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From the vibrant society around the Big Easy to the land of antebellum mansions to the bayous rife with Cajun culture to the wild woods of the northern part of the state, Louisiana has long been a blend of cultures and peoples. Cities like Natchitoches, Baton Rouge and New Orleans date back to the 1700s and like much of Louisiana saw a transition from native lands to being governed by the French, Spanish and Americans.
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While many communities have survived the state’s tumultuous history, not all have been so lucky. As Louisiana’s lands changed hands, so did the culture and center of its population. Cities rose and fell based on who was in power, some disappearing completely off the map when their residents were forced elsewhere. Changes in nature ranging from the flowing waters of mighty rivers to the merciless winds of hurricanes destroyed others while some fell victim to more man-made disasters. The story of Louisiana’s lost cities are the story of the state itself, showing changes in society, economics and even the very nature of the Bayou State.
Alberta - The Sawmill City
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Timber is not an industry a lot of people think of when they think of Louisiana, but from the lush forests of the state’s northern lands to the woods that dominate its bogs and bayous, there is plenty of wood to be had here. In fact, the state experienced a considerable timber boom around the turn of the century, leading to the creation of logging camps and sawmill cities like Alberta in Bienville Parish. Cheap timber land, a high demand for wood products and improvements that made it easier to harvest wood from swamps made Louisiana an ideal place for the growing wood industry.
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A state historical marker at the former site of the Alberta community, which grew up around the Louisiana Timber Boom between 1880 and 1920. |
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