Born from the vision of Louis H. Marrero a Louisiana politician the area now known as Marrero initially appeared on maps as Amesville. This was after Oakes Ames a Boston businessman who acquired vast tracts of land post-Civil War. But the name Amesville was short-lived. In February 1916 the US Postmaster officially designated the post office Marrero honoring the man whose land company shaped the West Bank’s destiny.
Marrero sits nestled on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. It’s west of the Intracoastal Canal bordered by Harvey to the east and Westwego to the west. Across the mighty Mississippi lies New Orleans its northern neighbor. This strategic location played a significant role in the area’s growth and development.
Imagine the West Bank in the 1800s a blend of fishermen farmers and those seeking refuge from the law. For a significant portion of the 20th century the area was under the influence of the Italian Mafia. Power and wealth flowed through systems of patronage and land ownership. Louis H. Marrero himself was a powerful figure a sheriff of Jefferson Parish for over two decades. He was also the president of the Jefferson Commercial & Savings Bank in Gretna and president of the Marrero Land & Improvement Association. He built this place.
Today Marrero boasts a population exceeding 32000 people. Its demographics have seen significant shifts over the years a reflection of the changing face of the United States. The population is diverse with a noticeable increase in Hispanic and Asian residents in recent decades. The area also offers an array of schools. Jefferson Parish Public School System operates numerous schools here. These include L W Higgins High School and John Ehret High School. Marrero also has its own middle school and several elementary schools. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans also operates two schools in the area: the all-boys Archbishop Shaw High School and the all-girls Academy of Our Lady. It’s a place of learning and faith.
Marrero is more than just a census-designated place. It’s a vibrant community with a rich history and a diverse population. It’s a testament to the vision of Louis H Marrero and the resilience of its residents. The area has adapted transformed and grown reflecting a remarkable journey that continues to this day. The legacy of Marrero continues to thrive on the banks of the mighty Mississippi.