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Kenner (historically french: Cannes-Brûlées) is a city in
Louisiana Louisiana , group=pronunciation (French: ''La Louisiane'') is a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. It is the 20th-smallest by area and the 25th most populous of the 50 U.S. states. Louisiana is borde ...
, United States. It is the largest city in
Jefferson Parish Jefferson may refer to: Names * Jefferson (surname) * Jefferson (given name) People * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third president of the United States * Jefferson (footballer, born 1970), full name Jefferson Tomaz de Souza, Brazilian foo ...
, and is the largest incorporated suburban city of
New Orleans New Orleans ( , ,New Orleans
. The population was 66,448 at the 2020 census.


History

Originally inhabited by the Tchoupitoulas Indians, the area along the
Mississippi River The Mississippi River is the second-longest river and chief river of the second-largest drainage system in North America, second only to the Hudson Bay drainage system. From its traditional source of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, it fl ...
was the first land in the New Orleans metropolitan area on which Europeans set foot. René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle landed there in 1682. In 1855, Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on land that consisted of three plantation properties that had been purchased by the Kenner family. At the time, all land north of what is now Airline Highway was swampland. In Kenner on May 10, 1870, "Gypsy"
Jem Mace James "Jem" Mace (8 April 1831 – 30 November 1910) was an English boxing champion, primarily during the bare-knuckle era. He was born at Beeston, Norfolk. Although nicknamed "The Gypsy", he denied Romani ethnicity in his autobiography. Fi ...
defeated Tom Allen for the heavyweight championship of the
bare-knuckle boxing Bare-knuckle boxing (or simply bare-knuckle) is a combat sport which involves two individuals throwing punches at each other for a predetermined amount of time without any boxing gloves or other form of padding on their hands. It is a regulated ...
era; a monument marks the spot near the river end of Williams Boulevard. From 1915 to 1931, a New Orleans streetcar line operated between New Orleans and Kenner. The line ran between the intersection of
Rampart Rampart may refer to: * Rampart (fortification), a defensive wall or bank around a castle, fort or settlement Rampart may also refer to: * "O'er the Ramparts We Watched" is a key line from "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the ...
and
Canal Canals or artificial waterways are waterways or engineered channels built for drainage management (e.g. flood control and irrigation) or for conveyancing water transport vehicles (e.g. water taxi). They carry free, calm surface flo ...
in New Orleans and the intersection of Williams Blvd and Jefferson Hwy in Kenner. Kenner's growth began in the late 1950s when developers began subdividing, draining and filling the swampland in the northern half of the city. During the 1960s, the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway aided the rapid development of Kenner as a suburb of New Orleans. In 1982,
Pan Am Flight 759 Pan Am Flight 759 was a regularly scheduled domestic passenger flight from Miami to San Diego, with en route stops in New Orleans and Las Vegas. On July 9, 1982, the Boeing 727 The Boeing 727 is an American narrow-body airliner that was d ...
crashed in a residential area of Kenner when a microburst forced it down. Eight people on the ground were killed, as were all 145 people aboard the aircraft. Six houses were completely destroyed and five more substantially damaged.


Geography

Kenner's coordinates are (30.009610, −90.250585), and the city has an elevation of 0 ft (0 m) above sea level. According to the
United States Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau (USCB), officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy. The Census Bureau is part of t ...
, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (0.7%) is water. The city of Kenner is located on the west side of
Greater New Orleans The New Orleans metropolitan area, designated the New Orleans–Metairie metropolitan statistical area by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, or simply Greater New Orleans (french: Grande Nouvelle-Orléans, es, Gran Nueva Orleans), is a me ...
, in
Jefferson Parish Jefferson may refer to: Names * Jefferson (surname) * Jefferson (given name) People * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third president of the United States * Jefferson (footballer, born 1970), full name Jefferson Tomaz de Souza, Brazilian foo ...
. Its boundaries are
Lake Pontchartrain Lake Pontchartrain ( ) is an estuary located in southeastern Louisiana in the United States. It covers an area of with an average depth of . Some shipping channels are kept deeper through dredging. It is roughly oval in shape, about from wes ...
to the north, the Mississippi River to the south, the unincorporated areas of Metairie and River Ridge to the east, and St. Charles Parish to the west.


