | established_date4 = | established_title5 = | established_date5 = | established_title6 = | established_date6 = | established_title7 = | established_date7 = | extinct_title = | extinct_date = | founder = | named_for = | seat_type = | seat = | seat1_type = | seat1 = | government_footnotes = | government_type = | governing_body = | leader_party = | leader_title = Mayor| leader_name = Belinda Cambre Constant| leader_title1 = | leader_name1 = | total_type = | unit_pref = ImperialPUBLISHER=UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU, March 20, 2022, | area_total_km2 = 11.64| area_total_sq_mi = 4.50| area_land_km2 = 10.45| area_land_sq_mi = 4.04| area_water_km2 = 1.19| area_water_sq_mi = 0.46| area_water_percent = | area_metro_footnotes = | area_metro_km2 = | area_metro_sq_mi = | area_rank = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = | elevation_ft = 0| elevation_point = | elevation_max_footnotes = | elevation_max_m = | elevation_max_ft = | elevation_max_point = | elevation_max_rank = | elevation_min_footnotes = | elevation_min_m = | elevation_min_ft = | elevation_min_point = | elevation_min_rank = 2020 United States Census>2020| population_footnotes = | population_total = 17814Jefferson Parish, Louisiana#Communities>JE: 2nd| population_density_km2 = 1704.37| population_density_sq_mi = 4413.78| population_metro_footnotes = | population_metro = | population_density_metro_km2 = | population_density_metro_sq_mi = | population_density = | population_density_rank = | population_blank1_title = | population_blank1 = | population_density_blank1_km2 = | population_density_blank1_sq_mi = | population_blank2_title = | population_blank2 = | population_density_blank2_km2 = | population_density_blank2_sq_mi = | population_demonym = | population_note = | demographics_type1 = | demographics1_footnotes = | demographics1_title1 = | demographics1_info1 = | demographics_type2 = | demographics2_footnotes = | demographics2_title1 = | demographics2_info1 = North American Central Time Zone>CST| utc_offset1 = -6North American Central Time Zone>CDT| utc_offset1_DST = -5| timezone2 = | utc_offset2 = | timezone2_DST = | utc_offset2_DST = | postal_code_type = ZIP codes| postal_code = 70053, 70054, 70056| postal2_code_type = | postal2_code = | area_code_type = Area code 504>504| geocode = | iso_code = Federal Information Processing Standards>FIPS code| blank_info = 22-31915| blank1_name = | blank1_info = | blank2_name = | blank2_info = | blank_name_sec2 = | blank_info_sec2 = | blank1_name_sec2 = | blank1_info_sec2 = | blank2_name_sec2 = Wikimedia Commons| blank2_info_sec2 = www.gretnala.com}}| footnotes = | pop_est_as_of = | pop_est_footnotes = | population_est = }}Gretna is the second-largest city in, and parish seat of, Jefferson Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana.

History

According to the history published by the city, Gretna’s history can be traced to a plantation established by Jean-Charles de Pradel by 1750 (when the plantation house, Monplaisir, was built).{{efn|Monplaisir and its associated outbuildings were destroyed by a flood of the Mississippi River in the late 19th century.}} By 1813, the plantation had passed into the hands of one François Bernoudy. John McDonogh (also spelled John McDonough), then a resident of New Orleans, bought the establishment, moved into the house and founded a settlement in 1815, that would be named McDonoghville. He subdivided the rest of the former plantation into regular city lots and 30-arpent farming strips. McDonoghville thus became the first subdivision in Jefferson Parish.{{efn|McDonogh (1779{{snd}}1850) became quite wealthy and owned a great deal of real estate around the New Orleans area.}} McDonough either leased or sold these properties to white laborers or free people of color.“History of Gretna”. City of Gretna. Undated. Accessed January 25, 2020.Gretna was settled in 1836,WEB,www.gretnala.com, City of Gretna, 2007-08-30, City of Gretna, originally as Mechanikham, growing with a station on the Mississippi River for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Texas and Pacific Railway, and Southern Pacific Railroad, with a ferry across the River to New Orleans. The famous food and spice company Zatarain’s, founded in 1889 in New Orleans, has been located in Gretna since 1963. Gretna was incorporated in 1913, absorbing the section of McDonogh within the Jefferson Parish boundaries. In the 1940 census, Gretna had a population of 10,879.

