Alexandria, Louisiana
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| Alexandria, Louisiana | |
 |
|
| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Parish | Rapides Parish |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Jacques Roy |
| Area | |
| - City | 69.9 km² (27.0 sq mi) |
| - Land | 68.4 km² (26.4 sq mi) |
| - Water | 1.5 km² (0.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - City | 46,342 |
| - Density | 1,754.6/km² (4,544.4/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CST (UTC-6) |
| - Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| Website: www.cityofalexandriala.com | |
Alexandria is a city in Louisiana and the parish seat of Rapides Parish. It lies on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of the state. It is the principal city of the Alexandria Metropolitan Area (population 147,000) which encompasses all of Rapides and Grant Parishes. The 2007 population estimate for the City of Alexandria was 49,600.
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[edit] History
Originally home to a community supporting activities of the adjacent Spanish outpost of Post du Rapides, the area developed as a vibrant yet sometimes debaucherous assemblage of traders and merchants in the agricultural lands bordering the mostly unsettled areas to the north, and providing a link to from the south to the El Camino Real and then larger settlement of Natchitoches. Alexander Fulton, a Pennsylvania businessman, received a land grant from Spain in 1785 and the first organized settlement was made at that time. In 1805. Fulton and business partner Thomas Harris Maddox laid out the town plan and named the town after Fulton's infant daughter who died around that time. It was first incorporated as a town in 1818 and received a city charter in 1882.
[edit] The Civil War
Settled by northerners and having little culturally in common with the majority of the Old South, Alexandria found itself in a strange quandary during the American Civil War. Regardless of political inclinations or loyalties to North or South, its location on the Red River made the city a major strategic target. In the spring of 1863, a Union fleet under Admiral David D. Porter, operating on the Red River, cooperated with land forces under General Nathaniel Prentice Banks in pushing the Confederates westward. Alexandria was occupied on May 7, 1863, but the troops were soon withdrawn for the Port Hudson attack. On March 19, 1864, it was again occupied by the Union forces, who made it the point of concentration for another land and naval expedition against E. Kirby Smith and Shreveport. After the check of this expedition and its abandonment, Alexandria was again vacated on the 12th-13th of May, when the city was almost entirely burned, leaving only a few homes owned by friends of Union General Sherman and the city's cathedral which had been defended from fire squads by a shotgun wielding bishop at its front door. The Union gunboats, which had passed up the river toward Shreveport at high water, were caught in its decline above the falls at Alexandria, but they were saved by a splendid piece of engineering (a dam at the falls), constructed by Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bailey, who for this service received the thanks of Congress and the brevet of brigadier-general of volunteers.
[edit] Congressional district
From 1913 to 1993, Alexandria served as the seat of Louisiana's Eighth Congressional district. A staunchly conservative Democratic seat, it was held by The Long family for nearly half of its existence, from 1953 to 1987, broken only by the two terms of Harold B. McSween. The seat was removed after the 1990 census indicated Louisiana no longer had the population to support its justification. The district was split among the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Congressional districts. Alexandria is now in the Fifth district and has been represented by Rodney Alexander, a Republican, since 2003.
[edit] Geography and climate
Alexandria is located at GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 69.9 km² (27.0 mi²). 68.4 km² (26.4 mi²) of it is land and 1.5 km² (0.6 mi²) of it (2.15%) is water.
Alexandria is on a level plain in the center of the Louisiana Longleaf Pine forests, in which pine is interspersed with various hardwoods. A number of small bayous meander throughout the city. In the immediate vicinity of the city, cotton, sugar, alfalfa and garden vegetables are cultivated. The climate is primarily humid subtropical with some continental influence in the winter. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild, with occasional cold snaps. The area receives plentiful rainfall year-round and snowfalls are rare. Tropical storms and hurricanes occasionally affect Alexandria, but usually never cause any severe damage, unlike areas closer to the coast. The most recent hurricane to affect Alexandria was Hurricane Rita in September of 2005, which caused widespead power outages and damaged the roofs of some structures.
