History
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITY OF BOSSIER CITY
By Clifton D. Cardin, Official Bossier Parish
Historian
The area of Bossier City dates back to
the 1830's when it was the Elysian Groves Plantation of
James and Mary Cane. Steamboat loads of cotton, corn, and
sweet potatoes were shipped to markets in the south and
east, from the plantation port known to many as "Cane's
Landing."
During the Civil War, several companies
of local confederate soldiers left Cane's Landing aboard
steamboats for the distant battlefields. During the war,
the riverfront was protected from Union invasion by the
artillery embankments of Battery's Price, Walker and Ewell.
The confederate Fort Smith stood near what is now Bossier
High School and protected the area from an eastern invasion.
Many, many early settlers passed through
the region on their way to the Wild West. By 1850, over
200 wagons a week were passing through Bossier City. Some
of these settlers stayed, attracted by the fertile soil
and lush river valley.
By 1882, the plantation was at the center
of the convergence of the infamous Shed Road, The Red River
steamboat waterway and the soon to arrive "Iron Horse" railroad.
The plantation was reached from the west, across the Red
River by means of a ferryboat named the "Sterling
White."
Anna B., granddaughter of James and Mary,
together with her husband J. J. Stockwell, felt the area
would prosper and began promoting the idea of a riverfront
city. Anna B. and J. J. Stockwell started selling lots
in their newly formed Bossier City on October 5, 1883.
The area grew quickly, as did transportation through it.
The golden spike, commemorating the completion
of the east-west Vicksburg, Shreveport and Pacific Railroad,
was driven at Bossier City on July 12, 1884, by Julia "Pansy" Rule.
It was the first such spike driven by a woman. The north-south
Shreveport and Arkansas Railroad was completed through
Bossier City on April 6, 1888. The Louisiana-Arkansas Railroad
was completed through on November 2, 1909. The Dixie Overland
Highway from the east to west coast was built through Bossier
City in 1918. These railroads and highways combined to
make Bossier City a hub for future activity.
Bossier City's population expanded from
775 citizens in 1910, to 3,000 in 1930, 5,000 in 1940 and
15,260 in 1950, with another 10,000 living just outside
the city. By 1950, Bossier City attained the designation "The
Fastest Growing City in Louisiana." In 1997, that
population was approximately 55,000.
A devastating fire, on June 23, 1925,
consumed one-half of downtown Bossier City. That tragedy
found local citizens unable to battle the ferocious blaze.
The loss spurred civic improvements including a modern
water system, capable of fighting such fires, a New City
Hall, a modern fire alarm system, modern sidewalks and
the first city park.
An area south of Bossier City was chosen
in 1928 to house a National Guard air squadron. Barksdale
Field was officially dedicated February 3, 1933. It was
later renamed Barksdale Air Force Base, and is home to
the "mighty" Eighth Air Force. It's social and
economic impact to Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana
has never been questioned. From this, two major city arteries
derive their names, Barksdale Blvd and Airline Dr.
By 1900, Bossier City was the domicile
of several large factories. Hamilton's Cotton Oil Mill,
from which Hamilton Road gains its name, is a perfect
example of an early factory. The mill processed cottonseed
and produced cotton oil; from which hundreds of items ranging
from oil and animal feed to early plastics were made.
The discovery of petroleum crude oil,
to the south, in 1908, thrust Bossier City into the nationwide
oil boom. Bossier's central location to the many rural
oil fields made it a major player in the oil patch.
Several international oil companies located
here. The economic advantages brought by "black gold" fueled
many more civic, social and economic improvements.
Bossier City's name has always been unique.
First known as Cane's Landing, it was briefly referred
to as Alexander’s Precinct and Caneville. It was
first officially named and incorporated as the Village
of Bossier City, then the Town of Bossier City and the
City of Bossier City.
At one time, postal employees refused
to deliver mail addressed to the Town of Bossier City,
declaring it was just a town, not really a city. It took
legislative action, initiated by Overton Brooks to have
the United States Postal Service recognize the name of
the Town of Bossier City. Thus the present name, The City
of Bossier City. The ever-expanding city limits have grown
to encompass the old railroad stations and communities
of Brownlee, Barksdale, Bleinhem, Ferguson, Fosters, Fullilove,
Hinkle and Shady Grove.
Bossier City has thrived because it is
transitional. First a cotton exporting river landing, next
a railroad town, then an airbase and oil-boom town, it
now garners attention, tourism and an economic boost from
the newest boom, recreational gaming. Three riverboats,
Horseshoe, Casino Magic and Isle of Capri line Bossier
City's developing riverfront.
Bossier's officials have repeatedly foreseen
the future and worked for the improvements that forward
striving people realize. It now stands ready to approach
and face the new century and millennium.
