Editing Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana (section)

===20th century to present===
During [[World War II]], Houma was selected for the establishment of a Lighter Than Air [[Blimp]] Naval Station, which operated from May 1943 to September 1944. The Navy base, which used blimp squadrons to scan the coastline for enemy vessels, was one of only two blimp stations operating on the [[Gulf Coast]].

Terrebonne has depended on natural resources: [[oyster]]s, [[shrimp]], [[crabs]] and fish contribute their share of wealth to the parish. In the great stretches of marshland surrounding Terrebonne parish, trapping of Louisiana [[muskrat]], [[mink]], [[otter]], [[raccoon]], and [[nutria]] pelts are another form of local commerce.

Development of [[Petroleum industry|oil and gas]] resources in the parish began in 1929, bringing a period of economic development and prosperity unparalleled anywhere in the state. The industry grew into enormous dimensions with the discovery of [[Offshore oil and gas in the US Gulf of Mexico|offshore oil]]. Terrebonne became the gateway to the most dense concentration of offshore oil service companies in the state. By 1960, with the combination of rich oil production backed by Houma's productive waters, fertile soil, and natural mineral resources, Houma became one of the fastest-growing cities in America. In 1961, the Houma Navigational Canal was completed to provide a 30-mile link to Terrebonne Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

By the late 1970s, Houma's main focus was the oil industry. Those companies not related to oil and gas depended on this industry for their survival. When the bottom fell out of the oil industry in the early 1980s because of cheaper foreign product and dwindling local resources, Houma declined. For nearly two years, the Houma-Terrebonne area experienced an unemployment rate near 25%.

The Houma community has worked to diversify the parish economy. While the oil industry is still the primary source of revenue for the Houma-Terrebonne area, alternative industries are emerging. Terrebonne Parish accounts for more than 20% of Louisiana's seafood production. In addition, the medical industry is growing in the area. Tourism, too, is a popular source of commerce in and around Houma. The addition of Houma's new Civic Center promises to attract more entertainment and convention revenue to the city.

The draw of authentic Acadian culture, diverse environment and wildlife, plantation homes, excellent food, and close proximity to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette attracts visitors to Houma and its central location.

On August 29, 2021, [[Hurricane Ida]] caused major damage within the parish.<ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|date=August 29, 2021|title=August 29, 2021 Hurricane Ida landfall news|url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/hurricane-ida-updates-08-29-21/index.html|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref>

On September 11, 2024, [[Hurricane Francine]] made landfall in the parish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hurricane FRANCINE |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al06/al062024.update.09112157.shtml? |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=www.nhc.noaa.gov}}</ref>