Named after Joseph Gonzales, the city of Gonzales "The Jambalaya Capital of the World" is a melting pot of nationalities. Just as jambalaya is a mixture of different meats, spices, and rice, so are the residents who make up this southern and friendly city. On April 12, 1922 Governor John M. Parker declared and proclaimed the status of "Village of Gonzales"; on May 4, 1952, Governor Earl K Long documented the growth of the village allowing for the proclaimed designation as "Town of Gonzales". During the 1950's a major transition occurred as industrial plants began to locate along the Mississippi river; creating a revolutionary growth. These industrial corporations induced hundreds of new residents to the town and the population soared rapidly. Commerce quickly developed, keeping pace with the industrial developments. On the 17th day of August, 1977 Governor Edwin Edwards officially proclaimed and designated the newly established "City of Gonzales". Gonzales is now the commercial hub of Ascension Parish as well as the largest municipality in the parish. Rich in history and tradition, diverse in its ethnic background, Gonzales is both interesting and exciting. The lifestyle, food and music contains such a lively mixture of native American, French, Spanish, African, Acadian, German and Italian influences as to be totally unique.

Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Gonzales, Louisiana is known as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World". In 1881, a Spanish immigrant, "Tee Joe" Gonzales gave this city its name by forming a new community on his cornfield.(see History)

Gonzales enjoys a prime location near the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast with strong rail and highway connections linking it to the world. The hard working people of Gonzales find time for recreation, too. Sports of every type abound here and in the naturally temperate climate they are played year round.

The City is best known, however, for the Jambalaya Festival, which it hosts each year to honor the first Cajun settlers.

Population:

1970 4,512
1980 6,891
1990 7,003
1994 8,565
1999 8,648
2006 8,899
2007 9,633

Taxes: Sales Tax

State   4%
City     2%
Parish2.5%

Utilities:

Electricity: Entergy & DEMCO
Natural Gas: ATMOS
Telephone: East Ascension Telephone Co. & Cox
Water Supply: Water is provided to the city from deep wells. Capacity: 1,440,000 CPD. Average daily consumption: 960,000 CPD. Peak consumption: 1,200,000 CPD. Storage capacity: 850,000 gals.
Sanitary Sewerage: City coverage: 93%. Treatment plant type: Activated sludge
Garbage disposal: Landfill.

Communications:

Two Daily Newspapers
One Weekly Newspaper
Radio Stations: 13
Television Stations: 4
Cable Television
911 Emergency Service
Western Union
Post Office

Medical Facilities:

Number of Hospitals: 2, Beds: 162
Number of Regional Hospitals: 6, Beds: 1862
Doctors: 54
Dentists: 28

Climate:

Annual Averages:
Temperature: 72
Monthly Averages: January, 58.7; July 79.4
Rainfall: 62.9 inches
Snowfall: 0
Average Elevation: 10.5 feet
Prevailing Winds: S-SW