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Beauregard Parish, Louisiana facts for kids

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Beauregard Parish
Parish
Beauregard Parish Courthouse in DeRidder
Beauregard Parish Courthouse in DeRidder
Map of Louisiana highlighting Beauregard Parish
Location within the U.S. state of Louisiana
Map of the United States highlighting Louisiana
Louisiana's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Louisiana
Founded January 1, 1913
Named for P. G. T. Beauregard
Seat DeRidder
Largest city DeRidder
Area
 • Total 1,166 sq mi (3,020 km2)
 • Land 1,157 sq mi (3,000 km2)
 • Water 8.5 sq mi (22 km2)  0.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 36,549
 • Density 31.346/sq mi (12.103/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 4th

Beauregard Parish (also called Paroisse de Beauregard in French) is a special type of county in Louisiana, a state in the United States. In 2020, about 36,549 people lived here. The main town and biggest city is DeRidder. Beauregard Parish was officially created on January 1, 1913.

This parish is part of the DeRidder, Louisiana, area. It is governed by a group called the police jury.

History of Beauregard Parish

Early Land Ownership: Spanish and French Rule

Before 1762, the land that is now Beauregard Parish was part of Spain's territory in Louisiana. The border between Spain and France was the Calcasieu River. However, France was starting to settle land west of this river.

In 1762, the King of France secretly gave Louisiana to Spain. This was done through a special agreement called the Treaty of Fontainebleau. So, from 1762 to 1800, the area was part of New Spain.

Then, in 1800, another secret agreement, the Third Treaty of San Ildefonso, gave Louisiana back to France. Spain still managed the land until 1803. During these years, only a few European settlers lived in the area. They had special land grants from Spain.

The Neutral Ground: A Lawless Area

In 1803, the United States bought Louisiana from France. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. After this, both Spain and the United States claimed the land between the Sabine River and the Calcasieu River.

To avoid a war, both countries agreed to make this land a neutral zone. No armed forces from either side were allowed there. This area became known as the Neutral Ground or the Sabine Free State.

During this time, the area had very little law enforcement. It was often a place for outlaws. However, some brave pioneers did settle there. The border dispute was finally settled in 1821. The Adams-Onís Treaty made the Sabine River the official western border of Louisiana.

How Beauregard Parish Was Formed

In 1804, the United States organized Louisiana as the Territory of Orleans. This territory was divided into counties. Opelousas County covered a large part of southwestern Louisiana.

By 1807, these counties were changed into parishes. St. Landry Parish was one of the first parishes. It was very large and sometimes called "Imperial St. Landry Parish."

Later, on March 24, 1840, Calcasieu Parish was created from the western part of St. Landry Parish. Calcasieu Parish was also very large, known as "Imperial Calcasieu Parish." Over time, it was divided into five smaller parishes.

The bill to create Beauregard Parish passed in 1912. It officially started on January 1, 1913. The parish was named after P.G.T. Beauregard, a general from the Confederate side during the American Civil War.

Organizing the Parish Government

The town of DeRidder was chosen as the parish seat on October 15, 1912. Some people wanted Singer to be the main town, but DeRidder won the vote. Today, Singer is still a small community with a post office and school.

Beauregard Parish set up its government with a police jury. This group helps manage the parish. Elections were held in December 1912 for important local officials. These included the sheriff, clerk of court, and school board members.

Native American History

When Beauregard Parish was founded, at least four different tribes lived in the area. One tribe lived near Sugartown, and another near Bundick Creek. Other tribes were found near Anacoco Creek and in Merryville.

The 1941 Military Build-Up

In 1941, a United Service Organizations (USO) center opened in DeRidder. This was the first USO center in the U.S. that was not on a military base. Many soldiers visited this USO during World War II. They could take showers, watch movies, and relax there. The building is now a historic place.

From August to September 1941, a huge military training exercise happened nearby. It was called the Louisiana Maneuvers. More than 500,000 soldiers trained for war. Because so many soldiers were in the area, the people of Beauregard Parish voted to become a "dry parish." This meant that selling alcohol was not allowed.

Law Enforcement

The main law enforcement agency in the parish is the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. The current Sheriff (as of 2020) is Mark V. Herford.

Geography of Beauregard Parish

Beauregard Parish covers about 1,166 square miles. Most of this area, 1,157 square miles, is land. About 8.5 square miles (0.7%) is water.

Main Roads

  • US 171.svg U.S. Highway 171
  • US 190.svg U.S. Highway 190
  • Louisiana 12 (2008).svg Louisiana Highway 12
  • Louisiana 26 (2008).svg Louisiana Highway 26
  • Louisiana 27 (2008).svg Louisiana Highway 27

Neighboring Areas

Beauregard Parish shares borders with several other parishes and one county:

Population Facts

Historical population
Census Pop.
1920 20,767
1930 14,569 −29.8%
1940 14,847 1.9%
1950 17,766 19.7%
1960 19,191 8.0%
1970 22,888 19.3%
1980 29,692 29.7%
1990 30,083 1.3%
2000 32,986 9.6%
2010 35,654 8.1%
2020 36,549 2.5%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010

In 2020, the U.S. census counted 36,549 people living in Beauregard Parish. There were 13,520 households and 9,219 families.

Beauregard Parish racial composition as of 2020
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 29,039 79.45%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 4,082 11.17%
Native American 273 0.75%
Asian 222 0.61%
Pacific Islander 27 0.07%
Other/Mixed 1,635 4.47%
Hispanic or Latino 1,271 3.48%

Education

The Beauregard Parish School Board is in charge of the public schools in the parish. The area is also served by Sowela Technical Community College.

National Guard

A local military unit, the A Company, 3-156th Infantry Battalion, is based in De Ridder. This unit has served in Iraq twice, in 2004-2005 and 2010.

Communities in Beauregard Parish

Map of Beauregard Parish Louisiana With Municipal Labels
Map of Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, showing its towns and communities.

Cities

  • DeRidder (This is the main town and the largest city in the parish.)

Towns

Unincorporated Areas

These are communities that are not officially part of a city or town.

Census-designated places

Other Communities

Historic Places

There are 12 places in Beauregard Parish that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Beauregard Parish Courthouse, the Beauregard Parish Jail, and the DeRidder Commercial Historic District. You can find a full list at National Register of Historic Places listings in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Parroquia de Beauregard para niños

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