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Beauregard Parish, Louisiana
BeauregardCourthouse
Beauregard Parish Courthouse in DeRidder
Map of Louisiana highlighting Beauregard Parish
Location in the state of Louisiana
Map of the U.S
Louisiana's location in the U.S.
Founded January 1, 1913
Named for P. G. T. Beauregard
Seat DeRidder
Largest city DeRidder
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water

1,166 sq mi (3,020 km²)
1,157 sq mi (2,997 km²)
8.5 sq mi (22 km²), 0.7
Population
 - (2020)
 - Density

36,549
Congressional district 4th
Time zone Central: UTC-6/-5
Website http://www.beauparish.org

Beauregard Parish (French: Paroisse de Beauregard) is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,549.[1] The parish seat is DeRidder.[2] The parish was formed on January 1, 1913.[3]

Beauregard Parish comprises the DeRidder, LA Micropolitan Statistical Area. The governing body is by the police jury system.

History[]

Spanish and French Rule[]

Until 1762, the land that would eventually become Beauregard Parish was a part of the Spanish holdings in Louisiana, as, at that time, the border between Spain and France was acknowledged as the Rio Hondo (now known as the Calcasieu river); however the land between the Rio Hondo and the Sabine river was in some dispute as the French were beginning to occupy land on the west side of the Rio Hondo. In 1762, King Louis XV of France secretly gave Louisiana to Spain in the Treaty of Fontainebleau. From 1762 to 1800, the region was a part of New Spain. In 1800, the secret Third Treaty of San Ildefonso transferred possession of Louisiana back to the French, although Spain continued to administer the land until 1803. In this period, the only European settlers to the land that would become Beauregard Parish were a few individuals with Spanish land grants.[4]

Neutral Ground[]

After the Louisiana Purchase by the United States in 1803, the region stretching from the Sabine River in the west to the Calcasieu River in the east was claimed by both Spain and the United States, leading to little law enforcement by either country. In order to avoid a war over the border, the two countries agreed that the land in contention would remain neutral and free of armed forces from either side. The area became known as the Neutral Ground or the Sabine Free State. During this period, the armies in the area—those of the United States and Spain—allowed the running of a ferry, enabling places such as Burr's Ferry in Vernon Parish, to prosper. The rest of the area was lawless, except for the occasional joint military venture to rid the area of "undesirables". However, even with the border dispute, several pioneers did settle the land during this period and were eventually given 3rd class homestead claims.[4] The Adams-Onís Treaty, signed in 1819 and ratified in 1821, recognized the U.S. claim, setting the final Louisiana western border at the Sabine River.[5]

Parish origin[]

In 1804, the United States organized present-day Louisiana as the Territory of Orleans. In 1805 the territory was further divided into 12 counties. Opelousas County included the entire southwestern section of the state, and extending almost to the Mississippi River in the northeast. By 1807 the counties were reorganized into parishes. St. Landry was one of the original nineteen civil parishes established by the Louisiana Legislature. St. Landry was the largest parish in Louisiana, called the Imperial St. Landry Parish. For a short period after the fall of New Orleans during the Civil War, Opelousas was not just the county seat but was the state capitol (until it was permanently moved to Baton Rouge). Calcasieu Parish was created 24 March 1840 from the western portion of Saint Landry Parish. Calcasieu Parish has since been divided into five smaller parishes. The original area of Calcasieu Parish was called Imperial Calcasieu Parish.

The bill to create Beauregard Parish out of the northern area of Imperial Calasieu Parish was passed in 1912 and took effect at the beginning of 1913.[3] The Parish was named after P.G.T. Beauregard, a Confederate general.[6]

Parish organization[]

Although one faction wanted the town of Singer to be the parish seat, DeRidder was chosen by a majority of voters on 15 October 1912. (Today, the unincorporated community of Singer still exists and includes a post office, store, and school.) The parish was organized with a police jury as the governing body. Interim, county-wide police jury, judge and justice were appointed. However, on 3 December 1912, an election was held for the offices of sheriff, clerk of court, assessor, coroner, superintendent of public education, police juror, justice of the peace, constable, and members of the school board in each of the wards in the parish.

