Morehouse Parish, Louisiana

Morehouse Parish is a county in northeastern Louisiana, named after Governor James Madison Morehouse. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, primarily French and Spanish explorers and trappers.

In the early 1800s, the United States acquired the land from France in the Louisiana Purchase and opened it up for settlement. Morehouse Parish was officially established in 1844, and throughout its history, agriculture has played a significant role in its economy. The fertile soil of the area made it ideal for cotton production, and as a result, the labor-intensive cotton plantations dominated the region before the Civil War.

During the Civil War, Morehouse Parish was occupied by Union troops, who brought significant changes to the area. The war disrupted the plantation economy, and many former slaves were freed and granted land in what became known as the "Booker T. Washington planned village." This village, located near Bastrop, embraced education and self-sufficiency for the African American community, and its aim was to create a model for others to follow.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Morehouse Parish experienced growth and development in infrastructure. Railroads were built, connecting the area to other parts of Louisiana and beyond, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing the region's economic opportunities. Today, Morehouse Parish remains a rural area with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and some industrial and manufacturing sectors as key components of its economy, while also striving to preserve and celebrate its unique history and cultural heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Morehouse Parish, Louisiana:

  • 1800s - Morehouse Parish is established on March 25, 1844.
  • Late 1800s - The parish experiences significant agricultural growth, with cotton becoming the dominant crop.
  • Early 1900s - The discovery of oil leads to increased economic development in the parish.
  • 1920s - The Great Flood of 1927 causes massive destruction and displacement in Morehouse Parish.
  • 1950s - The civil rights movement begins to gain momentum, leading to protests and demonstrations in the parish.
  • 1960s - Morehouse Parish experiences racial tensions and some violence during the desegregation of schools.
  • 1980s - The decline of the oil industry affects the economy of Morehouse Parish.

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