Moore, R. T., House
a.k.a. Sweet Onion
LA Alt. 2, N side, about 2 mi. W of US 167, Bernice, LAThe R. T. Moore House is of local significance in the area of architecture as an early and important example of residential architecture within the context of Union Parish.
Union Parish was created by an act of the legislature in 1839 from a portion of Ouachita Parish. As northern rural hill parishes go, Union was apparently reasonably well settled by the eve of the Civil War. However, according to a comprehensive historic structures survey, most of the extant older buildings in the parish represent the industrial age -- i. e., the time following the coming of railroads and sawmills in the 1880s. Indeed, of the 371 structures over fifty years old identified, only eleven can be said to represent the pre-Queen Anne Revival era. Most of these are relatively plain, mid-nineteenth century, small to medium size cottages with front and rear galleries. Most are plain while some feature hesitant touches of the Greek Revival.
Taken as a whole, these buildings (all residences) represent Union Parish's earliest architectural patrimony. The Moore House is a member of this distinctive group. In addition, it is conspicuous among the group because of its very unusual decoratively cut boards ornamenting the gallery and the old dogtrot entrance, the sawtooth decorated mantels, and the sawtooth cornice in one room. The mantels are particularly well ornamented and important. Indeed, the State Historic Preservation Office staff is unaware of any comparable mantels in the region.
Local significance of the building:
Union Parish was created by an act of the legislature in 1839 from a portion of Ouachita Parish. As northern rural hill parishes go, Union was apparently reasonably well settled by the eve of the Civil War. However, according to a comprehensive historic structures survey, most of the extant older buildings in the parish represent the industrial age -- i. e., the time following the coming of railroads and sawmills in the 1880s. Indeed, of the 371 structures over fifty years old identified, only eleven can be said to represent the pre-Queen Anne Revival era. Most of these are relatively plain, mid-nineteenth century, small to medium size cottages with front and rear galleries. Most are plain while some feature hesitant touches of the Greek Revival.
Taken as a whole, these buildings (all residences) represent Union Parish's earliest architectural patrimony. The Moore House is a member of this distinctive group. In addition, it is conspicuous among the group because of its very unusual decoratively cut boards ornamenting the gallery and the old dogtrot entrance, the sawtooth decorated mantels, and the sawtooth cornice in one room. The mantels are particularly well ornamented and important. Indeed, the State Historic Preservation Office staff is unaware of any comparable mantels in the region.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
About National Register Listings
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 Louisiana Hayride, a radio show that was broadcast from Shreveport, Louisiana, helped launch the careers of several famous musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams. The show ran from 1948 to 1960 and was known for its promotion of country and rockabilly music.
About Union Parish
Union Parish Timeline
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.
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.
Union Parish Timeline
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.