National Register Listing

Oak Grove Community House

a.k.a. Oak Grove Legion Hut

414 James St., Oak Grove, LA
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

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.

social history architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as "Angola," is one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the United States. It is named after the former plantation on which it was built, and it is known for its extensive agricultural operations.
Louisiana random facts
West Carroll Parish is located in northeastern Louisiana, and its history is deeply rooted in agriculture and the expansion of the railway system. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw and Choctaw. European settlement began in the early 19th century when French and American settlers migrated to the area, attracted by fertile land suitable for farming.

The parish was officially established in 1877, named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a prominent Founding Father and the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Early settlers primarily grew cotton and corn, relying heavily on slave labor. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century brought significant changes to West Carroll Parish, revolutionizing transportation and commerce. Rail lines facilitated the exportation of agricultural goods and opened up new economic opportunities for the region.

By the early 20th century, West Carroll Parish experienced a surge in population and economic growth due to the expansion of the railway system. This growth led to the establishment of more towns and communities within the parish, including Oak Grove, Epps, and Kilbourne. Agricultural practices also diversified during this time, with an increasing focus on crops such as soybeans, rice, and wheat.

In recent decades, West Carroll Parish has faced challenges due to changes in the agriculture industry, including declining cotton production and consolidation of farms. However, the area remains primarily rural and agrarian, with farming continuing to be a significant part of the local economy. The parish boasts a rich history, with its roots in Native American influence, early European settlement, and the transformative impact of the railway system.

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

  • 1800s - West Carroll Parish was originally part of Ouachita Parish.
  • 1877 - West Carroll Parish was officially established as a separate parish.
  • 1904 - The town of Oak Grove was incorporated.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area's economy.
  • 1941-1945 - Many residents of West Carroll Parish served in World War II.
  • 1975 - The Bayou Macon Wildlife Management Area was established.
  • 2010 - The population of West Carroll Parish reached its peak at over 12,000 residents.