National Register Listing

Sylvan Retreat

610 N. 3rd St, Gibsland, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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
Audiobooks about the history of Louisiana.
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
Bienville Parish, located in northern Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw people, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. The first European explorers to reach the area were Spanish, led by Hernando De Soto in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that permanent settlement began.

The parish was officially established in 1848 and named after Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, a French Canadian explorer who played a significant role in the early history of Louisiana. During this time, the economy in Bienville Parish revolved around agriculture, with cotton and timber as the primary industries. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in the area.

Like many southern regions, Bienville Parish was heavily impacted by the Civil War. The area saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes as Union and Confederate forces vied for control. In the years following the war, the parish and its residents faced significant challenges as they worked to rebuild and recover from the devastating effects of the conflict.

Over the years, Bienville Parish has continued to evolve and adapt. The development of oil and gas resources in the early 20th century brought newfound prosperity to the region, contributing to its economic growth. Today, the parish is known for its diverse landscapes, including lakes and picturesque countryside, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Its residents continue to embrace the area's history while looking towards the future, ensuring that the vibrant legacy of Bienville Parish lives on.

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

  • 1762 - The area that is now Bienville Parish is ceded by France to Spain.
  • 1800 - The area is returned to France through the Treaty of San Ildefonso.
  • 1803 - Bienville Parish becomes part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1839 - Bienville Parish is officially established as a parish in the state of Louisiana.
  • 1840s - The first settlements are established in the parish.
  • 1861-1865 - Bienville Parish is significantly impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1880s - The arrival of the railroad leads to increased growth and development in the parish.
  • 1930s - Bienville Parish is affected by the Great Depression and experiences economic hardships.
  • 1960s - Oil and gas discoveries in the parish bring about a period of economic growth.
  • Present - Bienville Parish continues to be a predominantly rural area with a rich history and natural beauty.