City of Harahan history

In 1844, the Illinois Central railroad workers created a settlement that became the forerunner of the City of Harahan and headquarters for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

In 1914, the I.C. Railroad and its stockholders bought the farm from the university and formed a land company.

After a delay of four months, service was extended from Harahan to Kenner on July 3, 1915.

The first St Rita Church was built in 1920, the same year Harahan was incorporated.

Mayo, Anthony was elected for a two-year term in 1922.

In 1923, William Doescher bought fifty acres of Tchoupitoulas Plantation for a dairy farm.

In 1924, Frank W. Mayo, Jr. who had served as an Alderman was elected Mayor and remained Mayor for the next 34 years.

Once Jefferson Highway and South Claiborne Avenue were connected in September 1928, one could travel quickly by automobile along the exact route taken by the interurban line.

After a series of cutbacks, service was discontinued on December 31, 1930.

The Huey P. Long Bridge, built in 1935 was the first bridge in Louisiana to span the Mississippi River.

The Harahan Methodist Church, formerly located at 6500 Jefferson Highway had its beginning during the years 1941-42.

The department was reorganized in 1949 with Johnny Contrado as its chief.

St Rita of Cascia Catholic Church was designated a new Catholic Parish on September 15, 1950.

As the Catholic population grew, a church & elementary school was constructed in 1952 on land purchased from John L. Lauricella and Sons.

Mayo’s resignation in 1958, he was succeeded by Thomas F. Donelon who served almost six years.

The Harahan Christian Church was established in 1962 at 1535 Hickory Avenue.

In 1964, he resigned and was elected President of Jefferson Parish.

In 1966, Freddie Wilcox was elected Mayor.

Soniat Playground is the largest playground with a recreation center/gym that was completed in March 1970.

Raye Ann Chesnut, the original coordinator, along with Tom Laughlin started the Harahan Committee on Aging in 1975 with monies from the state and federal governments.

He resigned in 1980 to serve as Community Services Director for Jefferson Parish.

The Harahan Senior Center was constructed with a combination of local, parish and state funds and was completed and dedicated in December of 1985.

Alderman Tommy Anzelmo became the Acting Mayor in January 1988 until long-time City Clerk Barbara Butera was appointed Mayor – the first woman to serve as Mayor.