National Register Listing

Hardin House

a.k.a. Harts' Crossing

LA 913 N of jct. with LA 8, Sicily Island, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Louisiana was a slave state before the American Civil War, and the state played a significant role in the Civil War. The Battle of Port Hudson, which took place in Louisiana in 1863, was the longest siege in American history.
Louisiana random facts
Catahoula Parish, located in central Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Tunica-Biloxi, who left behind evidence of their presence in the form of burial mounds and artifacts.

European exploration of the region began in the 16th century, with Spanish and French explorers making their way through the area. In the early 19th century, settlement by Europeans began, and the parish was established in 1805. The name "Catahoula" is derived from an Atakapa Indian word meaning "big, clear lake," referencing the nearby Catahoula Lake, a prominent natural feature in the area.

Catahoula Parish played a significant role in the Civil War, being situated on the western edge of the Confederacy. The area saw extensive military activity, with Union troops attempting to gain control of the Mississippi River and Confederate forces defending their territory.

In the years following the war, the parish experienced an agricultural boom, with cotton becoming the primary crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further bolstered the economy, allowing for the transportation of goods and facilitating trade.

Today, Catahoula Parish continues to thrive as a primarily rural area, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1808: Catahoula Parish is established as a part of the Territory of Orleans.
  • 1828: The Parish becomes a part of the newly created state of Louisiana.
  • 1830s: European settlers begin to move into the area, primarily from the southeastern United States.
  • 1840: Catahoula Parish is officially recognized as a separate political entity.
  • 1871: A railway line connects the Parish with other parts of the state, boosting economic growth.
  • Early 1900s: Timber and agriculture industries thrive in Catahoula Parish.
  • 1912: The Parish suffers devastating floods, leading to the creation of the Catahoula Lake as a flood control measure.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Catahoula Parish, causing economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1960s: The construction of the Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area begins, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
  • 1985: The Catahoula Parish Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Present: Catahoula Parish remains largely rural, with agriculture, timber, and natural resources playing a significant role in the local economy.