Amite City Chamber of Commerce101 S.E. Central Ave, Amite, LA 70422
Phone/Fax: (985) - 748 -5537
E-mail: amitecoc@I-55.com
Our History *Amite Today * Economic Development
The original settlement of Amite was born on the banks of the Tangipahoa River, adjacent to a ChoctawIndian 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 yearslater, the railroad ranfrom New Orleans to the Mississippi state line just 30 miles north of Amite. Onceknown 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 apopular resort in the mid-1850's. Many prosperous New Orleans residents found country retreats in the natural beauty of the scenic countryside's. Several antebellum homes still charm the area.
In 1861, Amite City was incorporated, only months after the secession of Louisiana from the Union. Amite served as an important gathering place for Confederate officials involved in the supply and support of Camp Moore during the Civil War. 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 that year 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 restaurants, then 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 Mississippi 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 assets among this warm and friendly town.
Today, Amite is a cross section of many types of business. Because we are the parish seat, we are home to many attorneys, social workers, financial institutions, school board offices and many other government related business. Realtors, politicians, and our local school and community organizations keep our printers, sign companies, radio station and local newspapers busy.
Agriculture also plays a huge role in our culture. From produce to dairy to cattle to breeding animals. We have several vets whom are more than helpful in this area. Our agricultural center offers rodeos, auctions and other events.
Our retail shops include franchise dollar stores, gift shops, hardware, building supplies, pharmaceutical needs, grocers, dry cleaning, furniture, appliances. Art classes, photographers, florist, plant nurseries, chimney sweep are just few of the types of business establishments which make up the area. Our restaurants include seafood, fast food, chinese, pizza, donut shop and a new coffee house.We are also privileged to have several educational institutions both public and private. Southeastern Louisiana University is only a short 20 minute drive south from here. There are a number of daycare centers and community organizations for adults and/or children. And no matter what denomination you are, there is a place of worship just for you.
We have been experiencing a growth spurt as business have been growing out of their current buildings, and constructing new modern offices, retail and dining facilities toward the interstate. Recently Amite held a ribbon cutting and a ground breaking ceremony for three new business': Duncan's Flooring Supply and Mckneely & Vaughn Funeral Home and La Masion of Cosmetology College. Also in the works is a new home for the Office of Children Services . They are constructing a larger building just down the street from where they are now.
Also in the works is a new home for the Office of Children Services. They are constructing a larger building just down the street from where they are now. O'Reilly's Auto Parts is moving as well. Their new facilities is under construction on the west side of town next to Central Progessive Bank and across the highway from Westside Middle School.
We are also proud to announce that one of our local families, the Kents, has donated 10 acres of land behind Florida Parishes Arena to be used as a ball field for our area children. This is one family who believes strongly in encouraging our children to live healthy productive lives while enjoying the journey through life. The board for the park will be overseeing the construction of four baseball fields with a concession stand and plenty room for parking. Their target date for completion is summer 2008. The city, our citizens, and children thank the Kent family for such a generous offer which comes straight from their hearts and their love for children.
For more information you can visit or contact the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation at: 2000 S.W. Railroad Ave., Suite 227, Hammond, LA, 70404. Phone: (985) 542-1672: e-mail: tedf@i-55.com or visit their web site at http://www.tedf.org/.Another source of reference is our local Small Business Development Center located in Hammond at Southeastern Louisiana University: (985) 549-3831. Or visit their web site at http://www.sec.state.la.us/fss/