Hurricane Katrina controversy

The city and its police received considerable press coverage when, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, people who attempted to escape from New Orleans by walking over the Crescent City Connection bridge over the Mississippi River were turned back at gunpoint by City of Gretna Police, along with Crescent City Connection Police, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies, who set up a roadblock on the bridge in the days following the hurricane. According to eyewitnesses, some officers threatened to shoot those coming from New Orleans as they attempted to cross into Gretna on foot, shots were fired overhead, and downdraft from a police helicopter was used to help clear refugees from the bridge.NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2005/09/10/national/nationalspecial/10emt.html?_r=1, Police in Suburbs Blocked Evacuees, Witnesses Report, New York Times, 2010-09-19, 2005-09-10, WEB,www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm, March to Gretna, 2005-11-08,www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20051125225317www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20051125225317www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm, 2005-11-25, dead, WEB,www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/15/60minutes/main1129440.shtml, “The Bridge to Gretna” story from CBS News 60 Minutes program, December 18, 2005, CBS News, New Orleans Police Department 911 operator Patryce Jenkins, having walked the city for two days after her dispatch center was flooded, tried to return to her unflooded Gretna apartment via the bridge. Though she had ID to prove her status as a resident, she said instead of checking it police ordered her to turn back, used racial slurs, and fired a warning shot over her head, leaving her crying in disbelief.NEWS,www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/chi-gretna_wittsep04-story.html, Katrina aftermath still roils Gretna, Howard Witt, Chicago Tribune, September 4, 2008, Gretna mayor Ronnie Harris pointed out though the city had not flooded, Gretna had been severely damaged as well, losing power, water, and sewage services, claiming the city had no food, no water, no shelters, and no capacity to take refugees. Harris said that the city had commandeered buses and been transporting a crowd of about 6,000 refugees to a nearby FEMA facility. But he said the city enacted the blockade after a spate of door-to-door robberies began in Gretna and stores at the Oakwood Mall were looted and burned.NEWS, September 21, 2005, MSNBC, Brock N. Meeks,www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9427111, Gretna mayor defends bridge blockade, Residents of Gretna were themselves required to evacuate after a few days. Four federal civil lawsuits were filed against the city for violation of civil rights. Two were dismissed, and in a third the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office settled with a family from Algiers for $10,000.Federal judge throws out constitutional claims in CCC bridge blockade suit after Katrina A fourth federal case, involving Regional Transit Authority workers, was scheduled to go to trial in April 2011.Federal trial on blocking of the Crescent City Connection after Hurricane Katrina delayed until next year{{update needed|date=April 2024}} Several other cases were filed in New Orleans Civil District Court.

Geography

{{Location map many | United States New Orleans East| caption = Location of Gretna, across the Mississippi River from uptown New Orleans, south of the French Quarter| width=230| label=Gretna| label-size=80| background = #DDEE00| position=left29599015type:city}}| mark=Red_pog.svg| marksize=8| label2 = French Quarter| bg2 = | pos2 = top29.9596|-90.0644}}| mark2=Red_pog.svg| marksize2=8| float=left}}Gretna is located at {{Coord|29|54|59|N|90|3|15|W|type:city}} (29.916459, -90.054260)WEB,www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html, United States Census Bureau, 2011-04-23, 2011-02-12, US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, and has an elevation of {{convert|0|ft|m|0}}WEB According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|3.9|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{cvt|3.5|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{cvt|0.4|sqmi|km2}} (9.33%) is water.

