Shreveport

Shreveport is a large city in northwestern Louisiana that stretches across Caddo and Bossier Parishes at the junction of the Red River and Interstate 20. The city sits at an elevation of roughly 150 feet (46 meters) above sea level and connects both parishes along the river corridor.

The city began in 1836 when Henry Miller Shreve removed the Great Raft, a natural accumulation of logs that blocked navigation on the Red River. This clearance allowed commercial transport and opened the region to trade and settlement.

The Louisiana State Fair takes place every year since 1906, featuring agricultural exhibits, entertainment programs, and regional food demonstrations at the fairgrounds. Visitors experience how the local community shares its farming traditions and culinary specialties during the event.

Barksdale Air Force Base sits roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of downtown and employs thousands of military and civilian workers. The base contributes significantly to the regional economy and shapes life in the surrounding area.

The Red River Revel happens every October and transforms Festival Plaza into a marketplace with regional artists, performers, and food vendors from Louisiana. The event draws visitors from across the region who come to discover the diverse crafts and local specialties.

Location: Caddo Parish

Location: Bossier Parish

Inception: 1836

Elevation above the sea: 46 m

Website: https://shreveportla.gov

GPS coordinates: 32.50806,-93.76278

Latest update: December 16, 2025 05:13