National Register Listing

Poplar Chapel AME Church

LA 135, Rayville, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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.

The Louisiana Superdome, which opened in 1975, was the largest domed stadium in the world until 2009. It has hosted several major sporting events, including seven Super Bowls and five NCAA Final Four basketball tournaments.
Louisiana random facts
Richland Parish, located in northeastern Louisiana, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The region originally belonged to the Native American tribes, particularly the Choctaw and Natchez tribes, who inhabited the area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In the 18th century, French trappers and traders, in search of furs, made their way to the area.

The history of Richland Parish can be traced back to 1807 when it was originally formed as part of Ouachita Parish. In 1868, Richland Parish was officially established as a separate parish. The community was named after the fertile soil and rich agriculture found in the area, making it an ideal place for farming and plantations.

During the antebellum period, Richland Parish thrived economically through the cultivation of cotton and the labor of enslaved people. The area was heavily impacted by the Civil War, which resulted in the emancipation of enslaved individuals and the collapse of the plantation system. In the post-war years, the economy transitioned to focus on diversification, including crops such as corn and soybeans.

Throughout the 20th century, Richland Parish continued to develop and grow. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the 1930s and 1940s brought economic prosperity to the region. The parish also experienced infrastructure improvements, including the construction of highways and railroads. The towns within the parish, such as Rayville and Delhi, became important centers for commerce and trade.

Today, Richland Parish is known for its strong sense of community and agricultural heritage. The area's economy remains closely linked to agriculture, with farming and agribusiness playing a vital role. The rich history of the parish is preserved through local museums, historical sites, and cultural events, ensuring that the heritage of Richland Parish continues to be celebrated and remembered.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Richland Parish, Louisiana.

  • 1843: Richland Parish is established as a parish in the state of Louisiana.
  • 1848: Rayville is founded as the parish seat of Richland Parish.
  • 1861-1865: Richland Parish is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1868: Reconstruction begins in Richland Parish following the war.
  • 1890s: The timber industry booms in Richland Parish, leading to economic growth.
  • 1920-1930: Richland Parish experiences an agricultural boom, particularly in rice and cotton production.
  • 1935: Poverty Point National Monument, an ancient Native American site, is designated as a national historic landmark.
  • 1941-1945: Richland Parish contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1950s-1960s: Richland Parish undergoes significant social and cultural changes during the Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1970s-Present: Richland Parish continues to develop its economy, with agriculture and manufacturing playing key roles.