Demographics

{{US Census population|1850= 717|1880= 2396|1890= 3332|1920= 7197|1930= 9584|1940= 10879|1950= 13813|1960= 21967|1970= 24875|1980= 20615|1990= 17208|2000= 17423|2010= 17736|2020= 17814|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census}}{| class=“wikitable” style="text-align:center;”Gretna city, Louisiana – Racial and ethnic composition{{nobold>Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.}}!Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)!Pop 2000WEB, P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Gretna city, Louisiana,data.census.gov/table?q=p004&g=160XX00US2231915&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004, United States Census Bureau, !Pop 2010WEB, P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Gretna city, Louisiana,data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2231915&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2, United States Census Bureau, !{{partial|Pop 2020}}WEB, P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Gretna city, Louisiana,data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2231915&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2, United States Census Bureau, !% 2000!% 2010!{{partial|% 2020}}Non-Hispanic or Latino whites>White alone (NH)|9,282|8,5057,347|53.27%|47.95%41.24%Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans>Black or African American alone (NH)|6,154|5,9615,872|35.32%|33.61%32.96%Native Americans in the United States>Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)|89|8084|0.51%|0.45%0.47%Asian Americans>Asian alone (NH)|532|467490|3.05%|2.63%2.75%Pacific Islander Americans>Pacific Islander alone (NH)|7|56|0.04%|0.03%0.03%Race and ethnicity in the United States census>Some Other Race alone (NH)|37|34119|0.21%|0.19%0.67%Multiracial Americans>Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH)|217|230560|1.25%|1.30%3.14%Hispanic and Latino Americans>Hispanic or Latino (any race)|1,105|2,4543,336|6.34%|13.84%18.73%|Total|17,423|17,73617,814|100.00%|100.00%100.00%According to the 2020 United States census, there were 17,814 people residing in the city. The 2019 American Community Survey determined there were 7,156 households and 3,954 families residing in the city limits.WEB, 2019 Households and Families Estimates,data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Gretna%20city,%20Louisiana&tid=ACSST5Y2019.S1101, 2021-07-16, data.census.gov, In 2010,WEB, Gretna (city), Louisiana,quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2231915.html, dead,quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2231915.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20140807073333quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2231915.html,">web.archive.org/web/20140807073333quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2231915.html, August 7, 2014, April 17, 2014, quickfacts.census.gov, there were 17,734 people, 6,958 households, and 4,286 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|4,685|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 7,665 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2,082|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.In 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup was 41.24% non-Hispanic white, 32.96% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 2.75% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.81% multiracial or some other race, and 18.73% Hispanic and Latino American of any race.WEB, 2020 Race and Population Totals,data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2231915&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2, 2021-12-28, data.census.gov, In 2019, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 44.9% non-Hispanic White, 35.5% Black and African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 0.2% some other race, 1.3% two or more races, and 16% Hispanic and Latino American of any race.WEB, 2019 Demographic and Housing Estimates,data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2231915&tid=ACSDP5Y2019.DP05&hidePreview=true, 2021-07-16, data.census.gov, In 2010, the racial makeup of the city was 48.05% White, 20.43% African American, 1.20% Native American, 8.12% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 4.03% from other races, and 2.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race were 24.38% of the population. From 2010 to 2020, the growth of Hispanic or Latino Americans reflected nationwide demographic trends of diversification and identity.WEB, Frey, William H., 2020-07-01, The nation is diversifying even faster than predicted, according to new census data,www.brookings.edu/research/new-census-data-shows-the-nation-is-diversifying-even-faster-than-predicted/, 2022-02-13, Brookings, en-US, In 2010, there were 6,958 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.7% were married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.06.In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 23.8% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years, higher than Louisiana’s median age of 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.As of 2019, the median household income in Gretna was $47,244.WEB, Geographic Profile: Gretna city, Louisiana,data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2231915, 2021-07-16, data.census.gov, Males had a median income of $44,902 versus $31,992 for females. Approximately 17.8% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $28,065, and the median income for a family was $31,881. Males had a median income of $28,259 versus $21,019 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,735. About 20.8% of families and 24.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.7% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure

(File:GretnaJuly08PostOffice.jpg|thumb|Gretna Post Office)The United States Postal Service operates the Gretna Post Office.“Post Office Location - GRETNA {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722012134usps.whitepages.com/service/post_office/gretna-406-gretna-blvd-gretna-la-1365729 |date=2010-07-22 }}.” United States Postal Service. Retrieved on September 27, 2010.