Demographics

In 2013, there were 66,975 living in Kenner, down from 70,517 people in 2000., The
population density Population density (in agriculture: Stock (disambiguation), standing stock or plant density) is a measurement of population per unit land area. It is mostly applied to humans, but sometimes to other living organisms too. It is a key geographical ...
was 4,486.0 people per square mile. There were 28,076 housing units. In 2000, there were 70,517 people, 25,652 households, and 18,469 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,798.3/km2 (4,659.0/mi2). There were 27,378 housing units at an average density of 698.2/km2 (1,808.8/mi2). At the 2020 U.S. census, the city's population declined to 66,448. During the 2019 American Community Survey, the racial and ethnic makeup of Kenner was 64.6% non-Hispanic white, 23.8% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.7% Asian, 5.4% some other race, and 2.3%
two or more races 2 (two) is a number, numeral and digit. It is the natural number following 1 and preceding 3. It is the smallest and only even prime number. Because it forms the basis of a duality, it has religious and spiritual significance in many cultur ...
. In 2013, the racial makeup of the city was 48.8%
White White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no hue). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully reflect and scatter all the visible wavelengths of light. White o ...
, 34.7%
African American African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American" generally denotes descendants of ens ...
, 12.1%
Hispanic The term ''Hispanic'' ( es, hispano) refers to people, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or Hispanidad. The term commonly applies to countries with a cultural and historical link to Spain and to viceroyalties forme ...
or
Latino Latino or Latinos most often refers to: * Latino (demonym), a term used in the United States for people with cultural ties to Latin America * Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States * The people or cultures of Latin America; ** Latin A ...
, 0.4% Native American, 3.7% Asian, 3.80% from
other races Other often refers to: * Other (philosophy), a concept in psychology and philosophy Other or The Other may also refer to: Film and television * ''The Other'' (1913 film), a German silent film directed by Max Mack * ''The Other'' (1930 film), a ...
, and 2.24% from two or more races. In 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 68.12% White, 22.55% African American, 0.40% Native American, 2.84% Asian, 0.06%
Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the Pacific Islands. As an ethnic/racial term, it is used to describe the original peoples—inhabitants and diasporas—of any of the three major subregions of O ...
, 3.80% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. 13.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Reflecting the nationwide demographic shift in 2020, 40.01% were non-Hispanic white, 21.48% Black or African American, 0.17% American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.55% multiracial or some other race, and 30.01% Hispanic or Latino American of any race. In the Hispanic and Latin American population of Kenner, 12 of the city's tracts have Hispanic or Latino populations of 15% or more in 2010. By 2011, many businesses catering to Hispanics and Latin Americans had opened in Kenner. A portion of north Kenner is called "Little Honduras." Kenner's Hispanic Resource Center offers
English as a second language English as a second or foreign language is the use of English by speakers with different native languages. Language education for people learning English may be known as English as a second language (ESL), English as a foreign language (EFL ...
classes and after school programs.Hispanic population booms in Kenner and elsewhere in New Orleans area


. ''
The Times-Picayune ''The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate'' is an American newspaper published in New Orleans, Louisiana, since January 25, 1837. The current publication is the result of the 2019 acquisition of ''The Times-Picayune'' (itself a result of ...
''. June 15, 2011. Retrieved on September 7, 2015.


Economy

At one time L'Express Airlines had its headquarters in Kenner.


