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History of Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Journey back in time to Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Explore Shreveport, Louisiana, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Shreveport Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Shreveport was first settled in 1803 and it was originally named "Shreve Town." It wasn’t until 1839 that the town was incorporated as "Shreveport."
The world’s first ever Shriner’s Hospital was founded in Shreveport in 1922.
movoto.com
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Shreveport Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Postcard
Washington-Youree Hotel
"Peter Youree (April 23, 1843 – July 13, 1914) was an American businessman and banker from Shreveport, Louisiana. He was president of the Louisiana Bankers Association from 1908 to 1909.
...He also financed the construction of his massive Youree Hotel, later called the Washington Youree Hotel, in downtown Shreveport. In 1933, the Hotel was operated by Niagara Falls businessman Frank A. Dudley and the United Hotels Company. In 1954, the top of the hotel became the headquarters of television station KSLA, the CBS affiliate in Shreveport. At the time of his passing, Youree's wealth was estimated at $2 million..." wikipedia
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to SHREVEPORT

LOUISIANA Love Bayou Boat Rides Mug – I'm From Louisiana!
Sip your morning coffee with a side of Southern charm! Our ceramic mug proudly proclaims, "I'm from Louisiana! That explains a lot about my love for bayou boat rides where the mosquitoes are bigger than the fish." Perfect for those who cherish the unique adventures of Louisiana life. Whether you’re reminiscing about a swamp tour or just love a good laugh about the local wildlife, this mug will make your coffee breaks a bit more fun and definitely more Southern.
Discover Shreveport: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Shreveport
Shreveport, a thriving post-village, capital of Caddo parish, Louisiana, on the right (W.) bank of Red river, about 300 miles by land or 550 miles by water N. W. from Baton Rouge, and about 30 miles below the "Great Raft," which is the limit of navigation for large steamboats. It is advantageously situated for trade, being in the midst of a rich planting region, and the only accessible point on the W. side of the river for more than 100 miles. Five or six steam packets regularly navigate the river between this town and New Orleans, during about 8 months of the year. About 40,000 bales of cotton are received here annually, and immense numbers of cattle from Texas are shipped to the New Orleans market. Shreveport contains 3 churches, 40 stores, 1 newspaper office, and several steam mills. A railroad has been surveyed from Vicksburg to Shreveport, Population, about 3000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Shreveport, a thriving post-village, capital of Caddo parish, Louisiana, on the right (W.) bank of Red river, about 300 miles by land or 550 miles by water N. W. from Baton Rouge, and about 30 miles below the "Great Raft," which is the limit of navigation for large steamboats. It is advantageously situated for trade, being in the midst of a rich planting region, and the only accessible point on the W. side of the river for more than 100 miles. Five or six steam packets regularly navigate the river between this town and New Orleans, during about 8 months of the year. About 40,000 bales of cotton are received here annually, and immense numbers of cattle from Texas are shipped to the New Orleans market. Shreveport contains 3 churches, 40 stores, 1 newspaper office, and several steam mills. A railroad has been surveyed from Vicksburg to Shreveport, Population, about 3000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Shreveport
Shreveport, shreev'port, a city of Louisiana, the capital of Caddo parish, is on the W. bank of Red River, and on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, about 20 miles below the Great Raft, and on the E. shore of Soda Lake, about 44 miles E.S.E. of Jefferson, Tex. Steamboats ply regularly between this city and New Orleans. It contains a court house, 11 churches, 3 banking-houses, several steam mills, 2 machine-shops, gas-works, manufactures of lumber and cotton-seed oil, and printing-offices which issue 2 daily and 2 weekly newspapers. Cattle and cotton are the chief articles of export. About 40,000 bales of cotton are received here annually. Pop. in 1880, 8009; in 1890, 11,979.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Shreveport, shreev'port, a city of Louisiana, the capital of Caddo parish, is on the W. bank of Red River, and on the Texas & Pacific Railroad, about 20 miles below the Great Raft, and on the E. shore of Soda Lake, about 44 miles E.S.E. of Jefferson, Tex. Steamboats ply regularly between this city and New Orleans. It contains a court house, 11 churches, 3 banking-houses, several steam mills, 2 machine-shops, gas-works, manufactures of lumber and cotton-seed oil, and printing-offices which issue 2 daily and 2 weekly newspapers. Cattle and cotton are the chief articles of export. About 40,000 bales of cotton are received here annually. Pop. in 1880, 8009; in 1890, 11,979.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Shreveport, a city, capital of Caddo parish, La., is on the W. bank of the Red River and on the Texas and Pacific, the St. Louis Southwestern and other railroads, about 20 miles below the Great Raft and on the E. shore of Soda Lake, about 44 miles ESE. of Jefferson, Tex. Steamboats ply regularly between this city and New Orleans. IT has extensive cotton, cotton-seed oil, and lumber industries, with manufactures of foundry products, molasses, etc. Pop. in 1880, 8009; in 1890, 11,979; in 1900, 16,013.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Shreveport, a city, capital of Caddo parish, La., is on the W. bank of the Red River and on the Texas and Pacific, the St. Louis Southwestern and other railroads, about 20 miles below the Great Raft and on the E. shore of Soda Lake, about 44 miles ESE. of Jefferson, Tex. Steamboats ply regularly between this city and New Orleans. IT has extensive cotton, cotton-seed oil, and lumber industries, with manufactures of foundry products, molasses, etc. Pop. in 1880, 8009; in 1890, 11,979; in 1900, 16,013.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1906 - Engineer Killed.