[edit] People and culture
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 46,342 people, 17,816 households, and 11,722 families residing in the city. The population density was 677.5/km² (1,754.6/mi²). There were 19,806 housing units at an average density of 289.6/km² (749.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 54.75% Black or African American, 42.60% White, , 0.25% Native American, 1.25% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.98% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 17,816 households out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 23.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.1% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,097, and the median income for a family was $31,978. Males had a median income of $29,456 versus $20,154 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,242. About 23.2% of families and 27.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.7% of those under age 18 and 18.5% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Religion
Like many other Southern cities, the largest single religious denomination in the Alexandria area is Southern Baptist. However, a significant Roman Catholic population also exists. [1] This is probably partially due to the fact that a large Acadian French population resides in and around Alexandria, many from neighboring Avoyelles Parish, who are majority Catholic. Alexandria is the headquarters for the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, which is headed by Bishop Ronald Herzog. Alexandria also has a significant number of Methodists, Episcopalians, Pentecostals, as well as adherents to many other Protestant denominations. Furthermore, Alexandria has a small Jewish community.
[edit] Annual cultural events and festivals
[edit] Mardi Gras
As Alexandria is at the cusp of Cajun culture's extension to the north, the city recognizes Mardi Gras as an official holiday. The annual Mardi Gras parade - occurring on the Sunday before Mardi Gras - on Texas Avenue is a major cultural festivity in the area. Boasted as a true family oriented event, parade goers can enjoy over 20 New Orleans style floats, high school and college marching bands, as well as appearances by local celebrities.
[edit] Cenlabration
Begun in the late 1980s, Cenlabration is one of the largest festivals in Central Louisiana (Cenla). The name comes from Central Louisiana Celebration, and reflects local culture and heritage, as well as serving as a means of celebrating the end of the summer.
As many as three stages support a particular type of music including Cajun and zydeco, blues and jazz, and country music. In addition there are arts and crafts booths for local artists to vendor their wares. In the Children's Village, kids can participate in arts and crafts, listen to storytellers, play games with clowns, and watch a play or two! The festival has plenty of carnival rides available as well. Cenlabration ends with a large fireworks display, lighting up the Cenla sky on the banks of the Red River.
[edit] RiverFest
In 2002, representatives of local government, businesses, organizations, and community formed the nonprofit organization River Cities Cultural Alliance, Inc. to promote tourism and the arts through a celebration of Central Louisiana’s diverse cultural heritage. The nonprofit served to organize and put on RiverFest: Heritage and Arts on the Red. It was a great success with more than 10,000 festival-goers attending the day and a half event.
RiverFest is held in downtown Alexandria and on the Alexandria and Pineville, Louisiana levees. The festival features the work of visual artists from across the South, food booths exemplifying southern cuisine, a variety of children’s activities, three outdoor stages with a wide range of music, dance, and theatrical performances, and a literary component with readings and panel discussions by Louisiana authors and scholars.
[edit] Museums
The Alexandria Museum of Art was founded in 1977 and occupies the historic Rapides Bank Building on the banks of the Red River. The building was built circa 1898 and is listed on the National Historic Register. It opened to the public in March of 1998.
The Louisiana History Museum is located in historic downtown Alexandria. It showcases the social evolution of all of Louisiana, but centers on the history of Central Louisiana, Rapides Parish, and Alexandria. Major exhibit areas deal with Native Americans, Louisiana geography, politics, health care, farming, and the impact of war.
[edit] Media
[edit] Newspapers
Established March 17, 1883, The Town Talk is a daily newspaper serving the Alexandria-Pineville communities, as well as the 12 parishes that make up central Louisiana. The newspaper was family owned and operated until March, 1996, when it was sold to Central Newspapers. In August, 2000, Gannett acquired the Central Newspapers properties including The Town Talk. The name of the paper on its inaugural issue was The Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Although it has since been shorted to the current The Town Talk, it is still frequently referred to by long-time residents as the Daily Town Talk.
[edit] Television
Alexandria is served many local television stations, KALB (NBC, WNTZ (Fox), KLAX (ABC), KLPA (PBS), and KBCA (The CW). KALB has recently signed an affiliation deal with CBS, and has begun carrying CBS programming on digital channel 5.2 / 35.2. Before then, central Louisiana viewers watched CBS on KLFY-TV (out of Lafayette) or KNOE-TV (based in Monroe).
[edit] Radio
Local radio stations
- KSYL 970AM News / Talk / Sports
- KDBS 1410AM : Oldies
- KRRV 100.3FM : Country
- KKST 98.7FM : Rap & Hip Hop
- KQID 93.1FM : Top 40
- KZMZ 96.9FM : Classic Rock
[edit] Parks and outdoor attractions
[edit] Alexandria Zoological Gardens
A popular local attraction is the Alexandria Zoological Gardens. Frequently praised by American zookeeper Jack Hanna, the zoo features over 600 animals from all over the world as well as an award-winning exhibit on the Louisiana habitat.