Police

The city has a police department that was established in 1913.WEB, Curry, Mary Grace, Gretna Police History,www.gretnapolice.com/department-information/history/, Gretna Police Department, 26 June 2016, In 2016, press reports indicated that local police made 6,566 adult arrests in 2013, a rate about fourteen times that of a typical city. Such arrests may have generated over $5 million in fines and other revenue for the city.WEB, Welcome to the arrest capital of the United States, 22 June 2016, 27 January 2017, Mark, Gimein, Fusion,fusion.net/story/256788/gretna-louisiana-arrest-capital-america/, NEWS, Gretna is ‘arrest capital’ of the U.S., website says,www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/06/gretna_is_the_arrest_capital_o.html, 26 June 2016, The Times-Picayune, 25 June 2016, In July 2019 it was reported that two officers of the Gretna Police were fired for threatening United States Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.NEWS, Calder, Chad, Two Gretna officers fired: One posted Ocasio-Cortez ‘needs a round,’ 2nd hit ‘like’ button,www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_7c4edae6-acb8-11e9-80c4-2b2e15730e4f.html, July 22, 2019, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate, June 27, 2023, In 2024, Gretna was part of a investigation by ProPublica and WVUE-TV into fines and fees issued by municipalities in southeastern Louisiana, which found that Gretna had the highest number of violations per case as well as the highest average amount levied per case among the seven municipalities studied.WEB, Zurik, Lee, Sunne, Samantha, Sauer, Dannah, Jacobs, Joel, 2024-04-26, The Louisiana Town Where a Traffic Stop Can Lead to One Charge After Another,www.propublica.org/article/gretna-louisiana-traffic-violations-charges-fines, live,web.archive.org/web/20240426141827/https://www.propublica.org/article/gretna-louisiana-traffic-violations-charges-fines, 2024-04-26, 2024-05-01, ProPublica, en,

