Founded as a lumber town in 1914, Bogalusa went from felling trees to paper mills, drawing in thousands seeking employment as it prospered. At the height of the city's manufacturing boom, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, and the true Civil Rights Movement the city would later be known for began. In a struggle between labor and civil rights, activists A.Z. Young, Robert "Bob" Hicks and many others from the Black community faced racial violence as they took visible stances in the fight for fair wages and equality. In 1967, these activists marched through sundown towns, all 105 miles to Baton Rouge.
Bogalusa maintains an essential portion of history for Louisiana's civil rights. While the population has declined over the years as all but one paper mill shut down, the city keeps hold of a strong community. Its population of 10,700 is largely generational, with economic development initiatives and community support organizations looking toward a bright future. The Bogalusa Paper Mill, now owned by International Paper, employs many residents, and the city's downtown is attracting new small businesses.
Bogalusa is a mix of residential areas and industrial areas.
International Paper is a major employer in Bogalusa and the surrounding area.
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Building with Bogalusa Rebirth
Many properties here were built in the early to mid-20th century, and Bogalusa has struggled with abandoned and neglected homes. Local organizations, such as Bogalusa Rebirth, focus on tearing down blighted properties and building affordable housing. The nonprofit also works with the community to offer homebuyer training and credit counseling programs. The city's median home price is $133,000, significantly lower than the national median. The only residences typically surpassing $300,000 are newer with one or more acres just north of the city proper.
Cottages are common throughout Bogalusa.
Large estate style homes can be found when looking to move to Bogalusa.
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Northshore Technical Community College was Louisiana's first
Bogalusa is served by Bogalusa City Public Schools, rated a C-minus on Niche. While there are several elementary schools that children might attend, there is only one middle and high school. Higher education in the area is available at Northshore Technical Community College, established in 1930 as the first trade school in Louisiana.
Bogalusa High School has 705 students in grades 7-12.
Higher education can be found at Northshore Technical Community College in Bogalusa.
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Working toward revitalization in downtown Bogalusa
While Bogalusa may not have numerous retail plazas, it still has a few essential big-box stores and retailers. Hope Blazo, who grew up in the Bogalusa area and is now a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, says that even its small amount of retail is essential. "It's not a big city by any means, but it has a Walmart, which might as well make it a shopping hub," Blazo says, noting that everyone she knows in Franklinton drives over to Bogalusa most weekends.
The city has devoted efforts to revitalizing its downtown area; Robin Day, the program manager for downtown Bogalusa, began organizing downtown-centric events in 2012. Since then, The Bogalusa Daily News has steadily reported new businesses opening downtown, from specialty shops to restaurants. The Robert "Bob" Hicks House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, and the Robert Hicks Foundation is working on approval for a civil rights museum at the site.
Walmart is one of several major retail outlets in Bogalusa.
In Bogalusa the Bob Hicks House is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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A plan for expansion in Cassidy Park
Bogalusa's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department maintains over a dozen parks and recreation areas. Cassidy Park spans 25 acres and is the place locals come to fish and attend a variety of community events. The Cassidy Park Master Plan outlines development for nearly double the existing acreage, modeling it after City Park in New Orleans.
Cassidy Park is a large park that spans 25 acres.
Enjoy a stroll on the walking path at Goodyear Park.
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Bogalusa meets Franklinton for the Washington Parish Free Fair
In September, thousands come to hear live music and enjoy community at the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival. Blazo notes another event, held in Franklinton, is a must. "The Washington Parish Free Fair is super important to the whole area. Everyone in Bogalusa goes and many participate," he says. "The school marching bands from Bogalusa go to play in the parade, and they shut down businesses and schools. It's a huge deal."
Navigating the rural landscape via Highway 10
The city is intersected by Highway 10, running east to west, and Highway 21. Due to its rural nature, Bogalusa has no public transportation. For air travel, the closest major airport with commercial flights is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, located 66 miles southeast. Our Lady of the Angels Hospital is the leading medical center in the city's southwestern corner.
Bogalusa's crime statistics and environment
In 2022, the Louisiana Statistical Analysis Center reported a violent crime rate of 29% and a property crime rate of 15% for Bogalusa, based on its population. The city's crime rates are higher than the state and national averages. However, Louisiana-based news sources reported a decrease in crime rates in 2024, noting the hiring of more police officers. In 2023, Equal Justice USA, a nonprofit, partnered with the Bogalusa community with its Pathways to Healing initiative. The group fosters safe youth spaces and community organizing against violence. Bogalusa experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, and like many areas of Louisiana, was deeply impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Due to the local paper mills, Blazo says the odor wafts through the city, but it doesn't take long to go "nose blind."
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
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Andrew Williams
Video By
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