Alto, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alto, Louisiana
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The Vickers House at Christmas, 2019
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 Alto, Louisiana
Location in Louisiana
Alto, Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Richland |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
71269
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| Area code(s) | 318 |
| GNIS feature ID | 532147 |
Alto is a small place in Louisiana, United States. It's called an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of a larger area called Richland Parish. Alto is known for a special old building called the Vickers House. This house was built in 1870 and has a beautiful style called Greek Revival. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
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What's in a Name?
Have you ever wondered how places get their names? The study of where names come from is called etymology. The name "Alto" likely comes from a word that means "high" or "lofty." This makes sense because Alto is probably located on higher ground compared to the areas around it.
The Vickers House: A Glimpse into History
One of the most interesting things about Alto is the Vickers House. This historic home was built way back in 1870. That's over 150 years ago!
Greek Revival Style
The Vickers House is a great example of Greek Revival architecture. This style was popular in the United States in the 1800s. Buildings in this style often look like ancient Greek temples. They usually have tall columns, grand entrances, and a very balanced, formal look. The Vickers House shows off these features, giving us a peek into the past.
National Register of Historic Places
The Vickers House is so special that it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. When a building or place is on this list, it means it's important to the history of the country. It also helps protect these places so they can be enjoyed and learned about for many years to come.
Living in an Unincorporated Community
Alto is an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own separate city government like a town or a city would.
How it Works
Instead of having a mayor and city council just for Alto, the people who live there are governed by the larger Richland Parish. The parish government handles things like roads, police, and other services for Alto and other unincorporated areas within its borders. This can sometimes mean fewer local rules, but also that decisions are made at a broader level.
Location and Life
Alto is located in Richland Parish, which is in the northeastern part of Louisiana. Life in an unincorporated community like Alto often means a quieter, more rural setting. People living there might enjoy more open spaces and a close-knit community feel.
See Also
