Castor Creek (Little River tributary) facts for kids

Castor Creek, also known as Bayou Castor, is a long stream in central Louisiana, United States. It flows for about 103 miles (166 km). This creek is a branch of the Little River. Its waters eventually join the Ouachita and Red rivers. Finally, they become part of the huge Mississippi River system.

Where Castor Creek Flows

Castor Creek starts from a spring in northern Jackson Parish. Caney Lake, also in Jackson Parish, is a main source of water for the creek. The creek flows southeast into Caldwell Parish. Then, it turns south, moving into La Salle Parish. It also runs along the edge of Winn Parish.

The creek passes by several towns. These include Olla, Louisiana, Urania, Louisiana, and Tullos, Louisiana. About 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Georgetown, it meets the Dugdemona River. Together, they form the Little River. Near Olla, a small man-made lake was created. People often call it "The Spillway" or "The Creek." This lake was built in the 1960s. It replaced a bridge over Bayou Castor on Louisiana Highway 124. The lake helped provide fresh water for local businesses. For example, Georgia Pacific Inc. used to pump water from it. They sent it through a pipeline to their plywood factory. At Grayson, the creek's average water flow is 242 cubic feet per second.

History of Olla and Castor Sulphur Springs

The area along Castor Creek was settled long ago. This was even before the American Civil War. The town of Olla was once known as Castor Sulphur Springs. It was a steamboat port right on the creek's banks. This settlement had a post office and a general store. There was also a hotel, a spa resort, and a place to store cotton.

Castor Sulphur Springs was famous for its natural sulfur muds and spring water. People believed these waters could help with many health problems. The "Balance Sulfur" mud was well-known across the country. Many people with gout, arthritis, and muscle pain visited the spa.

How Olla Got Its Name

In 1891, the Houston, Central Arkansas, and Northern Railroad came to the area. They built a railroad more than a mile away from Castor Sulphur Springs. The town leaders worried their town would be cut off. They decided a train station was needed for people and goods. Dr. Frank Mills and Mr. J.D. Adams set aside 40 acres of land for a new station and town site.

They wanted to name the new community "New Castor Sulphur Springs." However, the state government said no. They did not want new towns named after springs, rivers, or bayous. This was to avoid confusion. So, the town needed a new name. Many ideas were suggested, including Greek and Biblical names.

After much discussion, they chose to name the town after Olla Mills. She was the daughter of Dr. Frank Mills. Miss Mills was a talented and popular young lady. She was very involved in community activities. She had also been the head of the English department at the Olla Military Institute. Miss Olla Mills, who later became Mrs. C.C. Young, passed away in 1901. She is buried in the Olla Cemetery.

Variant Names and Spellings

Castor Creek has also been known by other names throughout history:

• Castor Creek
• Bayou Castor
• Castor Bayou
• Castor River
• The Creek
• The Spillway