Fun Facts
Morgan City’s history is anything but boring. In fact, here are a few interesting details that are not widely common even to some Morgan City natives. It's these unique stories and people that make Morgan City robust with flavor.
Shrimp boat docked in the median
Mayor C.R. "Doc" Brownell commissioned a shrimp boat to be docked in the median on Brashear Avenue. The original boat, crafted in 1951, was made of wood but didn't weather well throughout the years. Parker Conrad of Conrad Industries later built a steel-hulled replica of the original shrimp boat in 1968. The boat continues to serve as a favorite iconic landmark among tourists and residents. During Christmas, the boat is decorated with a Cajun Santa, his elves and is led by rein-gators.
Hollywood loves Morgan City
Morgan City has served as the backdrop to eight Hollywood movies. Its sweeping sunset views over the Atchafalaya River, historic homes and authentic houseboats have served executives and actors well.
Tarzan was filmed in 1917 in the swamps of Morgan City. It was the first silent movie to gross $1M. Other movies filmed here were blockbusters, B-rated movies, and movies that were widely viewed in national theaters, including Thunder Bay (1953), Louisiana Hussy (1959), Easy Rider (1969), The Fire Next Time (TV, 1993), All the King's Men (2006), The Yellow Handkerchief (2008) and Deepwater Horizon (2016).
Notable Morgan City People
Longtime resident of Morgan City, Olympic Gold (4x400), Bronze Medalist in Track & Field
Korean Basketball League. Former NBA player with Phila 76ers (NBA) and UL of Lafayette
Multimillionaire, Founder and CEO of Camille Rose Naturals hair care and body care product line
MLB outfielder, Philadelphia Athletics, batted and pitched right handed. Died in Morgan City
Former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 51. Still resides in Morgan City
State Republican chairman. Founder of Modern Republican Party in LA. Close friend to President Ronald Reagan
Rapper, singer, music producer for No Limit Records. Production credits of 170+ recordings
Major League Baseball player with St. Louis Cardinals as pitcher. Second rookie manager to win World Series.
Former professional baseball catcher in MLB for Brooklyn Dodgers. Died in Morgan City
State senator; obtained first verdict of "Not guilty by reason of insanity" in LA criminal law history
Guitarist; "Twitchy;" Worked with Sam Cooke, Ike and Tina Turner, Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye
Figure skater, Silver medal, two-time Bronze medalist and won first place in USA “Improv Ice”
Decorated military veteran, activist, high-ranking member of Black Panther Party and godfather of Tupac
Emmy-award winning artist. Writer, director/producer. Creator of Santa display on Spirit of Morgan City boat
Served in 10th Calvary as a marksman in WWII Buffalo Soldiers. Died at 97 as last remaining Buffalo Soldier in LA
Appointed by Gov. John Bel Edwards as state poet laureate from 2019-2020; first African American male to serve
