Kenner, Louisiana
Kenner is a suburb of New Orleans that has a population of 70,517 (census 2000). The city is part of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
History
In 1855, Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on land that consisted of three plantation properties that had been purchased by the Kenner family. At the time, all land north of what is now Airline Hwy was swampland.
During 1915-1931 a New Orleans streetcar line operated between New Orleans and Kenner. The line ran between the intersection of Rampart and Canal in New Orleans and the intersection of Williams Blvd and Jefferson Hwy in Kenner.
In 1960, Kenner had a population of 17,037.
Kenner`s growth began in the late 1950`s when developers began subdividing, draining and filling the swampland in the northern half of the city. During the 1960`s, the construction of Interstate 10 and improvements to Veterans Memorial Highway aided the rapid development of Kenner as a suburb of New Orleans.
By 1979, Kenner`s population was 60,524 making it the 6th largest city in state.
In 1982, Pan Am flight 759 crashed in a residential area of Kenner. A total of 154 people were killed (all 146 on board and 8 on the ground). Six houses were completely destroyed; five houses were substantially damaged.
Points of Interest
According to Census 2000, Kenner had 32 houses valued at $1,000,000 or more.
Kenner is home to the following:
1. Louis Armstrong International Airport -- New Orleans` international airport.
2. Pontchartrain Center -- Opened in 1991, it is the second-largest convention center in the New Orleans metro area.
3. Kenner Regional Medical Center -- one of the major hospitals in the New Orleans metro area.
4. The Esplanade Mall -- Opened in 1985, it is one of only two major malls located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of Jefferson Parish).
5. Chateau Golf and Country Club -- one of only three golf courses located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of Jefferson Parish).
6. Treasure Chest Casino -- Docked where Williams Boulevard hits Lake Pontchartrain, it is the only casino located in East Jefferson (the East Bank of Jefferson Parish).
7. Rivertown -- The historic district located along the original main street of Old Kenner -- where Williams Boulevard hits the Mississippi River. Rivertown features numerous museums, shops, and cultural resources.
8. Highlights include the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Kenner`s Heritage Park, Kenner`s planetarium & science museum (sponsored by Freeport McMoran), two fine dining establishments, and a cafe.
9. Laketown -- A park built where Williams Boulevard hits Lake Pontchartrain. It features a boat launch, pier, pavilions, a jogging/biking path, and a concession stand and bait house.
Education
Kenner is served by the Jefferson Parish Public School System.
Alfred Bonnabel High School is located on the border of Kenner and Metairie, Louisiana and serves most of Kenner, while Theodore Roosevelt Middle School (in Kenner), Adams Middle School, and Meisler Middle School take in students from around Kenner. There are many different elementary schools throughout the area.