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Gretna’s public schools are operated by the Jefferson Parish Public Schools system.WEB,www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st22_la/schooldistrict_maps/c22051_jefferson/DC20SD_C22051.pdf, 2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jefferson Parish, LA, U.S. Census Bureau, 2024-03-02, - Text listSchools serving portions of the city limits are in the City of Gretna unless otherwise noted.“Map” (www.gretnala.com/egov/documents/635711168898439.pdf" title="web.archive.org/web/20140518190602www.gretnala.com/egov/documents/635711168898439.pdf">Archive). City of Gretna. Retrieved on May 18, 2014. Compare the city boundary to the boundaries of the particular schools, and compare the city boundary to school addresses (to check whether the school is actually in the city limits). In regards to the latter, www.ci.houston.tx.us/annexation/annexation_FAQ.html" title="web.archive.org/web/19961031170023www.ci.houston.tx.us/annexation/annexation_FAQ.html">the City of Houston stated: “The U.S. Postal Service establishes ZIP codes and mailing addresses in order to maximize the efficiency of their system, not to recognize jurisdictional boundaries.” Zoned elementary schools serving sections of Gretna include Shirley T. Johnson Gretna Park Elementary School, William Hart Elementary School, and McDonogh #26 Elementary School. George Cox Elementary School, which also serves a portion of Gretna, is in Timberlane, an unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish.WEB,la50000440.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/LA50000440/Centricity/Domain/142/WB%20ELEM2324.pdf, Elementary School Districts 2023-24 West Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, 2024-03-02, Most residents are zoned to Marrero Middle School in Marrero, while some are zoned to Livaudais Middle School in Terrytown.WEB,la50000440.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/LA50000440/Centricity/Domain/142/WB%20MIDDLE2324.pdf, Middle School Districts 2023-2024 West Bank of Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, 2024-03-02, Most residents are zoned to West Jefferson High School in Harvey, an unincorporated area of Jefferson Parish, while some are zoned to John Ehret High School.WEB,la50000440.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/LA50000440/Centricity/Domain/142/WB%20HIGH2324.pdf, High School Districts 2023-2024 West Bank of Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, 2024-03-02, For advanced studies, residents are zoned to the Gretna Academy.“Westbank Advanced Studies Academies Attendance Zones” (jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/wb-elem-magnet-dist-ltr.pdf" title="web.archive.org/web/20130905102905jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/wb-elem-magnet-dist-ltr.pdf">Archive). Jefferson Parish Public Schools. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.Gretna #2 Academy for Advanced Studies, a Pre-K to 5th grade magnet school, and L. W. Ruppel Academy, a Pre-K to 8th grade French immersion magnet school, are located in Gretna.“L. W. Ruppel Academy {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123230704gretnala.com/category/subcategory.asp?fCS=15-45 |date=2010-11-23 }}.” City of Gretna. Retrieved on September 26, 2010. Thomas Jefferson High School is another magnet school in Gretna.Previously Gretna Middle School was in Gretna.“Middle School Districts 2012-2013 West Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana” (jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/12-13-wb-middle-dist.pdf" title="web.archive.org/web/20130905133401jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/12-13-wb-middle-dist.pdf">Archive). Jefferson Parish Public Schools. Retrieved on May 18, 2014. It closed in 2023,WEB, Paterson, Blake,www.nola.com/news/jefferson-parish-school-board-votes-to-close-6-schools/article_3b0358f8-d411-11ed-81b4-ef1232a5b3fe.html, Jefferson Parish School Board votes to close schools, relocate students, The Times Picayune, 2023-04-05, 2024-03-02, with Thomas Jefferson High scheduled to move there for the following school year.WEB, O’Connor, Shay,www.wdsu.com/article/major-changes-coming-to-jefferson-parish-school-system/43433408#, Jefferson Parish Schools could consolidate several schools under proposed plan, WDSU-TV, 2023-03-28, 2024-03-02, Previously Kate Middleton Elementary in Terrytown served a portion of Gretna;“www.jppss.k12.la.us/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147491352" title="web.archive.org/web/20100423003140www.jppss.k12.la.us/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147491352">Elementary School Districts 2009-2010 West Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana.” () Jefferson Parish Public School System. Retrieved on September 26, 2010. it closed in 2012.Waller, Mark. “Group of schools shuts down as Jefferson Parish adjourns for the summer {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526011547www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2012/05/group_of_schools_shuts_down_as.html |date=2012-05-26 }}.” The Times-Picayune. May 25, 2012. Retrieved on April 4, 2013. Previously some residents were zoned to Helen Cox High School, also located in Harvey.“High School Districts 2012-2013 West Bank of Jefferson Parish Louisiana” (jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/12-13-wb-high-dist.pdf" title="web.archive.org/web/20130905105429jpschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/12-13-wb-high-dist.pdf">Archive). Jefferson Parish Public Schools. Retrieved on May 18, 2014.Milestone Sabis Academy, a K-8 charter school, is in Gretna.Arden Cahill Academy is a private school in Gretna.WEB, Cameran, Mirella, January 2018, Arden Cahill Academy’s 50th Anniversary,www.myneworleans.com/New-Orleans-Magazine/January-2018/ETC/, 4 February 2018, New Orleans Magazine, 127, WEB, Songy, Marielle, October 2017, Arden Cahill Celebrates 50 Years,wbbeacon.com/arden-cahill-celebrates-50-years/, 5 February 2018, The West Bank Beacon, 12,

Public libraries

Jefferson Parish Library operates the Gretna Public Library in Gretna. The current facility, with more than {{convert|5800|sqft|sqm}} of space, opened on March 17, 2010. The library includes a {{convert|1000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} meeting room that can accommodate 58 people. The library is almost twice the size of the previous {{convert|3000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} facility.“The New Gretna Library Opens.” Jefferson Parish Library. Retrieved on September 28, 2010.(File:GretnaPoliceStation.jpg|thumb|Gretna Police Department)

