Louisiana’s cultural and architectural diversity shines brightly through its latest additions to the National Register of Historic Places. From the vibrant streets of our metropolitan areas to the charming communities of rural Louisiana, these newly recognized resources showcase the state’s historical richness and commitment to preserving its heritage. In 2024, the National Park Service approved and listed 19 historic resources, including 11 individual buildings, one historic site, four new historic districts, and three historic district updates. These resources span various periods and architectural styles, representing a broad spectrum of Louisiana’s distinctive cultural and architectural heritage in both rural and urban communities.
In north Louisiana, there were three new listings. The Cross Lake Pumping & Filtration Plant in Shreveport was listed at the local level under Criterion A for Community Planning & Development as an example of early 20th-century infrastructure that became an integral water supply and shaped urban development in the city. Price’s Beauty Shop in Monroe was listed under Criterion A at the local level for its contributions to Commerce, Social History, and Ethnic Heritage: Black. Constructed in 1957, this one-room beauty shop served as a community hub for beauty, entrepreneurship, and free speech for the African American community of Monroe during segregation. The First National Bank in Lake Providence was listed under Criterion A for its contributions to commerce within the town and under Criterion C for its New Formalism architecture.
Rapides Parish in Central Louisiana saw two new listings. The Shiloh Baptist Church in Alexandria was listed as a locally significant example of Late Victorian/Romanesque Revival architecture. The church also served as an important site for Social History and Ethnic Heritage: Black as one of the few surviving African American churches that provided a social outlet and venue for events, lectures, fundraisers, and celebrations as well as a platform for speakers and community leaders to educate on civil rights efforts. The old Pineville Town Hall was listed for its contributions to Politics and Government as well as for its Art Deco-inspired Architecture. The town hall operated from 1931 to 1974 and served a multitude of functions for the community. It closed in 1974 when the new town hall was constructed.
Fifteen nominations were listed across South Louisiana, including four new historic districts and three district updates. In Southwest Louisiana, one new commercial historic district was created in Calcasieu Parish. The Ryan Street Historic District in Lake Charles recognizes 18 new contributing commercial resources.
In South Central Louisiana, the Crowley Historic District in Acadia Parish received an update that expanded the period of significance to 1966 and increased the boundaries which added 136 contributing resources to the district. The Saint John Cathedral in Lafayette was awarded a boundary increase to incorporate the former Chancery (now Cathedral Center) into the historic boundary and recognize the historic Saint John’s oak on the property. In Saint Martin Parish, the Emile Bergeron Farmstead was listed under Criterion A for agriculture and Criterion C for architecture as a local intact example of a rural farmstead in South Louisiana.
Ten new nominations were added to the Southeast Louisiana region. In Pointe Coupee Parish, the New Roads Historic District was established under Criterion A to recognize the commercial core of the town. Baton Rouge added three nominations. The Keans Apartment Building was listed under Criterion C at the local level for its Art Deco style architecture and under Criterion A at the local and state level for literature as a hub for intellectual thought in the 1930s and 40s. The legacy of literature, history, and music that saw its first thoughts within the walls of this apartment building from notable people like Robert Penn Warren, Albert Erskine, Katherine Anne Porter, and Jean Stafford are now recognized in this nomination. The old Baton Rouge Main Library was listed under Criterion C for its Art Deco style architecture as well as under Criterion A for its contributions to education for the citizens of Baton Rouge as one of the first locations in the city to provide public access to educational resources. Lastly in Baton Rouge, the historic district for Louisiana State University received an update that expanded the period of significance to 1974, and a boundary increase which added 99 contributing resources to the district.
In Iberville Parish, the Towles Musso House was listed under Criterion C for its French Creole architecture. As one of three known Creole architecture houses in the parish, the Towles Musso House stands as a prime example of the style dating from 1830. In Tangipahoa Parish, the Hammond High Gymnasium was recognized under Criterion C for its Classical Revival and Beaux Arts-style architecture. It was also listed under Criterion A for education and entertainment/recreation for its role as the heart of recreation for both school and community functions within Hammond from 1924 to 1974. New Orleans received four new listings throughout the city, including one new historic district and one new site. The Canal Ford Building was listed at the local level under Criterion C for its Brutalist architecture. Saint Claude General Hospital was listed under Criterion A for Health/Medicine for its history as part of the Medicare Program movement. The Hollygrove Historic District added 1,279 contributing resources to the New Orleans area. The district was listed under Criterion A for Community Planning & Development as an example of early suburban growth and development within the city and for Ethnic Heritage: Black and European for its association with the African American and Italian immigrant experience. Finally, Lincoln Beach was listed under Criterion A for Ethnic Heritage: Black, Social History, and Recreation for its history as the only public recreation facility in New Orleans dedicated solely for use by African Americans from 1941-1965.
South Louisiana also achieved one National Historic Landmark designation for the Mr. Charlie Offshore Oil Rig in Morgan City. The landmark designation recognizes the oil rig which revolutionized the offshore oil and gas drilling industry. The concept and design of Mr. Charlie have influenced every offshore drilling rig today.
Each of these newly listed resources contributes to the broader narrative of Louisiana’s history. From the rise of industrial infrastructure to the growth of rural communities and the legacies of African American culture, the diversity of these nominations showcases the state’s complex heritage. The inclusion of these sites in the National Register not only encourages their preservation but also promotes a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s multifaceted identity. As we look ahead, these newly recognized listings will continue to serve as educational resources, tourist destinations, and community focal points, offering future generations the opportunity to connect with the state’s rich history. Through preservation efforts, we honor the stories that have shaped Louisiana and continue to inspire its people.
Of the 20 recently listed resources, at least 10 are in the process of or will be pursuing rehabilitation tax incentives. This drives home the close relationship that the National Register and tax incentive programs maintain as well as how successful the partnership between the two programs has been. More information on each of these nominations can be found in the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation’s National Register Database at www.crt.state.la.us/dataprojectsVS/NRHP. For more information about the National Register process in Louisiana, visit www.louisianahp.org and click National Register.
The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development’s Division of Historic Preservation is in Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism.
