Bossier Parish: A History
Bossier City, located in the northwest area of Louisiana, bustles with the convenience of a big city, while maintaining the charm of its small town heritage. Dating back to 1835, Bossier City was originally known as Bennett's Bluff. Bennett helped design the lay out of Shreveport, Bossier City's neighbor across the Red River. Together, Bennett and his business partner, James Hampshire Cane, owned a plantation on the Bossier side of the river. After her husband's death, Mrs. Bennett married James Hampshire Cane, and the plantation became Cane's Landing. Soon, a community developed around the plantation, and Bennett's Bluff became Cane City.
Louisiana is the only state in the nation where counties are called parishes. This was a division of territory used during the time of the French and Spanish rule for religious and civil administration. In 1843, the State Legislature created Bossier (pronounced "Bozhure") Parish, named for a famous Creole general in the Louisiana Militia. General John Baptiste Bossier served as a member of the Louisiana State Senate for 10 years before becoming a United States Senator. Finally, in 1907, Cane City, located within Bossier Parish, was incorporated as Bossier City.
Today, Bossier City, home of Barksdale Air Force Base, is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Barksdale Air Force Base located in South Bossier has a tremendous social and economic impact to our area. Officially dedicated in 1933 as Barksdale Field, Barksdale Air Force Base is now home to the Eighth Air Force. The Bossier-Shreveport community serves as the trade and cultural center of the 200-mile radius extending into Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas (the "Ark-La-Tex"). Barksdale warriors and B-52s have a proud tradition serving both at home and abroad in support of the Global War on Terrorism; they have played vital roles in combat operations supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In September of 2007, Secretary Michael W. Wynne announced the location of the Provisional Cyber Command would be at BAFB and in January of 2008 Ground was broken on the 64 acre Cyber Innovation Center Research Park.
Bossier City is booming because of the progressive nature of its citizens and political representatives. Bossier has evolved from a cotton exporting river landing to a railroad town, then an air base and oil boom town. Presently, the community attracts people from all over the world with its newest boom- recreational shopping, gaming and entertainment. Bossier City is home to the Mega Shopping Triangle, which includes, Pierre Bossier Mall, Louisiana Boardwalk, Stirling Shopping Center and Villiagio. Five of the six Riverboat casinos make their home in Bossier City/Parish, Horseshoe Casino & Hotel, Harrah's Louisiana Downs Racetrack & Casino, DiamondJacks Casino Resort and BoomTown Casino & Hotel, Sam's Town Casino and Hotel have spurred economic growth and tourism in our area.
What makes life worth living in Bossier Parish? Just ask any of the 100,000 individuals, including 40,000 military retirees, who choose to call Bossier Parish home.
