Hopkins House

Hopkins Lane, Marion, LA
The Hopkins House is significant at the state level in the area of architecture as an example of the "Carolina I" house type. These houses are significant indicators of the migration of the planter and upper middle classes from the region of South Carolina. Dr. Fred Kniffen states in his article on Folk Housing: "Early in its movement southward the "I" house became symbolic of economic attainment by agriculturists and remained so associated throughout the Upland South and its peripheral extensions." Elias George, the builder of Hopkins House, originally came from South Carolina before settling in Alabama. Most of the other known extant "Carolina I" houses in Louisiana are in the Feliciana Parishes. The SHPO is currently aware of less than ten "Carolina I" houses that remain in Louisiana. It stands, therefore as an unusual and important example of a substrain of the British vernacular architectural tradition in Louisiana.

History of the Property
The builder of the Hopkins House, the Reverend Elias George, moved to the Marion area in 1848 from Alabama. He and his family moved into their new home, built by an artisan slave named John Thomas, in 1850. In 1866 Elias George sold his home to his daughter Susan and her husband Lewis M. Powell. In 1884 the Powells sold the property to J. W. Frellsen. The Frellsen and Powell families intermarried and the house was eventually occupied by Miss Mary Hopkins, who remained there until her death in 1975 at the age of 84. It is presently owned by Mrs. Alice Frellsen Farrar.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

The Battle of New Orleans, fought on January 8, 1815, was one of the last battles of the War of 1812. It was a decisive victory for the United States, despite the fact that the war had officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814.
Union Parish, located in the northeastern part of Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. It was officially established in 1839, carved out of neighboring Ouachita Parish, and named after the hope for a unified nation following the Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Ouachita, Tensas, and Choctaw tribes, before European settlers arrived.

One of the earliest notable settlements in Union Parish was Shiloh, established around 1813. The town became an important trading post for the surrounding region and played a significant role during the Civil War. It was the site of the Battle of Shiloh, where Confederate forces clashed with Union troops in 1864, resulting in a Confederate victory.

In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural resources, particularly timber and oil, played a pivotal role in the development of Union Parish. The timber industry thrived, attracting numerous logging companies and sawmills to the area. Large tracts of virgin pine forests were harvested, and lumber became a major economic driver for the parish.

Oil was also discovered in Union Parish in the early 20th century, leading to an oil boom that fueled the local economy. Companies like Lou-ann Oil and Cypress Valley Oil played a significant role in the parish's oil production. The growth of the timber and oil industries brought an influx of settlers and immigrants to Union Parish, including workers from various regions of the United States and Europe.

Today, Union Parish is a thriving community that cherishes its natural beauty and historical roots. It is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and boating on Lake D'Arbonne. The parish also celebrates its history through cultural events and museums, such as the Union Museum of History and Art, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that reflect the diverse heritage of the area.

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

  • Prehistoric times: Native American tribes inhabited the area that is now Union Parish.
  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase brings the territory under U.S. control.
  • 1839: Union Parish is established as a separate entity from Ouachita Parish.
  • Late 1830s-1840s: Settlers begin to migrate to the area, primarily from the Southern states.
  • 1852: The first courthouse is built in Farmerville, the parish seat.
  • 1861-1865: Union Parish, like much of the South, is affected by the American Civil War.
  • Early 20th century: Agriculture, primarily cotton and timber industries, drives the economy.
  • 1920s-1930s: The Great Depression and boll weevil infestation hit the area hard.
  • 1962: Lake D'Arbonne State Park is established, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates Union Parish, causing widespread damage.