History of Beauregard Parish, Louisiana
Beauregard Parish, located in southwestern Louisiana, has a rich history shaped by its early French colonial roots, its role in the Civil War, and its agricultural development. Established in 1912, the parish was named after General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, a prominent Confederate officer during the American Civil War. Although a relatively young parish in terms of its official founding, Beauregard’s history spans centuries, reflecting Louisiana’s blend of French, Spanish, and Anglo-American influences. The parish is known for its scenic beauty, its strong agricultural heritage, and its role in the regional economy. Its key historical sites offer insights into the early settlement of the region, the cultural melting pot of Louisiana, and its military history.
Origins of Beauregard Parish
Native American Inhabitants
Before European settlers arrived, the land now known as Beauregard Parish was inhabited by several Native American tribes, primarily the Choctaw and the Atakapa. These groups lived in small villages, relied on the region’s rivers for fishing and transportation, and engaged in hunting and agriculture. The Atakapa, in particular, were known for their skills in fishing and hunting wild game along the abundant waterways of southwestern Louisiana. Though little is known about their specific settlements in the Beauregard area, their presence is part of the ancient heritage of the land.
European settlers, primarily of French and Spanish descent, arrived in the region in the 18th century. The colonial powers’ exploration of the region brought about the displacement and reorganization of Native American populations, although traces of their influence can still be found in local place names and cultural practices. As European settlements expanded, the region’s agricultural potential attracted a growing population of settlers.
French and Spanish Colonial Influence
By the late 1600s, the French had established settlements in Louisiana, and by the mid-1700s, the region that would become Beauregard Parish was part of the larger French Louisiana territory. The area saw considerable French migration, with settlers attracted to the fertile land suitable for rice, sugar, and cotton farming. The French presence in Louisiana left an indelible mark on the region’s culture, language, and traditions, many of which are still visible in Beauregard Parish today.
After the French lost control of Louisiana to Spain in 1763, Spanish influence further shaped the culture of southwestern Louisiana. The Spanish established new settlements and trade routes, creating an intricate network that facilitated the movement of goods and people. When Louisiana became a U.S. territory in 1803, the region was heavily influenced by both French and Spanish cultures, which resulted in a unique blend of traditions, customs, and practices that would shape Beauregard Parish’s identity.
Early American Settlement
The arrival of Anglo-American settlers in the 19th century marked the beginning of significant changes in the region. Louisiana became a state in 1812, and settlers from other parts of the United States began to push further into the southwestern region of the state. These new settlers brought their agricultural practices, such as the cultivation of cotton, corn, and tobacco, to the fertile land. By the mid-1800s, many plantations were established in the region, with enslaved African Americans providing much of the labor force.
In the early 1800s, the land that would become Beauregard Parish was part of the larger Calcasieu Parish. As the population grew, calls for the creation of new parishes arose. Beauregard was established as a separate parish in 1912, carved from sections of Calcasieu, Allen, and Vernon Parishes. The parish was named after Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, a Confederate general during the Civil War, who was born in Louisiana and had strong ties to the state.
Key Historical Events in Beauregard Parish
The Civil War and Beauregard’s Military Legacy
Beauregard Parish’s history during the Civil War is largely defined by its connection to General Pierre Beauregard, after whom the parish was named. Though the parish did not witness any major battles, the broader region of Louisiana was a significant battleground during the war. Beauregard, born in New Orleans, was an early leader of the Confederate Army and played pivotal roles in several key battles, including the defense of New Orleans.
Local communities in Beauregard Parish, like many parts of Louisiana, were deeply divided during the war. Many residents supported the Confederacy, while others, particularly those in areas with strong Unionist sympathies, supported the Union cause. The war disrupted the regional economy and led to significant hardship for the residents, particularly in rural agricultural areas where cotton production had been a major industry.
Beauregard Parish did not experience significant military engagements during the war, but the impact of the conflict was felt in the form of local conscription, wartime shortages, and the eventual collapse of the plantation economy following the end of slavery.
