Ringgold, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ringgold, Louisiana
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Town
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Downtown Ringgold
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Location in Bienville Parish, Louisiana
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Location of Louisiana in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Louisiana | |
| Parish | Bienville | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.32 sq mi (6.01 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.31 sq mi (6.00 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2) | |
| Elevation | 279 ft (85 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,379 | |
| • Rank | BV: 2nd | |
| • Density | 595.68/sq mi (229.96/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | |
| ZIP code |
71068
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| Area code(s) | 318 | |
| FIPS code | 22-64905 | |
Ringgold is a small town located in the state of Louisiana in the United States. It is found in the western part of Bienville Parish. The town was named after United States Army Major Samuel Ringgold.
In 2020, about 1,379 people lived in Ringgold. This makes it the second largest town in Bienville Parish based on its population.
Contents
History of Ringgold
Early Explorers and Leaders
It's not likely that René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle visited the Ringgold area in 1687. However, in 1690, a scout named Domingo Terán de los Ríos explored this area. He was sent by the government of Mexico to learn more about the lands of the Caddo Indians. He was the first European leader to see what is now Lake Bistineau. A priest with his group started "Mission Loretteto."
Town Leadership
In November 1933, C. E. Tomme became the mayor of Ringgold. He was appointed by Governor Oscar K. Allen. Mr. Tomme had moved to Ringgold in 1920. He had also served on the local school board. In 1934, he was elected mayor.
Southland Christian Ministries Camp
Ringgold is home to a camp and retreat center called Southland Christian Ministries. It is located on a 23-acre lake near U.S. Route 371. The United States Army Corps of Engineers first built the facility in the early 1940s. Later, the Bible Memory Association bought it and ran "Miracle Camp" until the early 1990s. Southland Christian Ministries then took over the property. Michael Dale "Mike" Herbster became the camp director in 2008.
Weather Events
On May 2, 1984, a tornado caused damage in Ringgold. Nine people were hurt, but no one died. The storm also reached nearby Jamestown. On March 25, 2017, another tornado destroyed the Ringgold Assembly of God Church. Luckily, no one was injured during that storm.
Recent Efforts and Community Spirit
Around 2018, news reports talked about Ringgold's slow economic growth. Since then, Mayor Milton Vining and the town council have worked with the community. They are trying to reduce poverty and bring new businesses to the area.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Ringgold's government set up a curfew to keep people safe. Also, a local student named Antavion Moore was named Louisiana's Student of the Year for 2019-2020.
Geography of Ringgold
Ringgold is located in the western part of Bienville Parish. Its exact location is 32°19′35″N 93°17′1″W / 32.32639°N 93.28361°W.
The United States Census Bureau says that the town covers about 2.3 square miles (6.0 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 133 | — | |
| 1920 | 335 | — | |
| 1930 | 618 | 84.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,006 | 62.8% | |
| 1950 | 1,007 | 0.1% | |
| 1960 | 953 | −5.4% | |
| 1970 | 1,731 | 81.6% | |
| 1980 | 1,655 | −4.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,856 | 12.1% | |
| 2000 | 1,660 | −10.6% | |
| 2010 | 1,495 | −9.9% | |
| 2020 | 1,379 | −7.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
| Race | Number | Percentage |
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| White (non-Hispanic) | 478 | 34.66% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 785 | 56.93% |
| Native American | 7 | 0.51% |
| Other/Mixed | 84 | 6.09% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 25 | 1.81% |
Ringgold's population has gone down since the lumber and oil industries became less active. According to the 2020 United States census, 1,379 people lived in the town. There were 605 households and 414 families.
In 2018, the average income for a household in Ringgold was $19,475. About 46.5% of the people lived below the poverty line. About 8.0% of the population had a college degree or higher. The town's employment rate was 36.5%.
In 2000, about 32.4% of households had children under 18. About 34.4% were married couples. The average household had 2.49 people. The average family had 3.13 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 28.9% were under 18. About 19.6% were 65 or older. The average age was 37 years.
Most people in Ringgold are religious, with Christianity being the main religion. The largest Christian groups are Baptists. These include Southern Baptist Convention, independent Baptist churches, and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Methodists are the second largest group, followed by Catholics.
Economy
Ringgold used to be a busy small town. However, since the early 2000s, it has faced challenges with poverty. After recent changes in local government, the town has been working to improve its economy. They aim to reduce poverty and crime and attract new local businesses. As of 2020, the town's economy relies on convenience stores, banks, and other small businesses.
Media
The main newspaper for the Ringgold area is The Bienville Democrat. Its office is in Arcadia, the parish seat. Ringgold is also part of the Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area's media market.
Education
The Bienville Parish School Board runs the public schools in Ringgold:
- Ringgold Elementary School
- Ringgold High School (for grades 6-12)
Notable People
- Long John Hunter (1931 - 2016): A famous blues guitarist who was born in Ringgold.
- Billy McCormack: A Baptist pastor from Shreveport. He was a director and vice president of the Christian Coalition of America. He is buried in Ringgold.
- Garnie W. McGinty: A historian who studied Louisiana's history.
See also
In Spanish: Ringgold (Luisiana) para niños
