Vidalia, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vidalia, Louisiana
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| City of Vidalia | ||
Natchez-Vidalia Bridge over Mississippi River
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| Motto(s):
City on the Move
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Location of Vidalia in Concordia Parish, Louisiana.
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 Vidalia, Louisiana
Location in Louisiana
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| Country |  United States |
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| States | Louisiana | |
| Parish | Concordia | |
| Incorporated (town) | 1870 | |
| Incorporated (city) | 2012 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Mayor-council government | |
| • Body | City council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.59 sq mi (6.72 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.59 sq mi (6.72 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 65 ft (20 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,027 | |
| • Density | 1,552.43/sq mi (599.36/km2) | |
| ZIP code |
71373
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Vidalia is the biggest city in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, United States. It's also the main town where the parish government is located. In 2020, about 4,027 people lived there.
Vidalia is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Across the river is the city of Natchez, Mississippi. They are connected by the Natchez–Vidalia Bridge. This bridge carries U.S. Routes 65, 84, and 425.
Contents
History of Vidalia
Vidalia was started by a man named Don José Vidal. He was a secretary for the Spanish Governor of the Natchez area from 1792 to 1797. This was when Spain briefly ruled the land west of the Mississippi River.
Later, Napoleon took the land back. He then sold it to the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
In 1811, the local government changed the city's name to Vidalia, honoring its founder. Vidal had given land along the river to the city. This is where many of the city's buildings were later built. He also donated land for the first school in Concordia Parish.
Famous Events in Vidalia's Past
A famous event called the Great Sandbar Duel happened here on September 19, 1827. It started as a formal duel but turned into a big fight with many people involved. This story is still told by local residents today.
Vidalia's Power Plant
Vidalia is home to Louisiana's first hydroelectric power plant. It's also the largest factory-built power plant in the world. Many countries and states worked together on this project. It's called the Sidney A. Murray, Jr. Hydroelectric Station. This power plant started working in 1990.
Past Mayors
Hyram Copeland was the mayor of Vidalia for a long time. He served from 1992 to 2016. He was re-elected many times. In 2013, he was added to the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame.
Geography of Vidalia
Vidalia covers an area of about 6.7 square kilometers (2.59 square miles). All of this area is land.
Population and People
Vidalia has grown and changed over the years. Here's how the population has changed:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 449 | — | |
| 1890 | 821 | 82.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,022 | 24.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,345 | 31.6% | |
| 1920 | 1,246 | −7.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,141 | −8.4% | |
| 1940 | 1,318 | 15.5% | |
| 1950 | 1,641 | 24.5% | |
| 1960 | 4,313 | 162.8% | |
| 1970 | 5,538 | 28.4% | |
| 1980 | 5,936 | 7.2% | |
| 1990 | 4,953 | −16.6% | |
| 2000 | 4,543 | −8.3% | |
| 2010 | 4,299 | −5.4% | |
| 2020 | 4,027 | −6.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Vidalia's Population in 2020
In 2020, there were 4,027 people living in Vidalia. There were 1,480 households and 948 families.
Here's a look at the different groups of people living in Vidalia in 2020:
| Group | Number | Percentage |
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| White (non-Hispanic) | 2,724 | 67.64% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 1,028 | 25.53% |
| Native American | 7 | 0.17% |
| Asian | 48 | 1.19% |
| Other/Mixed Race | 80 | 1.99% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 140 | 3.48% |
Vidalia's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 4,299 people living in Vidalia. About 72% of the people were White. About 26.2% were African American. Other groups made up smaller parts of the population.
There were 1,779 households in Vidalia. Many households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.55 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 27.4% were under 18 years old. About 15.1% were 65 years or older. The average age was 38 years.
Fun Things to See and Do
Vidalia has some interesting places to visit.
Places to Explore
- The Tacony Plantation in Vidalia is a historic site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Vidalia Landing Riverfront Park is a great place to visit. It has green spaces, a hotel, and a conference center. There's also an outdoor theater and health facilities. You can enjoy a walking/biking trail and public boat ramps.
- The city also has a Sports Complex. This complex was built by Concordia Recreation District #3.
- Municipal Park is home to the new City Hall, Police Station, and Fire Department. It also has the Dr. William T. Polk City Park and the Vidalia Community Garden.
See also
In Spanish: Vidalia (Luisiana) para niños
