Destrehan is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, United States. At the 2020 census, its population was 11,340. It is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Destrehan is part of the New Orleans—Metairie—Kenner metropolitan statistical area.

Etymology

The community is named after Jean Noël Destréhan (1754–1823), who was twice President of the Orleans Territory's legislative council during his service there in 1806 and 1811. He was elected to the United States Senate when Louisiana became a state in 1812, but he resigned after a month. He served in the Louisiana State Senate from 1812 to 1817. Destrehan Plantation, his former home, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main house has been restored and is one of the attractions on the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.

Geography

Destrehan is located at 29.96222°N, -90.36917°W (29.962307, -90.369160). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.9 sqmi, of which 6.9 sqmi are land and 1.0 sqmi (12.41%) is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 11,340 people, 4,257 households, and 3,334 families residing in the CDP.

Education

St. Charles Parish Public School System operates public schools:

In popular culture

Destrehan Plantation was used as a set in the film 12 Years a Slave (2013).

Notable people