Shrimp fleet docked along the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City |
Morgan City is known worldwide for fresh and salt water fishing, hunting and fine Cajun cuisine. It is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.
Its economy is diverse, including large onshore and offshore drilling, production and support services for the oil and gas industry.
We've visited Morgan City since the early 1960s, and remember attending the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, and the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet.
Morgan City was originally named Tiger Island, and later renamed Brashear City in honor of Dr. Walter Brashear who had purchased large amounts of land holdings in the area.
Incorporated in 1860 as Brashear City, the community's name was changed in 1876 to Morgan City after Charles Morgan, the man who dredged the Atchafalaya Bay to accommodate ocean-going vessels.
Some episodes of the popular TV reality show "Swamp People" are filmed near Morgan City, e.g., just to the north at Lake Verret and Pierre Part.
Other segments of "Swamp People" are shot around other swamps in South Louisiana, such as those near Bayou Sorrel, Bayou Pigeon, Houma, Pecan Island, and other locales.
Situated in St. Martin Parish and St. Mary Parish, the City of Morgan City is at an elevation only 7' above sea level. Morgan City is located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River and near the Gulf of Mexico, near the southern end of the great Atchafalaya Swamp. The population is about 12,500 residents, and the Zip Code is 70380.
Across the Atchafalaya River from Morgan City is Berwick, originally settled in 1797. Today, Berwick's population is about 4,500 residents.
Boiled Louisiana Crawfish from the Atchafalaya Swamp ... it's nearly crawfish season in Louisiana ... can you taste them?
More about Louisiana crawfish |
Morgan City is located on U.S. 90 about half-way between New Orleans and Lafayette, and near the following South Louisiana cities and towns:
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