The original settlement of Amite
was born on the banks of the Tangipahoa River, adjacent to a Choctaw
Indian village. Legend has it that the site was chosen when the
Choctaw Chief Jean Baptiste welcomed the earliest settlers. Baptiste
was the last Choctaw Chief in the region. In Choctaw, Amite means
"red ant" signifying "thrift". In French,
Amite means "friendship". The Town of Amite City is
located in the center of Tangipahoa Parish with the tranquil Tangipahoa
River runnning parallel to Interstate 55 and Highway 51 north
to south and is a "Sportsman's Paradise" for fishing
and hunting. Mild weather conditions are ideal for yearlong outdoor
recreation such as canoeing and camping,. Port Manchac, located
30 miles south of Amite, on Lake Ponchatrain offers shallow water
port facilities. Our parish has been described as a mini replica
of the entire state because of its diverse terrain from rolling
hills to wetlands, dairy farmers to alligators, agriculture to
industry. Amite is also home to the Amite Oyster Festival and
the Tangipahoa Parish Fair.
Portions of the present day Amite
were entered as early as 1813. In 1852 the New Orleans, Jackson
and Great Southern Railroad was chartered in both Louisiana and
Mississippi. Two years later, the railroad ran from New Orleans
to the Mississippi state line just 30 miles north of Amite. Once
known as the Amite Crossing, the Amite Station Railroad Depot
remains today as a strong icon of what established the town. Due
to the railroad, the town became a major commercial center for
a larger region and a popular resort in the mid-1850's. Many prosperous
New Orleans residents found country retreats in the natural beauty
of the scenic countrysides. Several antebellum homes still charm
the area.
In 1861, Amite City was incorporated,
only months after the secession of Louisiana from the Union. During
the Civil War, Amite served as an important gathering place for
Confederate officials involved in the supply and support of Camp
Moore. Camp Moore, located just 10 miles north, was the largest
Confederate training base in Louisiana. In 1864, the railroad
was burned and destroyed from the depot to Camp Moore by Union
infantry. After the war, Amite City served as the base for the
Union troops occupying the region during Reconstruction.
Amite was chosen as the parish seat
when Tangipahoa Parish was established in 1869. Also in 1869 the
Gullet Gin Company became the largest producer of cotton gins
in the south, employing 250 people by the early 20th century.
Before closing in 1963, the plant converted to war industry production
for the World War II effort, manufacturing 150mm shells. In 1947
the Ponder Hotel was established across from the railroad and
became a major "hot spot" for residents and visitors
alike. Their famous rooftop dances were the social event of the
season.
Amite is ideally located offering citizens the
amenities of a large city while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere
of rural life and an excellent retirement location. There are
many day trips to be explored and discovered using Amite has home
base. Begin with breakfast at one of Amite's finest restuarants
and take a ride down one of our many scenic country roads or head
70 miles south to the New Orleans area, or discover Baton Rouge
which is only an hour away. For the beach lovers, the Mississippis
Gulf Coast is approximately an hour to an hour and half away.
Our low crime rate, good schools, parks and neighborhoods are
also an appealing assest to for this warm and friendly town.
Today, Amite continues to build downtown with
the support of the Chamber of Commerce and the Louisiana Main
Street program. The city is supported by a strong city council
and mayor that continue to implement strategic planning for the
future of Amite City. Expansion and annexation of city limits
encompassing new industry, upgrading city services and entertaining
new innovative ideas while continuing the grassroots traditions
makes local government a strong force in the economic well-being
of the Town of Amite City.
Florida Parishes Arena
Amite
City Hall