Education


Primary and secondary schools

Kenner is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System. Kenner originally had one high school, Alfred Bonnabel High School, which is located on the border between Metairie and Kenner. The newest high school is a public charter (Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy). Most areas are zoned to Bonnabel. Some areas are zoned to East Jefferson High School and Grace King High School, both in Metairie. Theodore Roosevelt Middle School and Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy are the two middle schools in Kenner. In addition to Roosevelt and Kenner Discovery, middle schools serving sections of Kenner include Adams Middle and Harris Middle in Metairie, and Riverdale Middle in Jefferson. Elementary schools include: * A.C. Alexander Elementary School * John James Audubon Elementary School * Chateau Estates Elementary School * John Clancy Elementary School * Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School * Walter Schneckenberger Elementary School * Washington Elementary School * Granville T. Woods Elementary * Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy (public charter) In regards to the advanced studies academies, students are zoned to Airline Park Academy. Private schools include: * First Baptist Christian School * Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans ( la, Archidioecesis Novae Aureliae, french: Archidiocèse de la Nouvelle-Orléans, es, Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleans) is an ecclesiastical division of the Roman Catholic Church spanning Jefferso ...
). The school, the parish school of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, opened in 1928. In 1951 an annex to the school opened. Another building with classrooms and a gymnasium was dedicated in 1956, and the current school building was dedicated in 1961. The Mercy Center, which houses school offices and a library, gymnasium, and a dedicated room for music classes, was dedicated in August 2004. * St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans) * Islamic School of Greater New Orleans (ISGNO)


Library and planetarium

Jefferson Parish Library Jefferson Parish Library (JPL) is the library system of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It has its headquarters in the East Bank Regional Library in Metairie, an unincorporated area in the parish.Planetarium, named for the New Orleans businessman and political kingmaker Louis J. Roussel, Jr.


Government

The current mayor of Kenner is Michael Glaser. Kenner is represented in the Louisiana House of Representatives by the
Republican Republican can refer to: Political ideology * An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law. ** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...
attorney Debbie Villio. The state senator is Republican Kirk Talbot, a former state House member. Kenner is part of
Louisiana's 1st Congressional district Louisiana's 1st congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The district comprises land from the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain south to the Mississippi River delta. It covers most of New Orleans' su ...
, presently represented in the U.S. House by
Steve Scalise Stephen Joseph Scalise (; born October 6, 1965) is an American politician who is the United States House of Representatives Minority Whip and representative for . Scalise is in his eighth House term, having held his seat since 2008. The district ...
. The
United States Postal Service The United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service, is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the U ...
operates the Kenner Post Office and the North Kenner Post Office.


Media

The ''Kenner Star'' is Kenner's free monthly community newspaper. Kenner is served primarily by New Orleans-based media outlets.


Transportation


Buses

Public transport Public transport (also known as public transportation, public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) is a system of transport for passengers by group travel systems available for use by the general public unlike private transport, typi ...
ation in the city is operated by the
Jefferson Parish Jefferson may refer to: Names * Jefferson (surname) * Jefferson (given name) People * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third president of the United States * Jefferson (footballer, born 1970), full name Jefferson Tomaz de Souza, Brazilian foo ...
Department of Transit Administration which operates Jefferson Transit. Jefferson Transit provides service to points in Kenner, Metairie and New Orleans as well as other locations in incorporated and unincorporated Jefferson Parish.


Roads

Kenner is served by Interstate 10, which travels east–west through the city. Traveling westbound from the city line there are exits at Power Blvd., LA 49 (Williams Blvd.)/32nd St. New Orleans Int'l Airport, and Loyola Dr. In addition, the interstate, U.S. 61 (generally signed as Airline Dr.) travels east–west through the southern end of the city. LA 49 (signed as Williams Blvd) is the city's primary north–south corridor.


Airport

The
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (French: ''Aéroport international Louis Armstrong de La Nouvelle-Orléans'') is an international airport under Class B airspace in Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is o ...
( IATA: MSY), the main commercial airport for the New Orleans metropolitan area, is located within the city limits, just south of Interstate 10. It serves as a major tax-revenue generator for the city.


