One of the original 19 parishes, Plaquemines was organized on March 31, 1807. Plaquemines is a French and Mobile Indian dialect word for "persimmons".

The parish seat of Plaquemines is Point a la Hache. The parish size equals 844.6 square miles.

Agriculture: citrus industry, dating from 1700, and Creole tomatoes.

Industry: oil and related industries, sulphur, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Tourist Attractions: Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival, Fort Jackson, Judge Perez Museum, several beautifully preserved antebellum homes.