Gonzales Parish, Louisiana

Twenty miles from Baton Rouge, the city of Gonzales is in Ascension Parish. Manufacturing, retail and construction anchor the economy. Gonzales children attend one of five primary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Higher education is available to them at Baton Rouge Community College, Louisiana State University and A&M and Southeastern Louisiana University. Gonzales is famous for its Jambalaya Festival and is known as the Jambalaya Capital of the World.

France originally owned a huge swath of land from Florida to Louisiana. In 1803, the United States bought the land, called the Louisiana Purchase. Until 1851, perhaps ten people lived there. Mostly Spanish and French squatters, they lived in peace with the native Indians. In 1855, a small school was built. In the 1880s, the squatters morphed into homesteaders. In 1886, the Gonzales family became sheriffs and postmasters. Gonzales got its name from son Tee-Joe Gonzales, who was the postmaster. When the railroad came through, the town picked up more settlers. From an agricultural beginning, Gonzales has emerged into a commercial and financial center.  

Gonzales offers a variety of recreation maintaining six parks and a stadium. Boating is featured at some of the parks. Picnic and playground facilities are available at others. Jambalaya Park features the "sprayground" for children having fun in the sun. 

Attending town events are important for new homeowners to become acquainted with their new town and their neighbors. Get acquainted at Houmapalooza while you're having great food, drink and fun. Christmas is a great time to check out arts and crafts at the Baton Rouge Holiday Arts Market and the Baton Rouge Jewelry and General Arts Market. Family fitness nuts can head for the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Health and Fitness Expo. Find more events, even going into 2014.

Attractions are important to families needing some R&R. Don't miss New Orleans' historic homes and plantation houses. Many have been preserved and the visitor may see how life was lived back in the day. Let the kids get rid of some steam in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park. Hit Le Bon Temps Roule for free oysters and music. Ride the streetcar to see Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.