Places of interest

Kenner is home to the following: *A. J. Muss Bertolino Playground – The playground includes Muss Bertolino Stadium that is used for high school football games, lacrosse, soccer and includes a running track. Muss Bertolino Gymnasium used for basketball and volleyball is also located in the playground along with a baseball park. *Chateau Golf and Country Club — one of only three golf courses located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of
Jefferson Parish Jefferson may refer to: Names * Jefferson (surname) * Jefferson (given name) People * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third president of the United States * Jefferson (footballer, born 1970), full name Jefferson Tomaz de Souza, Brazilian foo ...
). *Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex - 22 court sand volleyball complex located just south of the Pontchartrain Center in Laketown. It is the largest man-made sand complex in the United States. Before opening in Kenner, Coconut Beach existed for 25 years in the West End neighborhood of New Orleans before the site was appropriated for an Army Corps of Engineers flood control project. * The Esplanade Mall – Opened in 1983, it is one of the two largest malls located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of
Jefferson Parish Jefferson may refer to: Names * Jefferson (surname) * Jefferson (given name) People * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third president of the United States * Jefferson (footballer, born 1970), full name Jefferson Tomaz de Souza, Brazilian foo ...
). *Laketown – A park built where Williams Boulevard hits Lake Pontchartrain. It features a boat launch, two piers, pavilions, a jogging/biking path, and a concession stand and bait house. *
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (French: ''Aéroport international Louis Armstrong de La Nouvelle-Orléans'') is an international airport under Class B airspace in Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is o ...
– New Orleans' international airport. *
Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner Ochsner is a German surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Alton Ochsner (1896–1981), American surgeon and medical researcher who founded the Ochsner Foundation Hospital * Jeffrey Karl Ochsner (born 1950), American architect, archite ...
– one of the major hospitals in the New Orleans metro area. * Pontchartrain Center – Opened in 1991, it is the second-largest convention center in the New Orleans metro area. *Rivertown – The historic district located along the original main street of Old Kenner—where Williams Boulevard hits the Mississippi River. It features numerous museums, shops, and cultural resources. Highlights include the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Kenner's Heritage Park, the Kenner Planetarium & MegaDome Cinema and the Rivertown Science Center (sponsored by Freeport McMoran), two fine dining establishments, and a cafe. Rivertown's Toy Train Museum closed in 2009. *Treasure Chest Casino – Docked where Williams Boulevard hits Lake Pontchartrain, it is the only casino located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of
Jefferson Parish Jefferson may refer to: Names * Jefferson (surname) * Jefferson (given name) People * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third president of the United States * Jefferson (footballer, born 1970), full name Jefferson Tomaz de Souza, Brazilian foo ...
).


Notable people

*
Jon Batiste Jonathan Michael Batiste (born November 11, 1986) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, and television personality. He has recorded and performed with artists in various genres of music (Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, L ...
, musician, has a song ''I'm from Kenner'' * Aaron Broussard, former Jefferson Parish President, 2003-2010 * Chris Howard, NFL player * Chris Kenner (1929-1976), R&B singer and songwriter * Arthur Maulet, NFL player * Edmond J. Muniz, former mayor of Kenner and captain of the Krewe of Endymion *
Lloyd Price Lloyd Price (March 9, 1933May 3, 2021) was an American singer-songwriter, record executive and bandleader, known as "Mr. Personality", after his 1959 million-selling hit, "Personality". His first recording, "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", was a hit for S ...
, R&B vocalist known as "Mr. Personality"


References


External links


Official City of Kenner website

Kenner Police Department website

''Kenner Star''
Kenner's free monthly community newspaper
Kenner's Italian Heritage Festival
{{Authority control Cities in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Cities in Louisiana Louisiana populated places on the Mississippi River Cities in the New Orleans metropolitan area Hispanic and Latino American culture in Louisiana