Waterproof, Louisiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Waterproof, Louisiana
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Village
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| Village of Waterproof | |
Waterproof, Louisiana, Water Tower
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| Motto(s):
A Place You Can Call Home
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Location of Waterproof in Tensas Parish, Louisiana.
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Location of Louisiana in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Louisiana |
| Parish | Tensas |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.70 sq mi (1.81 km2) |
| • Land | 0.70 sq mi (1.81 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 541 |
| • Density | 776.18/sq mi (299.72/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 318 |
| FIPS code | 22-79940 |
Waterproof is a small village located in Tensas Parish in northeastern Louisiana, United States. In 2020, about 541 people lived there. Most of the people living in Waterproof are African American.
The village is about 17 miles (27 km) north of Ferriday. Waterproof got its name because it was usually safe from floods before big levees were built along the Mississippi River.
Waterproof is a rural village where many people work in farming. Because machines do a lot of farm work now, there are fewer jobs for people. The main crops grown are cotton, corn, and soybeans.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Waterproof During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, a group of 300 African American soldiers were stationed in Waterproof. On February 13, 1864, about 800 Confederate soldiers attacked them. A Union gunboat called the Forest Rose fired from the Mississippi River, forcing the Confederates to retreat.
The next day, the Confederates attacked again, but the Forest Rose once more shelled them, making them fall back. On February 15, the Confederates tried to storm Waterproof again. But the Forest Rose stopped them. The Confederate commander had to give up the attack and move his troops away. Historian John D. Winters explained that the Confederates were very afraid of the gunboats. Because of this, Waterproof stayed in Union hands.
Recent History and Community Leaders
Sadly, three young men from Waterproof died fighting in the Vietnam War. They were Carl Raymond Goodfellow, Robert Lee Ross, and Douglas Mac Washington.
Lydia Marie Testa McManus (1923-2015) was an important person in Waterproof. She was a businesswoman and the first woman to serve on the town council. She was very active in her Roman Catholic community. She also helped organize the town's 100-year celebration.
People of Waterproof
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 316 | — | |
| 1900 | 298 | — | |
| 1910 | 445 | 49.3% | |
| 1920 | 340 | −23.6% | |
| 1930 | 420 | 23.5% | |
| 1940 | 592 | 41.0% | |
| 1950 | 1,180 | 99.3% | |
| 1960 | 1,412 | 19.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,438 | 1.8% | |
| 1980 | 1,339 | −6.9% | |
| 1990 | 1,080 | −19.3% | |
| 2000 | 834 | −22.8% | |
| 2010 | 688 | −17.5% | |
| 2020 | 541 | −21.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Waterproof has changed over the years. The chart above shows how many people lived there during different census years.
Who Lives in Waterproof Today?
| Race | Number | Percent |
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| White (not Hispanic) | 30 | 5.55% |
| Black or African American (not Hispanic) | 491 | 90.76% |
| Asian | 1 | 0.18% |
| Other/Mixed | 9 | 1.66% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 10 | 1.85% |
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 541 people living in Waterproof. There were 287 households and 156 families. Most of the people living in Waterproof are Black or African American.
Famous People From Waterproof
Many notable people have connections to Waterproof:
- Franklin O. Adams: He was an architect who was born in Waterproof.
- Sharon Renee Brown: She was crowned Miss Louisiana USA in 1961 and then Miss USA in 1961. She was also Miss Waterproof!
- Claire Chennault (1893–1958): He was a military officer who became a general. He was famous for leading the Flying Tigers in World War II. He grew up in Waterproof.
- Charles C. Cordill: A planter and politician who lived near Waterproof. He served as a Louisiana state senator for many years.
- John Henry Johnson: A professional football player who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was born in Waterproof.
- Samuel W. Martien: A major cotton planter and politician. He was an elected member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
- J. C. Seaman: He was a state representative for many years. He was born in Waterproof.
- Matthew Walker Sr.: He was one of the first African Americans to become a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was a very important Black doctor in the 20th century.
- Johnny Weekly: A professional baseball player who was born in Waterproof in 1937.
See also
In Spanish: Waterproof (Luisiana) para niños