[edit] Cotile Lake Recreation Area
Cotile Lake is a man-made impoundment located in the uplands approximately 15 miles west northwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The lake is approximately 1,775 acres in size and was completed in October 1965. The Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission stocked this impoundment with the proper species and number of game fish in 1965-66 shortly after its completion date. The recreational facilities include a large area cleared and zoned for swimming with complete bath house facilities nearby. There is a water skiing area that is cleared and snagged for safety of the skiiers. The picnic and camping areas are modern and complete. There is also space available for campers.
[edit] Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area
Encompasses a 2,250 acre lake, 100 acres of developed recreation facilities and a 250 acre primitive camping area all within the Alexander State Forest. The lake, located in central Louisiana, was constructed as a joint venture of the Louisiana Forestry Commission, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, and the Lower West Red River Soil and Water Conservation District as a reservoir for agricultural irrigation in times of need and for recreation purposes.
The recreation area camping area contains 109 campsites with conventional full utility hookups, 3 beaches for swimming, bath houses, a boat launch, and 75 picnic sites. A covered pavilion within the developed area provides for groups up to 100 people. The recreation area is open year round and operates on user fees.
[edit] Kisatchie National Forest
Alexandria sits in the middle of the Kisatchie National Forest. Ranger districts are north, northwest, west and southwest of the city. An abundance of large timberlands and forest nurseries, as well as lake and recreation areas are within a short driving distance.
[edit] Performing arts
A local music festival, Jazz on the River, sponsored by the Arna Bontemps African American Museum is held each April and features a live jazz concert on the banks of the Red River. The Rapides Symphony's annual fall concert Pops in the Park. Families come out for an evening picnic and great tunes! The spring and fall seasons are also welcomed with Downtown Rocks, a free outdoor concert series.
The Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center serves as the home of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, which has been performing in Alexandria for nearly 40 years. Circuses and other traveling performers also stage productions at the Arts Center.
[edit] Sports
Alexandria is the home of the Alexandria Aces minor league baseball team, the 2006 United League Baseball champions. They play their home games at Bringhurst Field
Nearby is Bringhurst Golf Course, popularly known as "the nation's oldest par three course." A full-scale renovation has been planned for the near-future. In addition to Bringhurst, Alexandria is also home to four other golf courses: Oak Wing, The Links on the Bayou, LSUA, and Alexandria Golf and Country Club.
Alexandria once had a minor league ice hockey team, the Alexandria Warthogs. They played their home games at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.
[edit] Notable locals
- John Ardoin, born 1935, well-known music critic for The Dallas Morning News.
- George Bowden, 16-year Alexandria mayor (1953-1969)
- Roy O. Martin, Jr., (1921-2007) businessman and philanthropist
- John K. Snyder, former mayor of Alexandria, (1973-1977; 1982-1986)
- Ned Randolph, 20-year Alexandria mayor (1986-2006)
- Camille Gravel, attorney and noted politician and confidant of many governors
- Arna Bontemps, noted African American poet, author, anthologist, librarian
- Muse Watson, Alexandria native and movie star in 44 major length films
- Faith Ford, television and movie actress
[edit] Military
[edit] Louisiana National Guard
Alexandria is home to the 199th Support Battalion, the logistical component of the 256th Infantry Brigade that served in Iraq in 2004-5. The 199th Support Battalion has most of the transportation and maintenance assests that keep the 256th Brigade operational. The home of the 199th is Camp Beauregard in Pineville. Former bases operated by the National Guard include Camp Livingston to the north and east of Ball and Camp Claiborne.
[edit] England Air Force Base
Alexandria served as the home of England Air Force Base from its origins as an emergency airstrip for Esler Regional Airport until its closure. England AFB was officially closed on December 15, 1992, pursuant to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public Law 101-510) and recommendations of the Defense Secretary's Commission on Base Realignment and Closure. ref>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/england.htm</ref>
[edit] Economy
At the time of the 2000 census, the per capita income in Alexandria was $16,242, compared with $21,587 nationally. Alexandria's native workforce consists of about 55,000 residents.[1] Union Tank Car Company has recently located a plant northwest of Alexandria near the airport creating hundreds of jobs. Expansions at the Procter & Gamble plant and the new PlastiPak plant in nearby Pineville have also created a number of new jobs for the area.