Post-Civil War Reconstruction
The period of Reconstruction that followed the Civil War was a challenging time for Beauregard Parish. Like much of the South, the parish’s agricultural economy had been shattered by the war, and the abolition of slavery created social upheaval. Many of the formerly enslaved people who had worked on the plantations were now free, and their integration into the local economy was difficult, as the region struggled with poverty, racism, and political instability.
The establishment of sharecropping became a significant part of the region’s agricultural recovery, but it often led to an exploitation of freed African Americans, as they found themselves bound to the land by debt and poor working conditions. As Reconstruction came to a close in the 1870s, the local economy began to stabilize, though many of the social and racial tensions that would shape the future of Beauregard Parish remained unresolved.
Agricultural Development in the Early 20th Century
In the decades following the Civil War, Beauregard Parish’s economy began to stabilize, largely due to agriculture. The fertile soil of the region supported the growth of crops such as cotton, rice, and corn, while the timber industry also began to expand in the early 1900s. The establishment of the lumber industry provided jobs and helped fuel the local economy, with sawmills and timber companies becoming major employers in the region.
The construction of railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further integrated Beauregard Parish into the regional economy. The advent of modern transportation allowed goods to be shipped more easily from the parish, expanding its agricultural and timber industries beyond local markets.
Beauregard Parish, despite its relatively young establishment in 1912, quickly became known for its agricultural and natural resources. Over time, the region would also see industrial growth in sectors such as oil and gas production, diversifying its economy.
Historical Sites in Beauregard Parish
Beauregard Parish Museum
Overview:
The Beauregard Parish Museum in DeRidder, the parish seat, is a central institution for preserving and sharing the history of the parish. Housed in a historic building, the museum offers exhibits covering the history of the parish, including its Native American, colonial, and Civil War past, as well as its more modern developments. It also features collections related to local industries, including agriculture, timber, and oil.
Location:
Beauregard Parish Museum, 120 S. Washington Ave, DeRidder, LA 70634
Ticket Price:
Free (donations accepted)
Parking Information:
Parking is available behind the museum and on surrounding streets.
DeRidder Historic District
Overview:
The DeRidder Historic District is a designated area within the city of DeRidder, showcasing architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This district offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural styles and urban development that took place as the city grew during the early 20th century. The district includes several buildings from the post-Civil War era, reflecting both the prosperity and challenges of the period.
Location:
DeRidder Historic District, DeRidder, LA 70634
Ticket Price:
Free to visit
Parking Information:
Street parking is available around the historic district.
Fort Polk Military Base and Heritage Center
Overview:
Although Fort Polk, established in 1941, is a more modern military installation, its heritage plays a significant role in the history of Beauregard Parish. The Fort Polk Heritage Center offers insight into the base’s history, including its role during World War II, the Cold War, and its ongoing use as a training facility. Fort Polk’s military history is intertwined with the history of the region, as it brought significant federal attention to the area and shaped the local economy.
Location:
Fort Polk Heritage Center, Fort Polk, LA 71459
Ticket Price:
Free (visitors must pass through security)
Parking Information:
Parking is available on the base, but visitors must check in at the base’s security office for entry.
Longville Historical Cemetery
Overview:
The Longville Historical Cemetery is one of the oldest burial sites in Beauregard Parish. Located in the Longville area, this cemetery serves as a testament to the region’s early settlers. It is the final resting place of many of the parish’s pioneers, including soldiers from the Civil War and prominent local families. The cemetery is not only a historical site but also a peaceful spot for reflection.
Location:
Longville Historical Cemetery, Longville, LA 70652
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Parking is available near the cemetery.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Beauregard Parish is located in southwestern Louisiana, part of the larger region known as the Acadiana. The parish is characterized by its mix of rural farmland, forests, and swampland, and it is crisscrossed by a number of rivers and creeks. The Sabine River, which forms the western boundary of the parish, is one of the primary water features. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. Annual rainfall is substantial, and the area is occasionally affected by hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Year Founded: 1912
- County Seat: DeRidder
- Population: Approximately 36,000 (as of 2023)
- Population Density: 40 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: DeRidder, Merryville, Longville
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 171, Louisiana State Highway 27
- Adjacent Parishes: Vernon, Allen, Calcasieu, and Sabine
