Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana

Independence is known as Uncle Sam when settled in the 1830's. Italian families began to arrive early in the 1880s. Because of its heritage, the town has come to be known as Little Italy. Downtown historic district created by city in 1982. In the 1880s Italian families that had been working the sugar cane fields began to establish strawberry and truck farms near a little village called Uncle Sam, which was located along the railroad between Amite and Hammond.

As these hard working immigrants grew in numbers they began to leave the fields and establish a retail industry to support employees at the nearby Southern Car Works. They eventually renamed the town Independence and remain a significant cultural force in the parish. The town of Independence in Tangipahoa Parish is known as Uncle Sam when settled in the 1830s. Italian families began to arrive early in the 1880s. Because of its heritage, the town has come to be known as Little Italy. Downtown historic district created by city in 1982.
Independence population is 1,724

Calendar

March: St. Joseph’s Altar & Parade – Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, LA – 2 pm - Buster Guzzardo (985) 878-2093.

April: Independence Italian Festival – Mater Dolorosa Catholic Chruch School Grounds, Independence, LA - Parade begins at 9:45 am Saturday – Bill Perkins (985) 878-6313.