Red River Parish, LA

Red River Parish is a parish located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,620. The parish seat is Coushatta. The parish was created in 1871 during the Reconstruction era and named for the Red River which flows through the area.

History

Red River Parish was established in 1871, carved out of parts of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, and Natchitoches parishes. The area has a rich history tied to the Red River of the South, which was a significant transportation route for early settlers and traders.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 402 square miles (1,040 km²), of which 389 square miles (1,010 km²) is land and 13 square miles (34 km²) (3.2%) is water. The Red River forms the western boundary of the parish.

Adjacent parishes

• Caddo Parish (northwest)
• Bossier Parish (north)
• Bienville Parish (northeast)
• Natchitoches Parish (southeast)
• DeSoto Parish (southwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 7,620 people, 2,900 households, and 1,900 families residing in the parish. The population density was 19.6 people per square mile (7.6/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 55.2% White, 42.3% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

Communities

Town

• Coushatta (parish seat)

Unincorporated communities

• Edgefield
• Hall Summit
• Martin

Education

The parish is served by the Red River Parish School District, which includes Red River High School, Red River Junior High School, and Red River Elementary School.

Economy

The economy of Red River Parish is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas extraction. The Red River also provides opportunities for fishing and recreation.

Transportation

Major highways in the parish include:

• U.S. Route 71
• Louisiana Highway 1
• Louisiana Highway 155

Notable people

• Joe W. Davis, former mayor of Huntsville, Alabama, was born in Red River Parish.
• Joe Adcock, a professional baseball player, was born in Coushatta.

See also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Red River Parish, Louisiana

Also see

► Healthcare providers in Louisiana

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