National Register of Historic Places listings in Bienville Parish, Louisiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Bienville Parish, Louisiana, there are 13 special spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that tell us important stories about the past.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its history, architecture, or what it means to American culture. It could be an old school, a unique house, or even a church. Let's explore some of these cool historic places in Bienville Parish!
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's part of a program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and archaeological resources. Think of it as a way to make sure important parts of our history don't get forgotten or destroyed.
Historic Places in Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the main towns in Bienville Parish and has some interesting historical sites.
Arcadia Colored High School Historic District
This district is a special area that includes the old Arcadia Colored High School. It's located on 6th Street between Crawford Avenue and Napoleon Street. This school was added to the National Register in 2014. It's important because it represents a time when schools were segregated, and it tells a story about education for African American students in the past.
The Hill
"The Hill" is another historic spot in Arcadia, found at 700 Line Street. It was added to the list in 1988. Places like "The Hill" often have unique architecture or were home to important people.
Vicksburg, Shreveport, and Pacific Railroad Depot
This old railroad station is on Louisiana Highway 151 in Arcadia. It was listed in 1988. Railroad depots were once very busy places. They were where people traveled from and where goods were shipped. This depot reminds us of how important trains were for connecting towns and moving people around a long time ago.
Historic Places in Gibsland
Gibsland is another town in Bienville Parish with many historic buildings. Many of these places were added to the National Register in 1980.
Colbert House
The Colbert House is located on Louisiana Highway 517 in Gibsland. It's an example of an old home that has been preserved.
Dog Trot House
Also on Louisiana Highway 517, the "Dog Trot" house is special because of its unique design. A "dog trot" house has two main rooms separated by an open hallway, or "trot," right through the middle. This design was popular in the South because the open hallway helped keep the house cool in hot weather.
Down House and Jones House
The Down House and the Jones House are both found on Louisiana Highway 154 in Gibsland. These are more examples of historic homes that show us what life was like in the past.
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church
This historic church is also on Louisiana Highway 154 in Gibsland. Churches often play a big role in a community's history, serving as places of worship and gathering spots for many years.
Stage Coach Inn and Wayside Inn
The Stage Coach Inn (on Louisiana Highway 517) and the Wayside Inn (on Louisiana Highway 154) are reminders of early travel. Before cars were common, people traveled by horse and buggy or stagecoach. Inns like these were important stops where travelers could rest, eat, and stay overnight. They tell us about the history of transportation and hospitality.
Sylvan Retreat and Thurmond House
Sylvan Retreat, located at 610 North 3rd Street, and the Thurmond House, on Louisiana Highway 154, are other historic homes in Gibsland that contribute to the area's rich history.
Other Historic Sites
Conly Site
The Conly Site is near Ringgold. Its exact address is kept private because it might be an archaeological site. This means it could be a place where scientists study old artifacts and learn about people who lived there thousands of years ago.
These historic places in Bienville Parish help us understand the past and appreciate the unique stories of Louisiana.