Shreveport, Louisiana

A prominent city of the State of Louisiana, Shreveport is the cultural and commercial center of the region where Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana meet. No doubt its location and importance combine to make it a magnet for tourists who seem to flock to the city all year round.

The Red River and the Pine forests here lend the city a picturesque backdrop, which is completed by the many waterways that surround Shreveport. The parks and museums here are known for their distinct flavors as are the architectural wonders that this city has to offer. The lovely blend of modern day buildings and age old architecture can be experienced in this lovely tropical climate city.

Explore the water boat casinos or check out the horse races of Shreveport, along with experiencing the many restaurants, pubs and hotels that the city boasts of. Right from offering a 14 screen movie theater to making several shopping complexes available, Shreveport lists it all for the tourists and locals alike.

Welcome to the city of Shreveport, where you will be able to make just about anything happen. There are intriquing options in entertainment, education, affordable living and many other benefits the city offers its residents. Many businesses in the city also thrive.

Shreveport History

Founded in 1836, Shreveport has seen its fair share of historical events. The city was initially established at the junction of the Red River and the Texas Trail so as to assist in shipping and trade. The city gets its name from Captain Henry Miller Shreve who managed to clear the 180 mile long natural logjam by using a modified riverboat named the Heliopolis thus clearing the route for trade.

It was in the year 1838 that Shreveport became the county seat for Caddo Parish. It was on the 20th of March the following year that the city was incorporated. There were a total of 64 blocks in the city cut up by eight streets running west from the Red River and eighth streets running south from the Cross Bayou tributary. From here on the city grew to take its present form.

By 1860, the population of the city had grown to 3500 of which 1300 were slaves. The main trade here was steamboat commerce and cotton was the main crop that was being transported in these boats. While during the American Civil War, the Red River was navigable, it is also true that water levels did get drastically low. This did hamper with the economy of Shreveport which had become the capital of Louisiana from 1863-65.

Then came the rise of the Red Light district of Shreveport, which actually managed to achieve legal status from 1903-17. Singer 'Lead Belly' organized shows here that caught on like a house on fire. Many brothels, bars and pubs opened up and did great business through the year. Prominent singers like Willian Christopher O'Hare, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and also Jesse Thomas all came from Shreveport.

It was in the 1990s that Shreveport's economy was given a huge boost by the riverboat gambling industry. A 'streetscape project' was launched under which most of the prominent streets of the city were renovated and cleaned up. Even the famous Texas Street Bridge was lent neon lights to make it more charming for visitors.

Since then the city has not looked back and continues to prosper and grow into a commercial and entertainment center for the region. Its ancient architecture and the massive Red River continue to keep the original spirit of the city alive, while allowing a perfect mix of modern day buildings and customs.

About Shreveport, Louisiana

Apart from being the county seat of Caddo Parish, Shreveport is also the principle city of the third largest metropolitan area in all of Louisiana. It also ranks as the 109th largest city of the US and is located on the banks of the Red River. On the other bank of the river is the Bossier City, which is why the two cities are often given a combined name of  "Shreveport-Bossier."

The 2010 census indicated that Shreveport was inhabited by 199,311 people at the time. The majority of 54.7% of the population was Black, while 41.2% were White. Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics and a few other races made up for the remaining percentage. The median income of a household here was $30,526 according to the same census. The city enjoys a mayor-council form of governance where the seven member council and the mayor manage the affairs of the city.

This low lying city with its subtropical climate is known for its vast cotton fields and pine forests. While oil was a huge industry in Shreveport, the downfall of 1980s caused a blow to these companies, shutting them down for good. Today, the economy of Shreveport is supported primarily by the service industry. The city offers its fair share of casinos, of which a few prominent ones are Sam's Town Casino, Eldorado Casino and also the Horseshoe Casino.

Shreveport is known for its rich array of churches. The first United Methodist Church that was built here in 1884 still stands tall at the head of the Texas Street. The Holy Trinity Catholic Church that was built in 1858 can also be seen in the downtown area. The First Baptist Church is also located in the city and draws fair attention. However, it is the large St. Mark's Cathedral that is the most noted church of Shreveport. It is known not only for it humongous size, but also its exquisite architecture.

Following the New Orleans traditions, Mardi gras is celebrated with quite an élan in Shreveport too. The parade had lost its glory after the First World War and despite efforts in 1920s the tradition could not be revived. However, in 1989 the Gemini Krewe was the first to begin parading again and since then the festival has taken on an iconic status.

About Caddo Parish, Louisiana

The state of Louisiana does not have counties, but has parishes instead. However, the two play the same role. Caddo Parish is one such parish of the state and Shreveport is the county seat of this parish. The parish is the third largest in the entire state and holds a prominent place in the economy of Louisiana.

Covering an area of 937 square miles, the parish is 5.86% water, while the rest is land. The 2000 census recorded a population of 252,161 people and a median household income of $31,467. The parish is dominated by a White population with 52.91% while Blacks consist of 44.61%.

Apart from the city of Shreveport, the parish also houses towns like Vivian, Oil City and Greenwood. Villages like Ida, Rodessa, Gilliam, Hosston, Dixie and Belcher also fall under the Caddo Parish. The parish is flanked on the north by Miller County, while the southern end is bordered by De Soto Parish. The east has Bossier Parish and the west of Caddo Parish lies Harrison County & Marion County.

Caddo Parish comprises of the 1st Judicial District and its courthouse is located in Shreveport. Criminal cases as well as civil cases are both heard here and the courthouses are located on the prominent Texas Street.

2nd Squadron of the 108th Cavalry Regiment is also located in the parish seat of Caddo Parish. Fort Humbug is the name given to the armory section of the regiment, which is known for its participation in the American Civil War. Even during the Second World War, Fort Turnball was used as a mobilization site.

The parish houses some important places of historical significance of which Antioch Baptist church is one. The Caddo lake bridge, the Caspiana House, Crystal Grocery, Davidson House and the Fairfield Historic District are a few other historically significant places in this parish.