Culture

German American Cultural Center

The German American Cultural Center (GACC), headquartered at 519 Huey P. Long Avenue, was founded in 1988. It strives to interpret the contribution of German immigrants to Louisiana’s history by presenting educational opportunities such as exhibits, lectures and other programs. GACC has sponsored special events such as Maifest and Oktoberfest. The latter is a 3-day event held during the first weekend of October each year{{efn| However, the current GACC calendar shows that Gretna’s Oktoberfest will start on October 10, 2020.}} at the center.“German American Cultural Center.” Undated. Accessed January 28, 2020.

Cultural References to Gretna, Louisiana

• In his book “On the Road”, author Jack Kerouac mentions Gretna.
• Portions of the movie “A Love Song for Bobby Long” were filmed in Gretna.
• Portions of “Monster’s Ball” were filmed in Gretna.
• Portions of “Homefront(2013 film)” were filmed in Gretna.

Notable people

{{div col}}

• Bianca Del Rio (born Roy Haylock, 1975), American actor, drag queen, insult comedian, costume designer, and reality-show personality in RuPaul’s Drag Race
• Joseph Bouie, Jr. (born 1946), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 97 in Orleans Parish since 2014; former resident of GretnaWEB,www.intelius.com/results.php?ReportType=1&formname=name&qf=joseph&qmi=&qn=bouie&qcs=new+orleans%2C+la.&focusfirst=1, Joseph J. Bouie, intelius.com, April 26, 2015,
• Joseph Cao (b. 1967), attorney and U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s 2nd congressional district, 2009-2011
• Joe Clay (1938-2016), rockabilly musician
• Kiem Do, former captain and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) in the Republic of Vietnam Navy
• Olaf Fink (1914-1973), educator and state senator for Orleans Parish from 1956 to 1972, is interred at Westlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Gretna.
• Frankie Ford (1939-2015), rock and roll performer
• John Fourcade (b. 1960), former New Orleans Saints quarterback was born in Gretna.
• Emmett Hardy (1903-1925), early jazz great
• Frederick Jacob Reagan Heebe (1922-2014), United States district court judge
• Girod Jackson, III, former state representative for Jefferson Parish and former Gretna resident
• Eddie Lacy, former running back for the Green Bay Packers
• Lash LaRue (1917-1996), Western film actor
• John McDonogh (1799-1850), entrepreneur and philanthropist, established McDonoghville section of Gretna.
• Greg Monroe, NBA player
• Mel Ott (1909–1958), baseball hall of famer
• Stanley Joseph Ott (1927-1992), Roman Catholic bishop
• Elfrid Payton, Canadian Football League defensive lineman
• Elfrid Payton, Jr., professional basketball player
• James St. Raymond, businessman and former state representative in Orleans Parish; former resident of GretnaWEB,www.intelius.com/results.php?ReportType=1&formname=name&qf=James&qmi=&qn=Raymond&qcs=New+Orleans%2C+LA&focusfirst=1, James St. Raymond, intelius.com, May 22, 2015,
• Ike Taylor, Retired defensive back who played his entire career for the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Scott Williams, bassist for sludge metal band Soilent Green, died in 2004 in Gretna.

{{div col end}}

See also

• Gretna Heritage Festival

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist|30em}}

External links

{{Commons category|Gretna, Louisiana}}

• City of Gretna Website
• Gretna Police Department
• Gretna Heritage Festival
• The real heroes and sheroes of New Orleans (First report of the bridge incident that was later picked up by major media.)
• www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm" title="web.archive.org/web/20051125225317www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm">March to Gretna
• “The Bridge to Gretna” story from CBS News 60 Minutes program, December 18, 2005

Schools

• Gretna Middle School
• Elementary schools: Shirley T. Johnson/Gretna Park, William Hart, McDonogh 26
• Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies

Audio and video

• Trapped in New Orleans: Emergency Medical Worker Describes How Police Prevented Evacuation, from Pacifica Democracy Now! program, September 16, 2005

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