DeRidder, Louisiana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids DeRidder, Louisiana
City
City of DeRidder
Beauregard Parish Courthouse
Motto(s):  "We dwell in possibilities"
Location of DeRidder in Beauregard Parish (south) and Vernon Parish (north), Louisiana.
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Country	United States
State	Louisiana
Parishes	Beauregard, Vernon
Incorporated	1903 (122 years ago) (1903)
Area
• Total	9.38 sq mi (24.29 km2)
• Land	9.29 sq mi (24.06 km2)
• Water	0.09 sq mi (0.23 km2)
Elevation	203 ft (62 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	9,852
• Density	1,060.50/sq mi (409.44/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	70634
Area code(s)	337
FIPS code	22-20610

DeRidder is a city in Louisiana, United States. It is the main city of Beauregard Parish. A small part of DeRidder also reaches into Vernon Parish. In 2010, about 10,578 people lived here. DeRidder is part of a larger area that includes Fort Johnson South. This combined area had about 87,988 people in 2010.

History of DeRidder

DeRidder got its name from Ella de Ridder. She was the sister-in-law of Jan de Goeijen, a Dutch businessman who helped build railroads. Ella's family was from a small town in the Netherlands. She left home when she was young and later came to the United States. Her brother-in-law named the town after her because he brought the first railroad to this part of Louisiana. Before that, the town was called Schovall.

The first train line arrived in DeRidder in 1897. It was called the Pittsburgh & Gulf Railroad. Later, it became known as the Kansas City Southern.

Early Days of the Town

The first house in DeRidder was built in 1893. It was a log cabin with a roof made of hand-split wooden shingles. This house belonged to Calvin Shirley, who owned the land where DeRidder's first businesses and homes were built. Mr. Shirley claimed 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land, which later became the original town site.

According to Eva Stewart Frazar, whose family moved to DeRidder around 1900, some people believed the largest pine tree in the world grew where DeRidder now stands.

The Kansas City railroad was built from Kansas City to Port Arthur. It passed right through this area around 1896. By 1898, trains were running. The local post office was first named Miersburg. Railroad workers used this spot as a camping place. People wanted to live near the railroad, so 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land were bought for the town.

Growth and Development

After the land was bought, many simple wooden houses were quickly built. By 1898, about 300 people lived in the town. There were also several small stores and a sawmill. Timber became the main industry in the area. The longleaf pine was the most important tree used. In 1903, DeRidder officially became an incorporated town.

In April 1904, a large part of DeRidder's business area was destroyed by a fire. It seemed like someone intentionally set the fire. A special group called a grand jury found enough evidence to accuse a gambler named George Smith of starting it. He reportedly left town.

DeRidder's first bank opened in 1906. On October 15, 1912, DeRidder was chosen to be the main city, or parish seat, of Beauregard Parish. The Beauregard Parish Court House and the Beauregard Parish Jail were built in 1914.

Geography of DeRidder

DeRidder is located in the northern part of Beauregard Parish. Its elevation is about 203 feet (62 m) above sea level. U.S. Route 171 goes south 48 miles (77 km) to Lake Charles. It goes north 15 miles (24 km) to the entrance of Fort Johnson and 21 miles (34 km) to Leesville. U.S. Route 190 goes southeast 49 miles (79 km) to Kinder and west 52 miles (84 km) to Jasper, Texas.

The United States Census Bureau says DeRidder covers a total area of 9.38 square miles (24.3 km2). Most of this, 9.29 square miles (24.1 km2), is land. Only 0.09 square miles (0.23 km2), or about 0.96%, is water.

Split Parish Areas

A small part of DeRidder extends into Vernon Parish. This includes the northern section of the Green Acres neighborhood, west of Highway 171. Another part of the city also goes north along the east side of Highway 171 into Vernon Parish. Water and sewage services for these areas are provided by a separate district.

Climate in DeRidder

Transportation

• Beauregard Regional Airport

Culture and Landmarks

The former Beauregard Parish Jail: The "Hanging Jail"

The building known as the "Old Beauregard Parish Jail" was built in 1914. It is considered one of the most unique buildings of its kind in the United States. The jail looks like a college building from the Gothic Revival style. It has shallow arches, dormer windows, and a tall central tower. This style was popular for colleges, universities, and churches.

The iron bars on most of the windows give the building an interesting look. Inside, a spiral staircase goes up to three floors of jail cells. Each cell had its own toilet, shower, and sink. Prisoners could often be seen waving from the barred windows.

The jail was built to hold about 50 prisoners, but it could comfortably hold 13. Its walls are very thick, from 13 to 21 inches (0.33 to 0.53 m), and made of strong concrete. The first floor had living quarters for the jailer and his family. In the jail's basement, a long hallway leads to the courthouse next door.

The jail was used until 1982. On October 4, 1981, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site, along with several other buildings in DeRidder.

Historic District

DeRidder Historic District and buildings

In 1983, several streets in DeRidder were added to the National Register of Historic Places. These streets are Washington, Second, Stewart, and Port streets. They form the DeRidder Commercial Historic District.

Population Information

2020 Census Data

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,852 people living in DeRidder. These people lived in 3,838 households, and 2,510 of these were families.

Education

The Beauregard Parish School Board manages the public schools in DeRidder.

Here are the schools in the city:

• DeRidder High School (Grades 9–12)
• DeRidder Junior High School (Grades 6–8)
• Pine Wood Elementary School (Grades 4 & 5)
• G. W. Carver Elementary School (Grades 2 & 3)
• K. R. Hanchey Elementary School (Pre-Kindergarten - 1st Grade)

Media

The Beauregard Daily News is a local newspaper based in DeRidder.

Notable People

Many interesting people have connections to DeRidder, including:

• Bert A. Adams, a state representative.
• Joe W. Aguillard, a former college president.
• Allen Bradley, a lawyer and former city council member.
• Mel Branch, a professional football player.
• Chris Cagle, a college and professional football player.
• Chris Cagle, a country music singer.
• Jerry DeWitt, an author and public speaker.
• Gilbert Franklin Hennigan, a former state senator.
• Johnny Jones, a college basketball coach.
• Michael Mayes, a former NFL player.
• Michael Sanders, a college and NBA basketball player.
• Elijah Stewart, a basketball player.
• Charles Emery Tooke, Jr., a state senator and lawyer.
• Jennifer Weiner, an author.
• Deshazor Everett, a professional football player.
• Tim Temple, the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner.

See also

In Spanish: DeRidder para niños