Bossier City, Louisiana
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Bossier City is a city located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,461.
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Geography
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Location of Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier City is located at 32°31'4" North, 93°41'29" West (32.517651, -93.691397)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 107.8 km² (41.6 mi²). 105.8 km² (40.8 mi²) of it is land and 2.0 km² (0.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.90% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 56,461 people, 21,197 households, and 14,901 families residing in the city. The population density is 533.8/km² (1,382.6/mi²). There are 23,026 housing units at an average density of 217.7/km² (563.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 71.44% White, 22.74% African American, 0.57% Native American, 1.73% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.44% from other races, and 1.97% from two or more races. 3.95% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 21,197 households out of which 36.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% are married couples living together, 15.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% are non-families. 24.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.58 and the average family size is 3.09.
In the city the population is spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $36,561, and the median income for a family is $42,642. Males have a median income of $30,632 versus $22,174 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,032. 14.8% of the population and 11.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.9% of those under the age of 18 and 11.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
The area of Bossier City dates back to the 1830's when it was the Elysian Groves Plantation of James and Mary Cane. Steamboat loads of cotton, corn, and sweet potatoes were shipped to markets in the south and east, from the plantation port known to many as "Cane's Landing."
During the Civil War, several companies of local confederate soldiers left Cane's Landing aboard steamboats for the distant battlefields. During the war, the riverfront was protected from Union invasion by the artillery embankments of Battery's Price, Walker and Ewell. The confederate Fort Smith stood near what is now Bossier High School and protected the area from an eastern invasion.
Many, many early settlers passed through the region on their way to the wild west. By 1850, over 200 wagons a week were passing through Bossier City. Some of these settlers stayed, attracted by the fertile soil and lush river valley.
By 1882, the plantation was at the center of the convergence of the infamous Shed Road, The Red River steamboat waterway and the soon to arrive "Iron Horse" railroad. The plantation was reached from the west, across the Red River by means of a ferry boat named the "Sterling White."
Anna B., granddaughter of James and Mary, together with her husband J. J. Stockwell, felt the area would prosper and began promoting the idea of a riverfront city. Anna B. and J. J. Stockwell started selling lots in their newly formed Bossier City on October 5, 1883. The area grew quickly, as did transportation through it.
The golden spike, commemorating the completion of the east-west Vicksburg, Shreveport and Pacific Railroad, was driven at Bossier City on July 12, 1884, by Julia "Pansy" Rule. It was the first such spike driven by a woman. The north-south Shreveport and Arkansas Railroad was completed through Bossier City on April 6, 1888. The Louisiana-Arkansas Railroad was completed through on November 2, 1909. The Dixie Overland Highway from the east to west coast was built through Bossier City in 1918. These railroads and highways combined to make Bossier City a hub for future activity.
Bossier City's population expanded from 775 citizens in 1910, to 3,000 in 1930, 5,000 in 1940 and 15,260 in 1950, with another 10,000 living just outside the city. By 1950, Bossier City attained the designation "The Fastest Growing City in Louisiana." In 1997, that population was approximately 55,000.
A devastating fire, on June 23, 1925, consumed one-half of downtown Bossier City. That tragedy found local citizens unable to battle the ferocious blaze. The loss spurred civic improvements including a modern water system, capable of fighting such fires, a new City Hall, a modern fire alarm system, modern sidewalks and the first city park.
An area south of Bossier City was chosen in 1928 to house a National Guard air squadron. Barksdale Field was officially dedicated February 3, 1933. It was later renamed Barksdale Air Force Base, and is home to the "mighty" Eighth Air Force. It's social and economic impact to Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana has never been questioned. From this, two major city arteries derive their names, Barksdale Blvd and Airline Dr.
By 1900, Bossier City was the domicile of several large factories. Hamilton's Cotton Oil Mill, from which Hamilton Road gains it's name, is a perfect example of an early factory. The mill processed cotton seed and produced cotton oil, from which hundreds of items ranging from oil and animal feed to early plastics were made.
The discovery of petroleum crude oil, to the south, in 1908, thrust Bossier City into the nationwide oil boom. Bossier's central location to the many rural oil fields made it a major player in the oil patch.
Several international oil companies located here. The economic advantages brought by "black gold" fueled many more civic, social and economic improvements.
Bossier City's name has always been unique. First known as Cane's Landing, it was briefly referred to as Alexanders Precinct and Caneville. It was first officially named and incorporated as the Village of Bossier City, then the Town of Bossier City and the City of Bossier City.
At one time, postal employees refused to deliver mail addressed to the Town of Bossier City, declaring it was just a town, not really a city. It took legislative action, initiated by Overton Brooks to have the United States Postal Service recognize the name of the Town of Bossier City. Thus the present name, The City of Bossier City. The ever expanding city limits have grown to encompass the old railroad stations and communities of Brownlee, Barksdale, Bleinhem, Ferguson, Fosters, Fullilove, Hinkle and Shady Grove.
Bossier City has thrived because it is transitional. First a cotton exporting river landing, next a railroad town, then an airbase and oil-boom town, it now garners attention, tourism and an economic boost from the newest boom, recreational gaming. Three riverboats, Horseshoe, Casino Magic and Isle of Capri line Bossier City's developing riverfront.
Bossier's officials have repeatedly foreseen the future and worked for the improvements that forward striving people realize. It now stands ready to approach and face the new century and millennium.
Other Notable Information
Bossier City is the location of Barksdale Air Force Base, home of the 2nd Bomb Wing, 8th Air Force, and 917th Wing. It was established February 2nd, 1933 and is one of the areas largest employers. Barksdale encompasses 22,000 acres and hosts the majority of the B-52 Stratofortresses used by the United States Air Force.