Shreveport, La., July 23. - The engine of a local freight train on the Kansas City Southern overturned in a collision with a herd of cattle just outside the local yards this morning, Engineer Frank Andrews was killed and Fireman George Holten injured.
The Columbus Enquirer-Sun
Columbus, Georgia
July 24, 1906
Shreveport, La., July 23. - The engine of a local freight train on the Kansas City Southern overturned in a collision with a herd of cattle just outside the local yards this morning, Engineer Frank Andrews was killed and Fireman George Holten injured.
The Columbus Enquirer-Sun
Columbus, Georgia
July 24, 1906
1930 - ONE HOTEL GUEST BURNED TO DEATH. EXPLOSION HEARD JUST BEFORE BLAZE IS DISCOVERED AT SHREVEPORT, LA.
Shreveport, La., Jan. 3. - OPAL O'KELLY, 24, of Carthage, Texas, was burned to death when fire destroyed the two upper floors of the three-story Tullos Hotel in the down-town area here early today.
A score of men and women, guests in the hotel, were aroused from sleep by the fire and narrowly escaped death. Many fled through smoke and flame in their night clothes and left many of their effects. O'KELLY was burned almost beyond recognition.
C. C. SHADOWENS, of DeBerry, Texas, an automobile mechanic, occupying the room with O'KELLY, made a vain effort to rescue his companion. He dragged him out of the room to the front of the building within a few feet of the fire escape but there was forced to drop him because of the flames and flee for his own life.
Guests told firemen that an explosion was heard just before the blaze was discovered. The fire was believed to have originated in the hallway immediately outside the room occupied by the two Texans.
Statesville Landmark
North Carolina
January 6, 1930
Shreveport, La., Jan. 3. - OPAL O'KELLY, 24, of Carthage, Texas, was burned to death when fire destroyed the two upper floors of the three-story Tullos Hotel in the down-town area here early today.
A score of men and women, guests in the hotel, were aroused from sleep by the fire and narrowly escaped death. Many fled through smoke and flame in their night clothes and left many of their effects. O'KELLY was burned almost beyond recognition.
C. C. SHADOWENS, of DeBerry, Texas, an automobile mechanic, occupying the room with O'KELLY, made a vain effort to rescue his companion. He dragged him out of the room to the front of the building within a few feet of the fire escape but there was forced to drop him because of the flames and flee for his own life.
Guests told firemen that an explosion was heard just before the blaze was discovered. The fire was believed to have originated in the hallway immediately outside the room occupied by the two Texans.
Statesville Landmark
North Carolina
January 6, 1930
Shreveport is the snowiest place in Louisiana, averaging 0.8 inches (2.0 cm) per year.
National Weather Service
National Weather Service
Shreveport, Louisiana is a lively city with a lot to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do to make the most of your time there:
Eldorado Resort Casino: If you're feeling lucky or just want to enjoy some entertainment, the Eldorado Resort Casino is a popular spot. They have a wide range of slot machines, table games, and live entertainment options.
Louisiana Boardwalk: This bustling shopping and entertainment complex is located on the scenic Red River. You can shop at various outlets, dine at restaurants, or take a stroll along the riverfront.
Sci-Port Discovery Center: Ideal for families, Sci-Port is a hands-on science center with interactive exhibits. It's both fun and educational, making it a great place for kids and adults alike.
Barksdale Global Power Museum: Located on Barksdale Air Force Base, this museum offers an interesting look at the history of aviation and the military in the region. It's free to visit but check their website for base access information.
R.W. Norton Art Gallery: This stunning art gallery features an impressive collection of American and European art, surrounded by... Read MORE...
Eldorado Resort Casino: If you're feeling lucky or just want to enjoy some entertainment, the Eldorado Resort Casino is a popular spot. They have a wide range of slot machines, table games, and live entertainment options.
Louisiana Boardwalk: This bustling shopping and entertainment complex is located on the scenic Red River. You can shop at various outlets, dine at restaurants, or take a stroll along the riverfront.
Sci-Port Discovery Center: Ideal for families, Sci-Port is a hands-on science center with interactive exhibits. It's both fun and educational, making it a great place for kids and adults alike.
Barksdale Global Power Museum: Located on Barksdale Air Force Base, this museum offers an interesting look at the history of aviation and the military in the region. It's free to visit but check their website for base access information.
R.W. Norton Art Gallery: This stunning art gallery features an impressive collection of American and European art, surrounded by... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Shreveport Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
We currently have information about 17 ancestors who were born or died in Shreveport.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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