Native Americans[]

At least four tribes lived in Beauregard Parish around the time it was founded. One was about six miles south of Sugartown on Indian Branch, another was just north of the old W.B. Welborn home on Bundick Creek, another was along the mouth of Anacoco Creek and another at Merryville, across the street from where Merryville High School now stands.[7]

The 1941 military build-up[]

On November 28, 1941, a United Service Organizations was opened in DeRidder. (Of the more than 500 USO's opened during WW II, this was the first off-post USO to open in the U.S.) 89,000 soldiers visited the DeRidder USO; 15,000 took showers; and 27,000 viewed movies. The building was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on 25 February 1992.[8]

August through September 1941 saw the locally stationed military engaged in the Louisiana Maneuvers—the largest military maneuver in United States history (with more than 500,000 soldiers training for war).[9] The rapid influx of so many military personnel created problems that stemmed, in part, from alcohol overconsumption. In response, residents of Beauregard Parish voted to become a dry parish.

Law enforcement[]

The parish level police agency is the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. The current Sheriff (2020)is Mark V. Herford

Geography[]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 1,166 square miles (3,020 km2), of which 1,157 square miles (3,000 km2) is land and 8.5 square miles (22 km2) (0.7%) is water.[10]

Major highways[]

  • US 171 U.S. Highway 171
  • US 190 U.S. Highway 190
  • Louisiana 12 Louisiana Highway 12
  • Louisiana 26 Louisiana Highway 26
  • Louisiana 27 Louisiana Highway 27

Adjacent counties and parishes[]

Demographics[]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1920 20,767
1930 14,569 −29.8%
1940 14,847 1.9%
1950 17,766 19.7%
1960 19,191 8.0%
1970 22,888 19.3%
1980 29,692 29.7%
1990 30,083 1.3%
2000 32,986 9.6%
2010 35,654 8.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790-1960[12] 1900-1990[13]
1990-2000[14] 2010-2020[1]

2020 census[]

Beauregard Parish racial composition[15]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 29,039 79.45%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 4,082 11.17%
Native American 273 0.75%
Asian 222 0.61%
Pacific Islander 27 0.07%
Other/Mixed 1,635 4.47%
Hispanic or Latino 1,271 3.48%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 36,549 people, 13,520 households, and 9,219 families residing in the parish.

2000 census[]

As of the census[16] of 2000, there were 32,986 people, 12,104 households, and 9,078 families residing in the parish. The population density was 28 people per square mile (11/km2). There were 14,501 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the parish was 84.25% White, 12.92% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. 1.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 12,104 households, out of which 36.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.60% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.00% were non-families. 22.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the parish, 27.50% of the population are under the age of 18; 8.60% aged from 18 to 24; 28.70% aged from 25 to 44; 23.30% aged from 45 to 64; and 11.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.90 males.

The median income for a household in the parish was $32,582, and the median income for a family was $37,886. Males had a median income of $35,268 versus $19,639 for females. The per capita income for the parish was $15,514. About 13.00% of families and 15.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 15.50% of those age 65 or over.


Education[]

Beauregard Parish School Board operates the parish public schools.[17]

It is in the service area of Sowela Technical Community College.[18]

National Guard[]

The A Company, 3-156th Infantry Battalion is based in De Ridder. This unit deployed to Iraq twice as part of the 256th IBCT, in 2004-5 and 2010.

Communities[]

Map of Beauregard Parish Louisiana With Municipal Labels

Map of Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, with town labels

City[]

  • DeRidder (parish seat and largest municipality)

Town[]

  • Merryville

Unincorporated areas[]

Census-designated places[]

  • Longville
  • Oretta
  • Singer
  • Sugartown

Unincorporated communities[]

  • Dry Creek
  • Graybow
  • Junction
  • Ragley[19]

National Register of Historic Places[]

There are 12 places listed on the National Register of Historic Places including the Beauregard Parish Courthouse, the Beauregard Parish Jail, the Beauregard Parish Training School, the DeRidder Commercial Historic District and the Burks House. See National Register of Historic Places listings in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana.

