How about we uncover the story behind Violet, Louisiana? This census-designated place holds more secrets than you might expect. Violet sits on the Mississippi River’s east bank. It is about 7.5 miles southeast of New Orleans. Violet is part of the New Orleans Metairie Kenner metropolitan area.
Once, this area was part of the Livaudais Plantation. The development of the Violet Canal spurred Violet’s growth. Albert Covington Janin named Violet after his wife. Her name was Violet Blair Janin. She was a Washington D.C. socialite from the Blair family. The Blair House across from the White House is named after her family. Albert Janin spent his youth in St. Bernard Parish. His father, Louis Janin Sr. was a prominent lawyer who had immigrated from France to New Orleans in 1828.
Hurricane Katrina devastated Violet on August 29, 2005. Storm surge and wind topped the Hurricane Protection Levee. This also destroyed the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Canal levee or MRGO levee. Camp Hope housed volunteers. They helped St. Bernard Parish residents recover from Hurricane Katrina. It was at the W. Smith Elementary School. The school was at 6701 E. St. Bernard Highway.
Violet sits in southern Louisiana on the Gulf Coast. The CDP has a total area of 4.5 square miles. About 4.1 square miles is land. Around 0.5 square miles is water.
Violet is a potential site for the Louisiana International Terminal Project. This project aims to allow large global container ships to berth on the lower Mississippi.
The 2000 United States census recorded 8555 people residing in Violet. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2010 U.S. census showed a population decline to 4973. The 2019 American Community Survey estimated a rebound to 5755. By 2020, the population was 5758.
In 2000, Violet’s racial makeup was diverse. White Americans were 58.29%. African Americans made up 38.77%. Native Americans were 0.48%. Asians accounted for 0.58%. Pacific Islanders were 0.01%. People from other races were 0.37%. Those from two or more races comprised 1.48%. Hispanic and Latin Americans of any race were 4.29% of the population.
Violet’s story is one of resilience. It has faced hurricanes and population shifts. It shows the enduring spirit of its people. Its location near New Orleans and its history with plantations and canals make it unique. Violet offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s past and present.