The Early History of Red Land

Jerome Bonaparte Mading's gravestone
at Salem Cemetery

According to the late local historian Dale Jennings, “The name ‘Red Land,’ was first appropriated by the planter Jerome Bonaparte Mading in establishing Bossier Parish’s first post office in November 1846. The post office was on his property four miles northwest of the future site of Red Land, which would not receive its own post office until 1879.” The village began around 1859, and the name, ‘Red Land,’ came from the region’s reddish soil, colored by the high iron ore content.

Salem Baptist Church

The first church in Bossier Parish was established about two miles southwest of Red Land by H.M. Hargis. He began meetings in 1842 and constituted Salem Baptist Church in November 1844 with its first pastor, Moses S. McDonald. Its first church building was a log structure built in 1848 and located on the common grounds of Salem Cemetery. The church later relocated to Red Land.

In the 1850s, the Louisiana State Legislature sanctioned male and female “seminary” schools at several locations in Bossier Parish. These private institutions were an alternative to an unsatisfactory public school system or individual private tutoring. Red Land’s civic leaders applied for and received approval for such a school.

Red Land Seminary's new building 1959

The 1859 supporters of the Red Land Seminary, some being the old church families, were instrumental
in establishing the town of Red Land. Those early families included Roden, Covington, Allen, Boggs, Mading, Winham, Leggett, Martin, Campbell, Barnett, Dixon, Swindle, McWillie, Cavett, Curry Kirkland, and Wallace.

As lauded in the newspaper, the favorable location for the seminary must have been equally appealing as the location for a village. The establishment of the school apparently provided the impetus for the founding of Red Land at the boundary of Martin Martin’s tract and the seminary tract of land.

That same year Doctor John Scott established his practice on Martin Martin’s land. Martin granted Dr. Scott building privileges without rent to construct a medical building and out-buildings. Martin also donated a piece of land to the mercantile partnership of Campbell & Cavett. The general store of brothers-in-law John B. Campbell and Moses C. Cavett was just east of Dr. Scott’s office and across from the school.

The Red Land Masonic Lodge #145, organized in 1857, had its lodge hall above the store. However, it is unknown when the mercantile partnership was formed or when the store was built. In 1865 Campbell and Cavett sold their Red Land holdings, including the store, to Martha Ann Edens Swindle and her husband, John Jones Swindle. Other stores include two grocery stores, one owned by Thomas W. Power and another by George Washington Phelps.

According to Jennings, “It was said that during the early part of the 1880s, the women of Red Land strongly objected to the grocery stores selling alcohol on Sundays, calling them, ‘saloons.’ They evidently doubled as drinking places. (None of the census reports between 1860 and 1880 show Red Land to have had an innkeeper, saloon keeper or a bartender). In 1884, a delegation from the church was said to have approached the grocery store proprietors and asked them to close on Sundays. They refused, resulting in a November 1884 local option election for or against the overall sale of ‘intoxicating liquors’ in Ward 4. The prohibitionists won by a vote of 61 to 41.”

Red Land was never impressive in size but provided the basic needs of its isolated farming community. However, Red Land never acquired a hotel or other such commercial enterprises not being on a railway, waterway, or major roadway. With the construction of the railroads through Bossier Parish in the 1880s, the overwhelming advantage went to towns that became shipping and receiving points on the railway. Red Land declined fast, hastened by the fire of 1890, which destroyed what was said to have been its last store.

The following is the report from the Bossier Banner, 10 April 1890:

“Fire At Red Land. —The large two story building at Red Land, Bossier parish, owned by J. J. Swindle, and occupied as a general store by Henry J. Boggs, was destroyed by fire Monday night about 11 o’clock. The cause of the fire is yet unkown. The hall of Red Land Lodge, No. 148, F. and A.M., was in this building and was a total loss, including all the furniture and records since its institution, about thirty years ago. The Red Land post office was also destroyed, including all supplies and records since 1879.”

By: Amy Robertson

U.S. Postal Service and Bossier Parish

First US Postage Stamps, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, issue of 1847, 5c and 10c

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin greatly influenced how the postal service operates today in the United States? His work in postal services began in 1737 when the British Crown appointed him as the postmaster of Philidelphia. Franklin was dismissed as postmaster in 1774 because the British Crown felt he was too sympathetic to the colonies as he vocalized support for their independence.

On Jul. 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general of the United Colonies. The Declaration of Independence created the United States in July 1776, making Franklin the first postmaster general of the United States.

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution were both written to ensure the vital services were preserved. In 1792, President George Washington signed into law the Postal Service Act, which established the United States Post Office Department as a permanent part of the Federal government.

General Jean Pierre Baptiste Bossier
Charcoal drawing by John J. Audubon, Nelson
Museum, Kansas City.
Patrick D. McAnany Collection: 2001.044.001

Louisiana’s first post office was established in New Orleans in 1804. It wasn’t until 1843 that Bossier Parish was carved out of Claiborne Parish, and that same year General Pierre Bossier began his term as a congressman for Louisiana’s fourth district. According to the official Bossier Parish historian, “One of the first actions taken in 1843 by the newly elected General Bossier in the U.S. Congress was to obtain postal service for his namesake, Bossier Parish.”

