Shreveport, LA Summary

photo by gusto

Once a prosperous city dominated by cotton crops, Shreveport became the state’s third capital during the Civil War. Incorporated as a town on the banks of the Red River in 1839, Shreveport was also the last Confederate capital to surrender to the victorious Union army, seven weeks after the defeat of the Confederacy at Appomattox.

Shreveport (population 200,000) is proud of its Southern heritage.

The economy was based around oil, lumber, and agriculture; the introduction of river casinos to the city has largely turned its foundering economy around. Together with its sister city, Bossier City, which nestles on the river’s eastern shores, Shreveport is redeveloping its combined six historic districts (see entry on Bossier City, page 358), including the riverfront. Since the mooring of the river casinos, the Red River entertainment district has begun to transform itself into a funky nighttime venue, covering the spectrum of jazz, Cajun music, and, of course, the blues.

In the way of cultural appeal, Shreveport offers little more than the Sci-Port Discovery Center and IMAX Dome Theater as well as the the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Vehicle Museum, which has an interesting collection of fast cars and vintage roadsters. But there is a little piece of Elvis Presley trivia worth noting. The Municipal Auditorium was once the venue for the “Louisiana Hayride” show, where the young Elvis made his first radio appearance in 1954. After that there was no stopping him.

Greater Shreveport Airport services the city; buses are available.