Cottonport, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cottonport, Louisiana
|
|
|---|---|
|
Town
|
|
Location of Cottonport in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
|
|
.svg)
Location of Louisiana in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Avoyelles |
| Incorporated | 1888 |
| Government | |
| • Type | William "Scotty" Scott (elected 2012) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.00 sq mi (5.19 km2) |
| • Land | 2.00 sq mi (5.19 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 2,023 |
| • Density | 1,008.98/sq mi (389.53/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
71327
|
| Area code(s) | 318 |
| FIPS code | 22-17880 |
| Website | https://townofcottonport.com |
Cottonport is a small town located in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,023 people lived there. It's a place with a rich history, especially known for its connection to cotton farming and river trade.
Contents
History of Cottonport
Cottonport was started in the early 1800s. In 1835, a man named Joseph Ducote gave land for a road and a school. This was the very beginning of the community. The town officially became a town, or "incorporated," in 1888. It was built along the banks of Bayou Rouge, which means "Red Bayou" in French.
Cotton Trade and Naming
In the 1800s, large boats used to travel through Bayou Rouge. These boats carried goods to and from the big port city of New Orleans. The bayou was deep enough for these big boats. It also had a perfect horseshoe shape, which made it easy for the boats to turn around.
Boats would bring supplies to the area. Then, they would load up crops grown nearby to take to larger ports. The most important crop shipped from this area was cotton. Because so much cotton was sent from this port, the early settlers decided to name the village Cottonport.
Cottonport Today
Even after more than 100 years, Cottonport still has its charming qualities. Bayou Rouge is no longer used for big boats, but it's still a popular spot for fishing. The bayou also provides a beautiful background for the yearly Cottonport Christmas Festival. This festival happens on the second weekend of December and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.
Geography of Cottonport
Cottonport is located at 30°59′18″N 92°3′11″W / 30.98833°N 92.05306°W.
The United States Census Bureau says that the town covers about 5.2 square kilometers (or 2.0 square miles) of land. There is no water area within the town limits.
People of Cottonport
The population of Cottonport has changed over the years. Here's how many people have lived in the town during different census years:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 505 | — | |
| 1910 | 866 | 71.5% | |
| 1920 | 720 | −16.9% | |
| 1930 | 1,015 | 41.0% | |
| 1940 | 1,196 | 17.8% | |
| 1950 | 1,534 | 28.3% | |
| 1960 | 1,581 | 3.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,862 | 17.8% | |
| 1980 | 1,911 | 2.6% | |
| 1990 | 2,600 | 36.1% | |
| 2000 | 2,316 | −10.9% | |
| 2010 | 2,006 | −13.4% | |
| 2020 | 2,023 | 0.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 Census Information
The 2020 United States census counted 2,023 people living in Cottonport. There were 711 households and 435 families in the town.
The table below shows the different racial and ethnic groups living in Cottonport in 2000, 2010, and 2020.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 1,107 | 895 | 707 | 47.80% | 44.62% | 34.95% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 1,147 | 1,058 | 1,191 | 49.53% | 52.74% | 58.87% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 13 | 6 | 19 | 0.56% | 0.30% | 0.94% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 4 | 10 | 7 | 0.17% | 0.50% | 0.35% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0.22% | 0.05% | 0.20% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 16 | 18 | 56 | 0.69% | 0.90% | 2.77% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 24 | 18 | 38 | 1.04% | 0.90% | 1.88% |
| Total | 2,316 | 2,006 | 2,023 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Famous People from Cottonport
- Bill Callegari: Born in Cottonport in 1941, he became a Republican politician. He served in the Texas House of Representatives for many years, representing parts of Harris County in Texas. He was also an engineer and businessman.
- Moon Ducote: A talented athlete who played and coached football, baseball, and basketball. He was born in Cottonport.
- Connie Francois Desselle: She has served as the Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court since 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Cottonport para niños