Politics[]

United States presidential election results for Beauregard Parish, Louisiana[20]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 13,575 82.99% 2,542 15.54% 240 1.47%
2016 12,238 81.16% 2,393 15.87% 447 2.96%
2012 11,112 78.12% 2,828 19.88% 285 2.00%
2008 10,718 76.15% 3,071 21.82% 285 2.03%
2004 9,470 71.30% 3,666 27.60% 145 1.09%
2000 7,862 64.42% 3,958 32.43% 385 3.15%
1996 5,526 44.21% 4,925 39.40% 2,048 16.39%
1992 5,119 40.79% 5,037 40.13% 2,395 19.08%
1988 6,466 57.30% 4,704 41.69% 114 1.01%
1984 7,353 63.13% 4,199 36.05% 96 0.82%
1980 5,250 47.47% 5,556 50.24% 253 2.29%
1976 3,196 36.38% 5,322 60.57% 268 3.05%
1972 4,955 69.41% 1,728 24.21% 456 6.39%
1968 1,615 22.33% 1,569 21.70% 4,048 55.97%
1964 3,349 52.34% 3,049 47.66% 0 0.00%
1960 2,432 40.77% 2,903 48.67% 630 10.56%
1956 2,711 52.68% 2,276 44.23% 159 3.09%
1952 789 44.20% 996 55.80% 0 0.00%
1948 449 12.93% 1,653 47.60% 1,371 39.48%
1944 759 25.43% 2,226 74.57% 0 0.00%
1940 528 16.47% 2,677 83.53% 0 0.00%
1936 549 20.11% 2,181 79.89% 0 0.00%
1932 146 5.92% 2,319 94.08% 0 0.00%
1928 468 23.62% 1,513 76.38% 0 0.00%
1924 235 16.47% 1,191 83.46% 1 0.07%
1920 202 14.83% 1,146 84.14% 14 1.03%
1916 59 5.73% 968 94.07% 2 0.19%



See also[]

  • Louisiana (New France)

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Beauregard Parish, Louisiana". quickfacts.census.gov. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/22011.html. 
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx. 
  3. ^ a b Gremillion, John Berton (2008). "Beauregard Parish". McNeese State University. http://library.mcneese.edu/depts/archive/FTBooks/gremillion-beauregard.htm. 
  4. ^ a b [Claims to Land Between the Rio Hondo and Sabine Rivers in Louisiana. Communicated to the Senate January 31, 1825]
  5. ^ "Archived copy". http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/adamonis.htm.  -Treaty
  6. ^ "Beauregard Tourist Commission - Travel information, Historical Landmarks, Travel Planner" (in en). http://www.beauregardtourism.com/. 
  7. ^ "Archived copy". http://www.mylouisianagenealogy.com/la-county-beauregard.html. 
  8. ^ "Archived copy". http://www.library.beau.org/museum/uso.html. 
  9. ^ "Louisiana Maneuvers (1940-41) | HistoryNet" (in en-US). http://www.historynet.com/louisiana-maneuvers-1940-41.htm. 
  10. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_22.txt. 
  11. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html. 
  12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu. 
  13. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/la190090.txt. 
  14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf. 
  15. ^ "Explore Census Data". https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US22011&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2. 
  16. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov. 
  17. ^ "Find Schools in the USA and Canada". http://louisiana.schooltree.org/district/Beauregard-Parish-School-Board-005491.html. 
  18. ^ "Our Colleges". Louisiana's Technical and Community Colleges. https://www.lctcs.edu/our-colleges. Retrieved 2021-06-03. 
  19. ^ Ragley isn't incorporated according to the State's official website for Beauregard Parish Archived 2012-07-22 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS. 

External links[]

Geology

Template:Louisiana parishes

Coordinates: 30°39′N 93°20′W / 30.65, -93.34


This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
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