In an attempt to determine the impact of desegregation upon a rural Southern community, this paper chronicles the changes brought about by school desegregation in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Statistical data, geographical characteristics, and a description of the city and towns within St. Mary Parish are presented as background. An historical perspective of education in the area, primarily as it applied to blacks, is also provided. The stages of desegregation implementation, its effectiveness over a number of years, and black and white attitudes towards the process are described in detail for each of the parish's school systems. Specific actions taken by the respective communities and by the black and white contingents within these communities to encourage or discourage desegregation are included in these descriptions. Effects of desegregation on the students are also described. Tables showing statistical data and a list of references are included. (Author/EB)