kids encyclopedia robot

Downtown Ruston Historic District facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Downtown Ruston Historic District
Ruston Louisiana June 2016 Trenton Street.jpg
A view of North Trenton Street in 2016
Downtown Ruston Historic District, LA.png
Location Roughly bounded by North Monroe Street, West Alabama Avenue, East Alabama Avenue, North Bonner Street, East Railroad Avenue, South Vienna Street, West Texas Avenue, South Trenton Street and West Louisiana Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana
Area 32 acres (13 ha)
NRHP reference No. 100000598
Added to NRHP January 31, 2017

The Downtown Ruston Historic District is a special area in downtown Ruston, Louisiana. It's like a time capsule that helps us remember the past. This district is officially recognized as a historic district because of its important old buildings.

This area covers about 32 acres (that's like 24 football fields!). It includes 78 buildings that are considered "contributing." This means they are old and important to the district's history. There are also some newer buildings that aren't part of the historic collection. The buildings show off many cool styles, like Classical Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Commercial Style, Craftsman, and International Style. Four of these buildings are so special that they are listed on their own!

The Downtown Ruston Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 31, 2017. This listing helps protect these important places for the future.

What is a Historic District?

A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or other objects that are important together. They tell a story about the past. They might show how a town grew, or how people lived long ago. When an area becomes a historic district, it means people want to keep its unique look and feel. This helps us learn about history and appreciate old architecture.

Special Buildings in the District

The Downtown Ruston Historic District has many interesting buildings. They were built between 1909 and about 1965. These buildings were once banks, theaters, government offices, and shops. They show how the town of Ruston developed over many years. Here are some of the most famous ones:

Ruston State Bank

Ruston State Bank
Ruston State Bank at 107 North Trenton Street

The Ruston State Bank building is located at 107 North Trenton Street. It was built in 1910. This building is a great example of the early 20th-century architecture in Ruston. It's also listed individually as a historic place.

Federal Building

Federal Building - Ruston Louisiana
Federal Building at 201 North Vienna Street

You can find the Federal Building at 201 North Vienna Street. It was built in 1909. This building served as a government office. It's another important landmark in the district.

Dixie Theater

Dixie Theater in Ruston, LA IMG 3778
Dixie Theater at 212 North Vienna Street

The Dixie Theater is at 212 North Vienna Street. It was built around 1928. Imagine watching movies or plays here almost a hundred years ago! It's a key part of Ruston's entertainment history.

Lincoln Parish Courthouse

Lincoln Parish, LA, Courthouse IMG 3776
Lincoln Parish Courthouse at 100 West Texas Avenue

The Lincoln Parish Courthouse is located at 100 West Texas Avenue. It was built between 1949 and 1950. This building was designed by a firm called Neild and Somdal. It's where important legal and government work for the parish happens.

Images for kids

kids search engine
Downtown Ruston Historic District Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.