City of Shreveport in Louisiana

Shreveport, located in northwestern Louisiana, is the third largest city in the state. Founded in 1836 along the Red River, Shreveport initially served as a trading post between the Caddo Native American territories and the outside world.

The city rapidly developed into a significant commercial and cultural center for the region. Today, Shreveport draws attention with its history, reflected in the architecture of the old city, museums, and galleries. The city is also known for its festivals, culinary scene, and as an entertainment hub with casinos and live music.

In this article, we will introduce you to the features of Shreveport, its historical heritage, and cultural life.

Features of Shreveport

Here are a few interesting facts about Shreveport:

• Shreveport is the third-largest city in Louisiana, with a population of 200,000 spread over 305 square kilometers.
• The city is known for its rivers, lakes, and casinos, offering plenty of activities and ways to spend money at any time of the day.
• You don't have to go far to encounter swamps, they are quite close by.
• The climate is humid, with frequent rains. Winters are mild, around 15 degrees Celsius, and summers exceed 20 degrees.
• Adjacent to the city is Cross Lake, spanning 2 kilometers wide and 20 kilometers long.
• The population is primarily composed of white and African-American residents, approximately 50/50. There are also a few Russians, mainly students at the local university.
• Nowadays, the city relies heavily on the university and numerous casinos. After Hurricane Katrina, Shreveport became the main educational center for Louisiana.
• Low taxes for filming have turned the city into a popular movie shooting location, from "Olympus Has Fallen" to "Battle: Los Angeles." And yes, they weren't actually filmed in Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles.
• The city has its own international airport, which mainly serves domestic flights to cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and others.
• Public transportation consists of buses, including intercity services, and there's a railway connection.

History of the founding and development of Shreveport

The founding of Shreveport in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company marked its inception as a pivotal transportation hub on the Red River, an essential conduit for transporting cotton, wheat, and vegetables. The settlement, encompassing 64 blocks, quickly blossomed into a trading center and, by the onset of the Civil War, transformed into a significant Confederate stronghold and the temporary capital of Louisiana, with a population of 2,200 free citizens and 1,300 slaves.

During the war, the community fervently supported Confederate soldiers, with Shreveport's women notably contributing by sewing uniforms and raising funds through charity events. The late 19th century saw the city enriched by the arrival of French immigrant Justin Vincent Gras, who invested substantially in local business and public projects.

However, the shipping industry experienced a decline that lasted until the mid-20th century when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revitalized navigation by constructing new locks and channels. The city's revival began with the introduction of floating casinos, attracting tourists and investments in urban infrastructure, including the restoration of the historic center and the embellishment of streets with art and lighting.

What to see in Shreveport

Homes of Celebrities

Shreveport once thrived as a haven for oil magnates, resulting in numerous historic mansions, particularly along Fairfield Avenue. Here you'll find the residence of Governor Thomas Barret, the home of director Joshua Logan, and the mansions of mayors, prominent landowners, and industrialists.

Churches

The city hosts a diverse array of churches from different denominations:

1. 01. Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Cross, recognizable by its medieval Gothic style;
2. 02. Unitarian Methodist Church, notable for its long, sharp spire;
3. 03. Presbyterian Church;
4. 04. Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, distinguished by its angular towers, round windows, and triangular roof.

Shreveport Attractions

• R.W. Norton Art Gallery
  This gallery houses paintings, sculptures, and treasures spanning the last four centuries. Opened in the 1960s, it gained fame for its Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell paintings. The surrounding landscape garden, with 15,000 plants, is also worth visiting.
• American Rose Center
  Dedicated exclusively to roses, this center cultivates 20,000 varieties across 65 individual mini-gardens, each featuring its own plant species, including recent hybrids. It's the largest park of its kind in the U.S.
• Barksdale Global Power Museum
  Located on Barksdale Air Force Base, the museum displays 30 American aircraft, including World War II bombers like the B-17, B-24, and P-51 Mustang. A gift shop offers miniature versions of these aircraft.
• Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport
  And, of course, the casino. At Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport, you can gamble, relax in the lounge bar, and enjoy delicious food. After a busy day, unwind in a luxurious room.