The Town of Independence is home to many ethnicities, but it is mostly known for its large Italian-American population. Italian and Sicilian immigrants began settling in the town as early in the 19th century, which sparked rapid growth in the town. These settlers opted to forsake the cane fields of Louisiana’s sugar country for the strawberry fields along the Illinois Central in Tangipahoa Parish.

These settlers were extremely hard workers. They fed their families almost exclusively on small vegetable gardens, chickens, goats, the bread they baked, and pasta that they made. Despite the discrimination, they persevered as sharecroppers and became landowners. When they became landowners they grew an abundance of crops, making a significant impact in the strawberry industry, and in 1904 Independence berry farmers sold 275 carloads of strawberries valued at $500,000.

Independence today is home to many second and third generation Italian-American doctors, nurses, pharmacists, bankers, businessmen, principals, teachers, and successful politicians. According to a recent census, the estimated current population is 1,888 people. The growing Italian presence has had an impact on Tangipahoa Parish. Known as “Little Italy,” the Independence Italian-American Cultural Association was formed, partially through the efforts of State Representative Frank L. Anzalone.

Built in 1908, the old Mater Dolarosa Catholic Church now holds the Independence Italian Cultural Museum, where friends of the museum and guests can take Sicilian language classes or learn more about the rich Italian heritage of the region. The first Little Italy Festival was held in 1973 in the Mater Dolarosa School Square. Every year since then visitors flock to Independence in the second week of March for what is now known as the Sicilian Heritage Festival.

Whether you’re visiting for a slice of history or for a scrumptious Italian plate of spaghetti and meatballs, Independence is always happy to welcome guests and new residents. The amazing culture cultivated by the town has created the perfect place to live and raise a family, and we know if you visit you’re gonna love it!