National Register Listing

Routhwood Elementary School

217 Lombardo St., Newellton, LA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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.

education ethnic heritage black
Louisiana was a slave state before the American Civil War, and the state played a significant role in the Civil War. The Battle of Port Hudson, which took place in Louisiana in 1863, was the longest siege in American history.
Louisiana random facts
Tensas Parish, located in northeastern Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to prehistoric times. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the tribes of the Choctaw and Coushatta. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived, but it was not until the 18th century that permanent European settlement began.

In 1805, the United States acquired the territory that would later become Tensas Parish through the Louisiana Purchase. The area saw an influx of American settlers, primarily from southern states, who established prosperous cotton plantations. The reliance on plantation agriculture fueled an increase in enslaved African labor, with Tensas Parish becoming a major center for cotton production and slaveholding in the antebellum South.

During the American Civil War, Tensas Parish was heavily impacted by the conflict. It experienced significant military engagements and was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces throughout the war. The widespread destruction caused by the war, as well as the end of slavery, signaled a major shift in the economic and social fabric of the region.

In the post-war years, Tensas Parish struggled to recover. The decline of the cotton industry, combined with the devastation caused by the war and the complications of Reconstruction, led to economic and social hardships for the local population. However, the parish gradually shifted towards other agricultural endeavors and diversified its economy over time.

Today, Tensas Parish is known for its unique blend of agriculture, hunting, and outdoor recreational activities. The area's rich history, coupled with its scenic landscapes and wildlife, attract visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Despite its complicated past, Tensas Parish continues to grow and evolve, embracing its history while looking towards a promising future.

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

  • 1803 - The area of present-day Tensas Parish is part of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1805 - The land becomes part of Concordia Parish.
  • 1843 - Tensas Parish is established as a separate parish.
  • 1860s - The Civil War and Reconstruction period bring significant changes and hardships to the parish.
  • 1884 - The construction of the Mississippi River levees begins, providing protection against flooding.
  • 1940s - Mechanization of agriculture leads to a decline in the rural population.
  • 1973 - The Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is established.
  • 1987 - The Tensas River Basin Compact is signed, aiming to regulate water resources.
  • 2000s - Efforts are made to promote tourism and preserve the natural beauty of the parish.