[edit] Port of Alexandria
In the early 1800s, the Port of Alexandria brought goods to the area and shipped cotton and other local products to the rest of the country. A ferry connected the cities of Alexandria and Pineville until a bridge was built across the Red in 1900.
Today, Port facilities include: A 40-ton crane for off-loading, a 15,000 square foot warehouse, 13,600-ton bulk fertilizer warehouse, 3,400-ton bulk fertilizer dome structure and a 5,000-ton dome which was in added January 2005
The petroleum off-loading facility includes two 55,000 BBL tanks, one-15,000 BBL tank capable of handling two barges and five truck off-loading simultaneously. There is also a General cargo dock with access to rail and a hopper barge unloading dock with conveyor system.
Today's modern facilities and the Port's central location with its connection to the Mississippi River provide excellent opportunities for importers and exporters.
[edit] Alexandria International Airport
Alexandria International Airport (AEX)is one of only two International Airports in Louisiana (the other is at New Orleans). In 2006 a new-state-of-the-art passenger terminal was dedicated. Alexandria is served by American, Continental, Delta and Northwest Airlines. Additionally, numerous international charter airlines use the airport in the transport of military personnel attached to the United States Army base at Fort Polk. A new military personnel terminal will open in 2007.
[edit] Neighborhoods
[edit] Downtown
Downtown Alexandria is currently in the process of revitalization. During the past five years, several bars, cafes, and restaurants have opened their doors, including Alexandria own casual fine dining restaurant Diamond Grill, located in the renovated Schnack's Building, Finnegan's Wake, a true Irish pub with 9 imports/microbrews on tap, and Alex 1805, a jazz lounge featuring local art and live music. Across the street is the Hotel Bentley, built in 1908 by lumberman and local eccentric, Joseph A. Bentley. The Hotel Bentley, which was closed on December 12, 2004, was once one of only two four star hotels in Louisiana. The Bentley enjoyed its heydey during the 1940s and 50s, when top brass military officials like General Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed their accommodations for extended periods. The hotel is set to reopen in August of 2007, just in time for the 100th anniversary of its construction.
[edit] Central Alexandria
Area bounded by MacArthur Dr., Masonic Dr., Mason St., Alexandria-Pineville Expressway, and Red River
- Downtown
- West End - former retail center of Alexandria
- Garden District - contains many large historical homes and brick roads
- Poplar Grove
- Hillcrest
- Kent Addition
- Petrus Heights
- Mimosa Place
- Shirley Park
- City Park area - location of Bringhurst Field and Alexandria Zoo
[edit] Northern Alexandria
Area north of Hwy 28 West and MacArthur Dr. and south of the Red River
- Sycamore Place
- Wooddale Park - large public housing development
- North Park Village
- Kellyland
- Walnut Grove
- England Airpark
- Rue Left Bank
- Bonaire
- Grundy Cooper - large older middle class subdivision behind the Rapides Parish Coliseum
- Cloverdale
- Westwind
- St. Andrew's Links Estates - a subdivision being developed around the golf course Links on the Bayou
[edit] Western Alexandria
Area south of Hwy 28 West, west of MacArthur Dr., and north of Versailles Blvd. and Metro Dr.
- The Lakes District - large subdivision under development that contains three lakes and long walking trails and is bounded by a nature preserve
- Briarwood
- L. E. Deselle
- Castle Village
- Wilshire Park
- Charles Park - huge development of large homes primarily built from the late 1960's to the early 1980's
- Hunter's Grove
- Highpoint
- The Centre - commercial development between Jackson St. and MacArthur that contains numerous businesses. A five story office building was built in the late 1970's which now houses Red River Bank. A nearly 100-foot tall high-rise is under construction that will contain Regions Bank.
[edit] Southwestern Alexandria
Area west of Masonic Dr. and south of Versailles Blvd. and Metro Dr.
- Plantation Acres
- Clermont Estates
- Fairfield
- Good Earth - large middle class development built in late 1970's and early 1980's
- Lebanon
- Cherokee Village - tree-shaded neighborhood of large older homes
- Four Leaf Village
- West Pointe on the Bayou - large upper-middle class neighborhood under development since the early 1990's, adjacent to Bayou Roberts
- Bocage
- Crossgates - gated community of patio homes
- Landmark - one of Alexandria's most affluent subdivisions
- Tennyson Oaks - an upper class neighborhood being developed next to Landmark adjacent to Bayou Roberts
[edit] Southern Alexandria
Area east of Masonic Dr. and south of MacArthur Dr.
