National Register Listing

Prescott Memorial Library-Louisiana Tech University

a.k.a. Visual Arts Building

Keeny Circle, Ruston, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

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.

library
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
Lincoln Parish is located in the northern part of Louisiana, and its history dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw peoples. European settlement began in the early 1800s, with pioneers attracted to the region's fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

In 1843, the parish was officially established and named after President Abraham Lincoln. The town of Ruston, which is now the parish seat, was founded in 1884 as a result of the expansion of the Vicksburg, Shreveport, and Pacific Railroad. This railroad was vital in the development of the area, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people, leading to the growth of the local economy.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lincoln Parish experienced significant growth and development. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area led to a boom in the petroleum industry, attracting numerous companies and bolstering the local economy. The establishment of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston in 1894 further contributed to the parish's growth, providing educational opportunities and strengthening the community.

In the early 20th century, Lincoln Parish, like many other areas in the United States, faced challenges including the Great Depression and World War II. However, the area rebounded and continued to thrive in subsequent decades. Today, Lincoln Parish is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and education. The parish's rich history and natural beauty make it a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.

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

  • 1800s: Native American tribes, such as the Ouachita and Caddo, inhabit the area that would later become Lincoln Parish.
  • early 1800s: European settlers, predominantly of Anglo-American descent, begin to populate the region.
  • April 10, 1843: The Louisiana State Legislature officially establishes Lincoln Parish.
  • 1850s: The demand for timber leads to the rapid growth of the logging industry in the area.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and many residents of Lincoln Parish join Confederate forces.
  • 1873: The town of Ruston is founded and becomes the parish seat.
  • 1880s: The Louisiana Industrial Institute (now known as Louisiana Tech University) is established in Ruston.
  • Early 1900s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves significantly boosts the local economy.
  • 1923: A devastating fire sweeps through Ruston, destroying much of the town.
  • Mid-1900s: Lincoln Parish experiences a period of economic growth and diversification.
  • 1987: An F3 tornado strikes Ruston, causing widespread damage.
  • 2000s: Lincoln Parish continues to thrive with a strong focus on education, healthcare, and agriculture.