The college city of Ruston, with a population of 23,000, sits in the heart of Louisiana’s peach country, 35 miles south of the Arkansas state line.

Ruston’s historic district dates back to its inception in 1884, when land mogul Robert E. Russ donated acreage to the Vicksburg, Shreveport, and Pacific Railroad in order to develop a depot center on his land.

Ruston eventually became a leading education base and home to Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University. But it was the founding of the Louisiana Chautauqua Society in 1890 that gave academic credibility to the city, with its members playing host to the country’s most noted philosophers, writers, and politicians.

The Lincoln Parish Museum at North Vienna Street is the best place to delve into the town’s history as well as the roots of the Chautauqua Society.

Although there are no significant attractions in the town, Louisiana Tech University does offer a sideline attraction for children at its museum, The Idea Place. There is also an art gallery, planetarium, and arboretum.

The Louisiana Peach Festival is held each June, and the celebrated Jimmie Davis Tabernacle, an annual homecoming parade, takes place in October. Former Ruston resident and two-term state governor (1944-48 and 1960-64), Jimmie Davis was also a country music artist who recorded “You Are My Sunshine.” Not surprisingly, his vocals won him both elections.

Ruston has a regional airport, and I-20 and Hwys 80/87 link Ruston to Shreveport, Louisiana and Vicksburg, Mississippi.