 Shrimp fleet docked along the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City |
Morgan City Louisiana Travel Guide
Morgan City is known worldwide for fresh and salt water fishing, hunting and fine Cajun cuisine. It is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.
Its economy is diverse, including large onshore and offshore drilling, production and support services for the oil and gas industry.
We've visited Morgan City since the early 1960s, and remember attending the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, and the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet.
Location of Morgan City & Berwick
Situated in St. Martin Parish and St. Mary Parish, the City of Morgan City is at an elevation only 7' above sea level. Morgan City is located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River and near the Gulf of Mexico, near the southern end of the great Atchafalaya Swamp. The population is about 11,500 residents, and the Zip Code is 70380.
Across the Atchafalaya River from Morgan City is Berwick, originally settled in 1797. Today, Berwick's population is about 4,500 residents.
Morgan City is located on U.S. 90 about half-way between New Orleans and Lafayette, and near the following South Louisiana cities and towns: Patterson, Houma, Franklin, Raceland, Thibodaux, Pierre Part and Jeanerette.
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Among the many Morgan City area attractions:
- The popular International Petroleum Museum is located at 111 First Street in Morgan City. Phone 985.384.3744 for hours and information.
- Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower is a 9.5 acre park showcasing the many various plants and trees that grow abundantly wild along the ridges of area swamps. It is located at 3359 State Route 70 in Morgan City.
- The Swamp Gardens and Wildlife Zoo is located at 725 Myrtle Street and depicts life in the Atchafalaya Swamp. Guided tours through the 3.5-acre park take visitors past indigenous animals and dispalays about the Cajun people who once inhabitated the swamp.
- The annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival takes place in downtown Morgan City in early September, and features the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet, water parade, car show and many other events.
- Lake End Park - Campgrounds, marina & outdoor recreation
- Morgan City Petting Zoo
- Lake Palourde
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The Wedell-Williams Memorial Aviation Museum is located in nearby Patterson, and operated by the Louisiana State Museum system. Named after Jimmie Wedell and Harry Williams, two of Louisiana's aviation pioneers, the museum showcases numerous aircraft, 1930s air race trophies and memorabilia.
Included in the same building is the Cypress Sawmill Museum which exhibits a variety of artifacts, photographs and films of this early regional industry. Cypress lumber harvested and milled in Louisiana was shipped in mass quantities across the United States.
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One of the most popular things to do in Louisiana is touring the swamps!
The lush growth in a Louisiana swamp is indescribable. You have to see it to believe it.
The most impressive objects in the swamp are the cypress trees which are very graceful in their structure, with their reddish bark, exquisitely bent branches, and delicately fine leaves.
Besides the trees and abundant fauna, there are a variety of alligators, turtles, snakes, birds and other wildlife.
Learn more about Swamp Tours Near Houma, Morgan City & Thibodaux
Swamp People on the History Channel
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Some episodes of the popular TV reality show "Swamp People" are filmed near Morgan City, e.g., just to the north at Lake Verret and Pierre Part.
Other segments of "Swamp People" are shot around other swamps in South Louisiana, such as those near Bayou Sorrel, Bayou Pigeon, Houma, Pecan Island, and other locales.
The History Channel debuted Season 14 of Swamp People on January 5, 2023, at 8/7C.
History of Morgan City
Morgan City was originally named Tiger Island, and later renamed Brashear City in honor of Dr. Walter Brashear who had purchased large amounts of land holdings in the area.
Incorporated in 1860 as Brashear City, the community's name was changed in 1876 to Morgan City after Charles Morgan, the man who dredged the Atchafalaya Bay to accommodate ocean-going vessels.
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Photographs of Present-Day Morgan City
The Spirit of Morgan City Morgan City, Louisiana Photograph Copyright by the Author |
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Shrimp boat, riverfront, Morgan City, Louisiana Photograph Copyright by the Author |
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Joseph H. Webster Fisherman's Wharf between the two bridges, downtown, Morgan City, Louisiana Photograph Copyright by the Author |
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The Long-Allen Bridge, built under the administratrion of Gov. Huey P. Long and Gov. O.K. Allen Morgan City, Louisiana Photograph Copyright by the Author |
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Welcome to Berwick Louisiana Settled in 1797 ... township in 1907 Photograph by the Author |
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Vintage Images of the past from Morgan City
Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge over the Atchafalaya River Morgan City, Louisiana |
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Shrimp Festival, September 1962 Morgan City, Louisiana Photograph Copyright by the Author |
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Morgan City Tourist Court Morgan City, Louisiana |
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Morgan City Court Morgan City, Louisiana |
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