National Register Listing

Old St. Helena Parish Jail

Off LA 10, Greensburg, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

jails and prisons
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
St. Helena Parish is located in Louisiana, United States, and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The parish was established in 1810 and was named after St. Helena of Constantinople, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Creek nations.

During the colonial period, the French and Spanish ruled over the region and left a lasting cultural influence. In the early 1800s, the United States acquired the Louisiana territory, which included St. Helena Parish, and American settlers began to flock to the area, drawn by its fertile lands and timber resources.

Agriculture played a significant role in the development of St. Helena Parish, with cotton being the primary cash crop. Plantations were established, and enslaved Africans were forced to work on these plantations, driving the economy of the parish. The Civil War and the abolition of slavery had a profound impact on the parish, and the agricultural industry went through significant changes.

In the 20th century, the parish experienced various shifts in its economy, from cotton to timber and even oil exploration. St. Helena Parish also played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, as it was the birthplace of Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent civil rights leader.

Today, St. Helena Parish remains a predominantly rural area, with agriculture and timber still playing important roles in its economy. The parish boasts natural beauty, with scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and residents alike. With a rich historical background and a dedication to preserving its cultural heritage, St. Helena Parish continues to be an important part of Louisiana's history.

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

  • 1800s - St. Helena Parish is established as a Louisiana parish.
  • 1810 - The settlement of Woodville is established as the parish seat.
  • 1861-1865 - St. Helena Parish is affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1882 - The town of Greensburg is established as an additional municipality in the parish.
  • Early 1900s - The timber industry becomes a major economic driver in St. Helena Parish.
  • 1916 - St. Helena Parish experiences a devastating flood.
  • 1960s - Civil rights activism takes place in St. Helena Parish, leading to improvements in racial equality.
  • Late 20th century - Agriculture remains a significant industry in the parish, with a focus on farming and cattle.