National Register Listing

Allen Parish Courthouse

5th St., Oberlin, LA
The Allen Parish Courthouse is significant in the area of architecture as Oberlin's most pretentious structure for the following reasons:
  • It stands at the head of Oberlin's main thoroughfare and hence has a commanding presence.
  • Because of its English basement and extra high stories, the courthouse towers over the predominantly 1t story town.
  • It is the most elaborate, "high style," monumental building in town. The only other large building in Oberlin is the high school, which is a symmetrical two-story brick structure with a meager looking four column portico. Compared to this the courthouse is much more impressive with features such as a rusticated base, terra cotta bas relief, three frontal windows with double Ionic columns which have the monumental effect of a triumphal arch motif, and the main block set off by end wings.

The Allen Parish Courthouse is also significant in the area of politics/ government because it has been the seat of parish government since its construction in 1912.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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.

politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as "Angola," is one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the United States. It is named after the former plantation on which it was built, and it is known for its extensive agricultural operations.
Louisiana random facts
Allen Parish, Louisiana has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Coushatta before the arrival of European explorers. The first Europeans to explore the region were French traders and trappers in the late 17th century. They established trading posts along the Sabine River, which served as an important transportation route.

In the early 19th century, the United States acquired the Louisiana Purchase, which included present-day Allen Parish. The area saw an influx of American settlers, and the region began to be developed for agriculture, particularly cotton and sugar cane. The city of Oberlin was established in 1848 and became the first permanent settlement in the parish. The Civil War had a significant impact on Allen Parish, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army and the Union Army. After the war, the region faced economic challenges, but agriculture remained a dominant industry.

Throughout the 20th century, Allen Parish experienced significant growth and development. Oil was discovered in the region in the early 1900s, leading to a boom in the local economy. The town of Oakdale became a center for oil production, and the industry brought jobs and prosperity to the area. In the mid-20th century, the construction of the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Sabine River created a recreational haven and boosted tourism in the parish.

Today, Allen Parish continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. Agriculture, particularly cattle farming and timber production, remains an important part of the local economy. The parish's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through events such as the Allen Parish Fair and the Cajun Music and Food Festival. With its beautiful natural landscape and strong community spirit, Allen Parish offers a glimpse into the past while embracing a bright future.

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

  • 1912: Allen Parish is established as a new parish in Louisiana.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant hardships for Allen Parish residents.
  • 1940s: World War II brings economic changes and increased employment opportunities to the parish.
  • 1950s: The construction of Toledo Bend Reservoir begins, creating a new recreational area for Allen Parish.
  • 1961: Toledo Bend Reservoir is completed, becoming a popular destination for fishing and boating.
  • 1964: Allen Parish celebrates its 50th anniversary.
  • Late 20th century: The parish experiences growth in industries such as timber and agriculture.
  • 2000s: Allen Parish focuses on promoting tourism and preserving its natural resources.
  • 2010s: The parish continues to develop its economy, education, and community services.