Cities and Towns in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1844, Morehouse Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Morehouse Parish was formed from parts of Carroll Parish and Ouachita Parish. The city of Bastrop is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 67, Morehouse Parish has a population of 25,025 and area of 805 square miles (2,085 km²).
List of all cities in Morehouse Parish, LA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Bastrop, LA | 71220 | 318 |
71221 | 318 | |
Beekman, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Bonita, LA | 71223 | 318 |
Collinston, LA | 71229 | 318 |
Dewdrop, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Jones, LA | 71250 | 318 |
Log Cabin, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Mer Rouge, LA | 71261 | 318 |
Oak Ridge, LA | 71264 | 318 |
Perryville, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Shelton, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Upland, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Wardville, LA | 71220 | 318 |
Major Cities and Towns in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
1. Bastrop, Louisiana
Location and History
Bastrop is the parish seat and largest city in Morehouse Parish, located in northeastern Louisiana. The city was founded in 1852 by the influential settler and developer Baron de Bastrop, a Dutch immigrant who played a key role in the development of northeastern Louisiana. Bastrop grew rapidly as a result of the cotton industry and its strategic location near Bayou Bartholomew, one of the largest natural waterways in the state. Over time, Bastrop became a hub for both agriculture and timber, and it later developed a strong industrial base, including paper manufacturing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bastrop is home to key educational institutions, including Bastrop High School and Delta Magnet School. A significant local landmark is the Snyder Museum and Creative Arts Center, which highlights local history and culture. The Morehouse Parish Courthouse, built in 1914, is another historic site. Bastrop also boasts outdoor recreational spaces, such as Chemin-A-Haut State Park, located just north of the city, which is known for its scenic hiking trails, boating, and camping. The annual Bastrop Christmas Parade is a popular event that brings the community together.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 8.4 square miles
- Population: 10,395 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71220, 71221
- Latitude: 32.7568° N
- Longitude: 91.9062° W
2. Mer Rouge, Louisiana
Location and History
Mer Rouge is a small village located in the central part of Morehouse Parish. The village was founded in the early 19th century and its name, which means “Red Sea” in French, is believed to have been inspired by the red clay soil in the area. Mer Rouge developed primarily as an agricultural community, with cotton, corn, and later soybeans as the main crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century boosted the local economy by providing new means to transport goods to larger markets. Today, Mer Rouge remains a rural village with strong agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mer Rouge is served by nearby schools in Bastrop, such as Morehouse Junior High School and Bastrop High School. One of the village’s most significant landmarks is the Mer Rouge Methodist Church, which dates back to the 1800s and remains an active congregation. The village is also close to Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in North America, offering fishing and boating opportunities. The annual Mer Rouge Christmas Parade is a local tradition that celebrates the village’s community spirit and heritage.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 498 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71261
- Latitude: 32.7771° N
- Longitude: 91.7976° W
3. Oak Ridge, Louisiana
Location and History
Oak Ridge is a small village located in the southern part of Morehouse Parish. Established in the mid-19th century, Oak Ridge developed as a rural agricultural community, primarily focused on cotton farming. The town’s name reflects the abundance of oak trees in the area, which became a defining feature of its landscape. Despite its small size, Oak Ridge played a significant role in the local agricultural economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the village maintains its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oak Ridge is served by schools in nearby communities, such as Bastrop, including Bastrop High School and Delta Junior High School. Notable landmarks include the historic Oak Ridge Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community for over a century. The village’s location near Bayou Bartholomew offers residents access to natural beauty and recreational activities such as fishing and birdwatching. Oak Ridge also hosts small community events that celebrate its agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 110 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71264
- Latitude: 32.6196° N
- Longitude: 91.7518° W
4. Collinston, Louisiana
Location and History
Collinston is a small village located in northeastern Morehouse Parish. Founded in the late 19th century, Collinston was established as a result of the expansion of the railroad and the growth of the timber and agricultural industries in the region. The village was named after the Collin family, who were early settlers and prominent local figures. Collinston grew as a center for cotton production, but like many rural communities, it faced economic challenges during the 20th century as the demand for cotton declined. Despite this, Collinston remains a tight-knit, rural community with strong ties to its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Collinston is served by Morehouse Parish schools, including Pine Grove Elementary School and Bastrop High School. A key landmark in the village is the Collinston Baptist Church, which serves as both a religious and social hub for local residents. The surrounding farmland, which produces crops such as cotton, soybeans, and corn, is a significant part of the village’s landscape and economy. Collinston’s proximity to outdoor recreational areas, such as Chemin-A-Haut State Park, provides residents with opportunities for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 283 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71229
- Latitude: 32.6875° N
- Longitude: 91.8710° W
5. Bonita, Louisiana
Location and History
Bonita is a small village located in the northeastern part of Morehouse Parish, near the Arkansas border. Established in the early 20th century, Bonita grew as an agricultural community with cotton, soybeans, and corn as its primary crops. The village’s economy has traditionally been tied to the surrounding farmland, and it remains a predominantly rural community. Despite its small size, Bonita has a rich history of farming and continues to maintain its agricultural traditions today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bonita is served by schools in the nearby town of Bastrop, such as Morehouse Junior High School and Bastrop High School. One of the village’s key landmarks is Bonita Baptist Church, which has been a central gathering place for the community for many decades. The village is also close to Bayou Bartholomew, offering residents access to fishing and other outdoor activities. Although small, Bonita’s community events and agricultural fairs reflect the village’s deep connection to its rural heritage.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 126 (2020 census)
- Zip Code: 71223
- Latitude: 32.9270° N
- Longitude: 91.6645° W