|
Hammond, Louisiana is located at the junction of I-12 and I-55. Strategically located only 45 miles from Baton Rouge to the east, and New Orleans to the south, Hammond is an important element of the East Louisiana infrastructure.
In addition to highways, Hammond, situated on the Illinois Central line between New Orleans and Chicago, is also a local Amtrak passenger train stop. The well known "City of New Orleans" passenger train, famous for the song of that name written by Steve Goodman and sang by Arlo Gurhrie, made frequent stops in Hammond!
Hammond's close proximity to New Orleans and Baton Rouge have made the area one of the fastest growing cities and parishes in Louisiana. In recent years there has been much new residential, and commercial, growth and development, including hotels and motels which also serve the New Orleans area during major events such as Mardi Gras, the Super Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Final Four Tournaments.
The parish seat of Tangipahoa Parish, the City of Hammond is located near Ponchatoula, Springfield, Natalbany, Tickfaw, Independence, Amite City and Madisonville. It is known for its delicious strawberries which begin to be available in January of each year. Hammond has become a center for growing, processing, and shipping strawberries nationwide. In addition, the city has maintained and preserved a large historic district in the downtown area.
It is also the home of Southeastern Louisiana University, a well respected and rapidly growing institution of higher education with an enrollment of over 15,000 students from across the U.S. and many foreign countries.
Hammond has been an important part of the Lake Pontchartrain north shore area since 1830 when Peter Hammond settled land 55 miles outside of his home in New Orleans. The city of Hammond was later named for him. In 1854, the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern Railroad (Illinois Central) came through the area and helped accelerate Hammond as a commercial and transport center.
Shown below are a few Hammond images of the past ...
|
