Moonshine

History

Moonshine lies within the historic region known as the Second Acadian Coast, settled by French-speaking Acadians in the mid-18th century after their expulsion from Canada. These settlers established small farming communities along the Mississippi River, cultivating crops such as sugarcane and corn. St. James Parish, where Moonshine is located, was created in 1807 as one of Louisiana’s original parishes. The area developed around plantation agriculture during the antebellum period, with sugar production becoming the dominant economic activity. Many plantations operated along the river near present-day Moonshine, supported by enslaved labor until the Civil War. The name "Moonshine" appears on historical maps as a locale rather than a formal town, suggesting it originated as a descriptive name for a landing or settlement along the river. While the exact origin of the name is unclear, local historians note that many river communities adopted colorful names tied to natural features or colloquial expressions.

Geography

Moonshine occupies , of which is land and is water. It sits at an elevation of approximately 7 feet above sea level, making it part of Louisiana’s Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The community is vulnerable to flooding during high river stages and relies on levee protection systems maintained along the Mississippi River.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Lutcher High School
  High · Lutcher · 1,043 students · 16:1 ratio
• Paulina Elementary School
  Elementary · Paulina · 774 students · 15.2:1 ratio
• St. James High School
  High · Vacherie · 634 students · 13.5:1 ratio
• Gramercy Elementary School
  Middle · Gramercy · 410 students · 14.6:1 ratio
• Vacherie Elementary School
  Elementary · Vacherie · 386 students · 13.3:1 ratio
• Sixth Ward Elementary School
  Middle · Vacherie · 290 students · 12.1:1 ratio