National Register Listing

Barksdale Field Historic District

a.k.a. Barksdale Air Force Base

Jct. of US 71 and West Gate Dr., Bossier City, LA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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.

Louisiana was briefly an independent republic. After declaring independence from Spain in 1810, a group of Louisianans established the Republic of West Florida, which included parts of what is now Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. However, the republic was short-lived, as it was quickly annexed by the United States.
Louisiana random facts
Bossier Parish, located in the northwest part of Louisiana, has a rich history that begins thousands of years ago with the indigenous Native American tribes of the region. These tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw, lived in the area for centuries before European settlement. The first European explorers to visit the area were the Spanish in the 16th century, followed by French explorers in the 18th century.

Bossier Parish was officially established in 1843, named after Pierre Bossier, a prominent state politician. The parish experienced growth and development during the antebellum period, with the plantation economy dominating. Cotton became the primary cash crop, and large plantations were established throughout the area. The parish's proximity to the Red River allowed for easy transportation and trade.

During the Civil War, Bossier Parish, like much of Louisiana, was heavily impacted. Union troops occupied the parish, leading to destruction and disruption of the local economy. Many residents of the area fought in the war, with some supporting the Confederacy and others choosing to fight for the Union. The post-war years brought economic challenges, but the parish gradually rebounded as agriculture and trade resumed.

In the 20th century, Bossier Parish experienced significant growth and change. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the late 1920s brought an economic boom to the area. This led to the establishment of oil and gas companies, as well as the growth of the petroleum industry. In addition, the construction of Barksdale Air Force Base in the 1930s brought jobs and economic opportunities to the parish, further contributing to its development.

Today, Bossier Parish is a thriving area with a diverse economy. It is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its military presence. The parish is home to a vibrant community, offering a range of recreational activities, cultural events, and educational opportunities. With a blend of historical charm and modern development, Bossier Parish continues to grow and evolve.

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

  • 1843: Bossier Parish is established by the Louisiana Legislature.
  • 1845: The first courthouse is built in Bellevue.
  • 1847: The parish is named after Pierre Bossier, a state senator and planter.
  • 1830s-1850s: Cotton becomes a major crop, leading to an increase in slavery in the area.
  • 1861-1865: Bossier Parish is impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1908: The discovery of oil leads to economic growth in the parish.
  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of the Barksdale Air Force Base boosts the local economy.
  • 1950s-1970s: The parish experiences rapid population growth and suburbanization.
  • 2000s: Bossier City becomes a regional economic center with the development of shopping centers, casinos, and entertainment venues.