Bossier City Lodging in a Nutshell |
Ron Callari, Contributing Writer |
 The area of Bossier City, Louisiana, dates back to the 1830's and its origins in the Elysian Groves Plantation. From this land, steamboat loads of cotton, corn, and sweet potatoes were shipped to markets in the south and east, from the plantation port known as "Cane's Landing."
The Red River steamboat waterway and the soon to arrive "Iron Horse" railroad opened the region up to additional commerce. Later, highways combined to make Bossier City a tourist destination.
Bossier City's population expanded from 775 citizens in 1910, to 3,000 in 1930, and 15,260 in 1950. By 1950, Bossier City attained the designation "The Fastest Growing City in Louisiana." In 1997, that population swelled to 55,000.
The area just south of Bossier City was selected in 1928 to house a National Guard air squadron, which was named the Barksdale Air Force Base, and now houses the "mighty" Eighth Air Force. Its social and economic impact to Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana has been substantial.
Bossier City has thrived over the years because it is a transitional city. First a cotton exporting river landing, next a railroad town, then an airbase and oil-boom town, it now garners from tourism and recreational gaming. Three riverboats, Horseshoe, Casino Magic and Isle of Capri line Bossier City's developing riverfront.
Shreveport, Bossier City’s neighboring city helps to make the region a combined tourism Mecca.
Shreveport-Bossier serves as the trade and cultural center of the 200-mile radius extending into Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, known as the Ark-La-Tex.
Southern hospitality is apparent at every turn in these two cities. Combined, they offer a variety of attractions, cultural activities, festivals and cuisine. From Louisiana Downs, one of the nation's largest thoroughbred racetracks, to the American Rose Center, North America's largest park dedicated to the cultivation of the rose, and three dockside riverboat casinos, Shreveport-Bossier features activities and opportunities to delight visitors and residents alike.
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