Taft, LA: Navigating Industry, Community, and the River's Edge

🏭 Industrial Development

Taft's history is inextricably linked to its industrial evolution. The area hosts several major facilities that underscore its role as a significant industrial hub. These include a phosphate processing facility operated by The Mosaic Company (formerly IMC-Agrico), and the extensive Dow/Union Carbide Taft/Star Petrochemical Plant. The latter is a key producer of various organic chemicals, such as acrolein, acrylic acid, and acetaldehyde. Furthermore, a portion of the Waterford Nuclear Generating Station, owned by Entergy Corporation, is also located within Taft. This concentration of heavy industry has led to virtually all of Taft's land being zoned for such purposes.

⛪ Community and Relocation

The community aspect of Taft has undergone significant transformation. It was the original location of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, established in 1877, which served the communities of Taft, Killona, and Hahnville. However, in 1963, the church itself was relocated to Hahnville. Despite this move, the original cemetery in Taft remains active and continues to be utilized as a burial ground by the church, providing a tangible link to the area's past community life, even as it is now bordered on three sides by the expansive Dow chemical facilities.

📉 Population Dynamics

Taft's population has experienced notable fluctuations over time, reflecting its industrial development and changes in residential patterns. When its first post office opened in 1905, the population stood at approximately 700 residents. This post office remained operational until 1967. By 1977, the population had dramatically declined to just 36 individuals, indicating a significant shift away from residential settlement towards industrial land use. Recent census data provides further insight into these demographic trends.

💥 The 1982 Union Carbide Incident

A significant event in Taft's industrial history occurred in December 1982, when a major explosion took place at the Union Carbide facility. This incident, located approximately 30 miles from New Orleans, necessitated the evacuation of nearly 17,000 people from the surrounding areas. Such events underscore the inherent risks associated with heavy industrial operations and their potential impact on both local communities and broader regional populations.

🔢 Population Trends

Taft's demographic history as a census-designated place is unique, with its first official appearance in the 2000 census recording a total population of zero. This initial figure likely reflects the highly industrialized nature of the area and perhaps a redefinition of its boundaries or residential status at the time. Subsequent censuses have shown a modest, though fluctuating, residential presence.

👥 Racial and Ethnic Composition (2020)

The racial and ethnic composition of Taft, as recorded in the 2020 United States Census, provides insight into the diversity of its small residential population. It is important to note that the U.S. census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category, distinct from racial classifications, meaning individuals of Hispanic/Latino origin may identify with any race.

📜 References