such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge (both

less than an hour away) and those in Mississippi that create the parish's border both north and east.

The two largest cities of the parish are Bogalusa and the parish seat, Franklinton. Quiet streets, tightly knit neighborhoods and a number of historically preserved homes, are surrounded by open farmland, rolling hills, and stately oaks and groves of pines trees. Large seasonal festivals further instill the sense of community including Franklinton's July Watermelon Festival and the Washington Parish Free Fair in October, often touted as the nation's largest free fair drawing attendees from all over the country to live music, a 5K marathon, flower festivals, Rodeo events, parades, and great food among other activities.