Ajax, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ajax
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 Ajax
Location in Louisiana
Ajax
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Natchitoches |
Ajax is a small, unincorporated community in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. It's located about 17 miles northwest of the city of Natchitoches, right along Louisiana Highway 174.
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Discovering Ajax's Past
Ajax started as a logging town. This means it was a community built to support the work of cutting down trees. These towns were often temporary. Loggers would build a small community to help with their work. Once all the trees in the area were cut, they would move on. They would then set up a new town about 10 miles away.
When the logging stopped, these towns often became much smaller. Farmers then moved in, looking for land that wasn't too expensive. Before the late 1800s, this area had many thick forests and bushes. Because of this, it is still mostly countryside today.
How Ajax Got Its Name
The community of Ajax got its name in a very interesting way. A group of people were trying to decide on a name, but they couldn't agree. While they were talking, one person noticed something. It was a metal plate from a steam engine. This engine was used at a local sawmill. The plate had the words "Ajax Iron Works" stamped on it.
The person said, "Let's just call it Ajax!" And that's how the community got its name. You can still see this original iron plate today. It is on display at the Ajax Community Center. This center is located where Highways 174 and 487 meet.
Changes Over Time
In the past, Ajax had its own Post Office and a school. However, over the years, many services like these have been combined. So, neither a Post Office nor a school exists in Ajax today.
People in Ajax now get their mail through the Marthaville Post Office. This Post Office is about 10 miles away. For school, students can go to public schools in Marthaville or Natchitoches. Some also attend private schools run by churches nearby. Others are homeschooled.
Ajax Today
Today, Ajax is a quiet community. It has a few businesses and important buildings.
Local Businesses
You can find a gas station in Ajax. There's also a vegetable stand. A small sawmill is located at the intersection of Highway 174 and I-49. These are the only businesses currently operating in Ajax.
Community Buildings
Besides homes, Ajax has several community buildings. These include a volunteer fire department. There is also a Masonic lodge, which is a meeting place for a social group. The community center is a place for local events. There is also a non-denominational community church. An RV Park used to be in Ajax, but it closed in 2020.
Community Size
Ajax does not have official borders. However, people generally consider the area along Highways 174 and 487 to be Ajax. There are about two dozen homes in this area. The total population is estimated to be less than fifty people.