General Bossier introduced a bill to authorize a survey for a postal route from Shreveport to Bellevue by way of Willow Chute and on up to Conway, Ark. Unfortunately, General Bossier died of tuberculosis just 13 months into his term, before his efforts for a postal route were realized.

The first post office in Bossier Parish was established at Red Land on Nov. 20, 1846, with Jerome Bonaparte Mading serving as the first postmaster. After nearly 63 years in service, the post office in Red Land was discontinued on Apr. 15, 1909.

This year, the Benton post office celebrates its 150th anniversary as the oldest post office in Bossier Parish; it was established in March 1870 with Elias O’Neill serving as the postmaster. Through the implementation of the Rural Free Delivery, postal mail was delivered to Benton residents, beginning in 1907 before this time residents had to travel to the post office to retrieve their mail or pay a private delivery service.

Unidentified postal carriers for the RFD (rural free delivery) in Plain Dealing C. 1910
Buelah Findley Collection: 1997.054.054

Another fascinating part of postal history in Bossier Parish can be discovered in the Apr. 17, 1913 issue of The Bossier Banner, where the following article appeared.

“Our fellow townsmen Mr. Edwin W. Doran has been granted a patent on a mail box indicator. The device accurately indicates the last hour the box was ‘robbed’ by the postman, thus serving as a convenient guide to the public when wishing to post letters. It is particularly intended for use in cities, but would be practical anywhere. Mr. Doran has received encouraging communications from the postmaster general and others regarding his patent and he will no doubt later reap considerable pecuniary gain from it.”

Bossier Parish currently has seven post offices located in Benton, established 1870; Bossier City, established 1891; Elm Grove, established 1902; Haughton, established 1884; Plain Dealing, established 1888, and Princeton, established 1910.

The History Center is excited to announce that our branch of the Bossier Parish Library System will be re-opening our doors to the public this Monday, July 6. Until then, we are here to answer your calls and emails. What do you want to know about Bossier Parish History? Email history-center@bossierlibrary.org or call us at 318-746-7717.

By: Amy Robertson

"ROADSIDE PARK OPENED AT RED LAND BY 137 VISITORS"

Plain Dealing Library Collection: 1997.064.014

The August 19, 1954 issue of Bossier City Planters Press related the opening of a roadside park in Red Land.

“In Northern Bossier Parish in a shaded glen near the Plain Dealing—Springhill highway is a lovely roadside park.  This park is the realization of a dream by the ladies of the Red Land Home Demonstration Club who say a need for this type of recreation facility and set about to build it.”

“Husbands were enlisted (as husbands usually are on projects of this nature) and an undeveloped site was transformed into an inviting oasis for relaxation, laughter and fellowship.  The husbands were rewarded for their labors by being made honorary members of the Home Demonstration Club and by obtaining use of the park for activities.”

“Before the barbecue pits could be built bricks and other material had to be purchased.  The club held a successful apron sale and dedicated the proceeds to construction of two barbecue pits.”

“The day the club met to build the sun beamed down with a fury that sent the mercury up to 106 degrees.  Undaunted by the record heat these determined souls found shaded spots and started building.”

“Land for the park was leased from G.W. Roberson.”

“The opening of the park was held July 13^th.  For this gala occasion the members baked pies which were auctioned off by the famous auctioneer, Bruce Cartwright.  They then prepared a lovely salad plate which was sold to 137 visitors.”

“They had previously arranged lights and had the meter installed.  Mr. Shay Sawyer came with his loud speaker and furnished music between short talks, announcements, comments of appreciation to Mr. Roberson for the land and the singing of old favorites led by F.G. Phillips.”

“A metal barrel has been provided for the rubbish.  Everyone is invited to use the park and enjoy keeping it clean.”

“The 137 visitors, according to Mrs. Alfred Farrington, President of the Club, contributed $163.00 for the purpose of adding other conveniences.”

G. W. Roberson frequently sold property to oil companies.  It is likely that the property where the Red Land Park was located was ultimately sold to an oil company.

By: Ann Middleton

"RED LAND HALLOWEEN PARTY"

In its October 27, 1938 issue the Bossier Banner issued an invitation to all Bossier residents to attend a Halloween party.

“There will be a community Halloween party, at the vacant Martiner house at Red Land, Halloween night, Monday, October 31st, given for the benefit of the church, Sunday School, B.Y.P.U. [Baptist Young People’s Union] and Women’s Home Demonstration Club. Admission will be 1 cent and there will be laughs and thrills galore.”

“There will be a style show featuring the 300-pound Miss Flossie Frailjoy, Miss Tiny Terwiller, standing six feet or more in her stocking feet, Flatfoot Flugie, Black Eyed Susan Brown and many others.”

Those present may have their fortune told by the witch, drink some of her brew, take a chance on the surprise packages and visit the fishing pond.”

