National Register Listing

McNeely House

3rd, 4th and Main Sts., Colfax, LA
Local significance of the building:
Art; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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 originally a French colony, named after King Louis XIV of France. The area was first explored by the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1682.
Louisiana random facts
Grant Parish, located in the state of Louisiana, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo people, who resided along the Red River. However, European settlers began to arrive in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The parish takes its name from Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. Grant Parish was established in 1869, during the tumultuous Reconstruction era following the Civil War. This period saw significant political and social changes, as the federal government sought to rebuild and integrate the Southern states. Grant Parish became a center of political activity during this time, with African Americans playing a prominent role in local government and gaining significant political power.

The most well-known event in Grant Parish's history occurred in 1873 with the Colfax Massacre. This violent clash erupted between white supremacists and African American militias, resulting in the deaths of dozens of African American individuals. The massacre marked a turning point in the Reconstruction era by underscoring the brutality and challenges faced by African Americans seeking to exercise their newfound rights.

Despite the challenges faced during Reconstruction, Grant Parish continued to grow and prosper. Agriculture played a vital role in the economy, with cotton becoming a major cash crop. Over time, the timber industry also became an essential part of the local economy. Today, Grant Parish remains a vibrant community that cherishes its history while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grant Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1844 - Grant Parish is established by the Louisiana Legislature
  • 1869 - The town of Colfax is incorporated
  • 1873 - A violent political dispute, known as the Colfax Massacre, occurs in Grant Parish
  • 1876 - Montgomery becomes the new parish seat after a political power struggle
  • 1883 - Colfax regains its status as the parish seat
  • 1896 - The first public school is built in Grant Parish
  • 1932 - The Jena Choctaw Pines Casino opens in Grant Parish
  • 1985 - A wooden bridge over Kisatchie Bayou in Grant Parish is added to the National Register of Historic Places