Duson, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Duson, Louisiana
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Town
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| Town of Duson | |
Downtown Duson
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Location of Duson in Acadia and Lafayette Parishes, Louisiana.
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Location of Louisiana in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Acadia, Lafayette |
| Named for | Cornelius C. Duson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.02 sq mi (7.81 km2) |
| • Land | 3.01 sq mi (7.79 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,326 |
| • Density | 440.82/sq mi (170.21/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
70529
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| Area code(s) | 337 |
| FIPS code | 22-22255 |
Duson is a small town in Louisiana, a state in the United States. It is located in two different areas called parishes: Acadia and Lafayette. The town got its name from Curley Duson, who was a sheriff in a nearby parish.
In 2020, about 1,326 people lived in Duson. Part of Duson is close to the bigger city of Lafayette. There's even a small, unfinished neighborhood near Duson that people sometimes call a "ghost town."
Contents
History of Duson
Duson was first known as "Duson Station." It was planned by J.G. Parkerson, who managed the Louisiana Western Railroad. A railroad line connecting New Orleans to Houston was finished in 1880. This allowed trains to carry people and goods through the area.
In 1909, Duson officially became a village. It was named after Curley Duson, who helped develop the land. Adolph De Jean became the first mayor of the new village.
Farming and Growth
For many years, cotton farming was very important in Duson. The town had three large buildings called cotton gins, which helped process the cotton. These gins were used until the mid-1960s. Two of them were destroyed by fires, and the third was taken down.
After World War II, new houses were built east of Duson. These houses were often covered with a special paper that looked like brick. Because of this, that area became known as "Paper Town."
Community Buildings
In 1927, a church called St. Theresa Catholic Church was finished. This church became an important part of the community for many families in Duson.
Where is Duson Located?
Duson is in the southern part of Louisiana, in a region known as Acadiana. This area is famous for its unique culture and Cajun heritage. The town covers about 3 square miles (7.8 square kilometers) of land. Only a very small part of it is water.
Who Lives in Duson?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 120 | — | |
| 1920 | 192 | 60.0% | |
| 1930 | 396 | 106.3% | |
| 1940 | 463 | 16.9% | |
| 1950 | 707 | 52.7% | |
| 1960 | 1,033 | 46.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,199 | 16.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,253 | 4.5% | |
| 1990 | 1,465 | 16.9% | |
| 2000 | 1,672 | 14.1% | |
| 2010 | 1,716 | 2.6% | |
| 2020 | 1,326 | −22.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Duson has changed over the years. In 1910, only 120 people lived there. By 2010, the population grew to 1,716 people. In 2020, the population was 1,326.
People from different backgrounds live in Duson. In 2020, most residents were White (56.03%), followed by Black or African American (26.7%). Some residents also identify as Native American, Asian, or of mixed heritage. About 10.71% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
Many households in Duson have children. The average age of people living in Duson is around 32 years old.
Fun Events in Duson
Like many towns in the Acadiana region, Duson celebrates Mardi Gras. This celebration includes a parade that goes through the town. People from nearby cities like Lafayette, Scott, and Rayne often come to Duson for its Mardi Gras parade. This is because the parades in the region are often scheduled at different times, so people can enjoy more than one!
Famous People from Duson
- Sheri Sam: A professional basketball player who played in the WNBA.
- Voorhies Trahan: A well-known farmer who grew crawfish and rice.
See also
In Spanish: Duson para niños