“There will be jokes, readings and ghost stories. A specialty tap dance by ‘Small Fry’ and Tishy Lish is planned. Last, but not least, for a few extra pennies all can visit the chamber of horrors where they’ll see the murdered man himself, and Blue Beard’s wives and many more things to make one’s hair stand on end and that will curdle the blood. Come out and have a good time, while helping a good cause.”

Find out more about how Bossier Parish residents celebrated holidays by visiting the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

"RED LAND SEMINARY"

The July 30, 1959 issue of the Bossier Banner-Progress told the story of historic Red Land and
its equally historic seminary/community center.

“Historic highlights of early Bossier Parish and its educational system were vividly revealed on
May 30th during formal dedication of Red Land Seminary, Inc.’s new $6,000 building for
community betterment.”

“A legal child of pioneer Red Land Seminary, a member-owned private educational institution
and first school in Bossier Parish with a history dating back to March 12, 1858, the new Red
Land Seminary, Inc. was re-chartered after much legal research on April 22, 1958, by a small
group of community-spirited men, some of whose grandparents founded the original seminary.”

“Using proceeds derived from oil wells and leases on the ancient 17-acre tract originally patented
in 1858 by Major Robert Wyche, a Civil War veteran and later sheriff of Bossier Parish, the
governing Board of Directors constructed a modern community center with auditorium and a
well-equipped kitchen under whispering pines where forefathers tread with slates and dinner
pails.”

“About 80 people attended the dedication services and outdoor dinner. Vice-President W. H.
Rogers, Route 2, Plain Dealing, welcomed the group and explained the purpose of the rechartered
Seminary which stands within the shadows of Salem Baptist Church, another historic
landmark of Bossier Parish.”

“W. A. Johnson, secretary-treasurer of the project and a director of another home-owned, nonprofit
service institution, gave the history of the re-chartered organization along with some
interesting highlights of early education in the parish.”

“Guest speaker was Frank Kennedy, attorney for Fair Oil Company which under-wrote the
expenses for the complicated legal research work to re-charter the old Seminary. The Shreveport
lawyer said his searching of moldy records of the parish and state took him back to the original
state legislative act of 100 years ago which first created Red Land Seminary.”

“To understand the significance of the dedication to north Louisiana culture and to Bossier
Parish in particular, here is a gist of the history of Red Land community and the venerable
Seminary, as related by Mr. Johnson, a native of Red Land who taught in various Louisiana
schools for 38 years.”

“After General Andrew Jackson defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans and later
cleared the central South of hostile Indians, countless thousands of mostly small farmers from
the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama rolled westward in wagons in search of new land
on which to establish homes.”

“Shunning the now richer bottomlands because of mosquitoes and uncontrolled floodwaters, they
had established a recognizable community at Red Land by 1830. Long before Shreveport and
Bossier City were founded, Red Land boasted families from every state east of the Mississippi
River and south of Ohio, except Florida.”

“Prior to the founding of Red Land Seminary, it was customary for families to employ private
tutors to [teach] the traditional ‘three Rs.’ if this were impossible, education went lacking. By
1858 community leaders decide[d] that a cooperative effort would improve the educational
situation.”

To find out more about the old Red Land Seminary and about Salem Baptist Church come to the
Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.

By: Ann Middleton

"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RED LAND SEMINARY"

The August 26, 1859 issue of the Bossier Banner featured an article about the establishment of Red Land Seminary.

“Mr. Editor:--At a meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Red Land Seminary, held on yesterday, the following preamble and resolutions were read, adopted and ordered to be published in the Bossier Banner:”

“Whereas, we, the Trustees for Red Land Seminary, Bossier Parish La., have viewed with pleasure and perfect satisfaction, the examination of the students in their various branches of study, and being sensibly convinced that their progress has been very rapid through the past term, during which they have been under the care and guidance of Mr. T.W. Abney.”

“Resolved, that the thanks of this Board be tendered to Mr. Abney for the very able, judicious and indefatigable manner in which he has discharged his laborious duties during the term, and also for the thorough and practical course which he had adopted in system of education.”

“Resolved, that the very ready manner in which the students have acquitted themselves today, is a striking and significant testimonial of his capacity as teacher and his powers of impartation.”

“Resolved, that we heartily approve of his course as a teacher, and sincerely desire him to remain in connection with the school.”

“Resolved, that the thanks of the Board, be tendered to the managers of the barbecue, and especially to the fair ladies who contributed their quantities of sweet-meats.”

“Resolved, that this Academy, situated as it is in a high and healthy region of country, watered by never failing springs, surrounded by noble heart citizens, who are determined to and will have a school, and having large and comfortable buildings for the accommodation of students, we take pleasure in recommending it to the favorable consideration of all who feel an interest in the cause of home education.”

Signees were S.A. Boggs, Pres., R.E. Wyche, B.H. Nelson, J.J. Scott, Augustus Martin, Martin Martin, John Campbell and John G. Allen, Sec.

There’s more about the Red Land Seminary at the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center. Visit us soon to find out.

By: Ann Middleton