- Courtland Place
- Bayou Roberts - affluent cul-de-sac bordered by Bayou Roberts
- Goodland Trace
- Horseshoe Gardens
- Deerfield - large middle class development built in 1970's
- Martin Park - combination of middle to upper-class houses built from the 1960's to 1970's
- Collins Estates
- Airview Terrace
- Trail Ridge
[edit] Eastern Alexandria
Area northeast of MacArthur Dr., south of Masonic Dr, Mason St, and Alexandria-Pineville Expressway, and bordered by the Red River
- Alexandria Mall area - retail center of Alexandria
- Wedgewood Downs
- Bacon Place
- Sonia Quarters - large working class neighborhood containing many shotgun-style homes
- Samtown - large wooded working class area
- Woodside
- Parkway
- Lower Third
- Riverbend
- Acadian Village
- Alcase Lorraine
[edit] Surrounding Cities and Towns
[edit] Infrastructure
[edit] Government & Politics
Alexandria has a mayoral-council system of government. The current Mayor - Jacques Roy - serves as the executive branch of the local government while the City Council serves as the legislative branch.
The Alexandria City Court has a limited jurisdiction, consisting of the citizens of Wards 1, 2 and 8 in Rapides Parish. Within those boundaries the court has the power to hear and decide both criminal and civil cases, rule in civil cases and hand down judgment for punishment in criminal cases.
Overall, the people of the Alexandria area tend to be conservative. Even though the majority typically elects Republicans in national elections, they frequently vote for Democrats in local elections.
[edit] Education
Situated south of the city, Louisiana State University at Alexandria (or LSUA) is a regional campus of the state's flagship university system, Louisiana State University. From its establishment in 1959, the campus offered only two-year degrees; students seeking baccalaureate degrees had to commute or move to the main campus in Baton Rouge in order to gain a four-year degree. After 1976 students could either commute or telecommute in order to attend upper level courses, including graduate classes. In 2002, following approval by the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation allowing LSUA to offer baccalaureate degrees.
Founded in 1906, Louisiana College (or LC) is a private, Baptist coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences with selected professional programs. Built upon the principles of character and learning, the College has a tradition of outstanding academics and is the only Baptist, four-year institution in Louisiana. In the spring of each school year, it serves as the home of the Rapides Parish District Literary Rally. George H. W. Bush visited the college in 2006 to attend its centennial anniversary.
Alexandria has three public high schools: Bolton High School, Alexandria Senior High School, and Peabody High School. In addition, there are two private high schools: Holy Savior Menard Central High School (a Catholic school) and Grace Christian.
[edit] Transportation
Alexandria serves as the crossroads of Louisiana. To reach either Shreveport or Monroe from the southern portion of the state, the easiest method of travel takes the driver through Alexandria. Likewise, if a visitor is to head from the northern portion of the state to the Cajun portions of the state (Lake Charles and Lafayette), or the greater metropolitan areas of either Baton Rouge or New Orleans, the easiest method of travel involves driving down Interstate 49 through Alexandria. This provides a boon to the local economy.
Regional mass transit is handled by ATRANS (Alexandria Transportation Authority). For those leaving or arriving at the city by bus, Greyhound Lines has a terminal downtown.
[edit] External links
- City of Alexandria : Government and community services.
- CenLamar : An Interactive Blog on Life in Alexandria, Louisiana.
- The Town Talk : Alexandria's Local Daily Newspaper.
- The Alexandria Retrospective : Alexandria photos, postcards, history, artifacts.
- Louisiana Nursery Festival
- River Fest
==ALEXANDRIA TELEVISION & RADIO STATIONS==
- KALB : KALB DT (5.1), NBC.
- KALB : KALB DT (5.2), CBS.
- WNTZ : WNTZ TV (48), FOX.
- KLAX : KLAX TV (31), ABC.
- KLPA : KLPA DT (26.1), PBS.
- KBCA : KBCA TV (41), CW.
- KWCE LP (36), RTN
- KSYL 970AM News / Talk / Sports
- KDBS 1410AM : Oldies
- KRRV 100.3FM : Country
- KKST 98.7FM : Rap & Hip Hop
- KQID 93.1FM : Top 40
- KZMZ 96.9FM : Classic Rock
- Maps and aerial photos
- Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
- Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
