History & Heritage in Winnsboro Louisiana

One facet of Louisiana that makes it such an appealing visitor destination is its deep and colorful history. European explorers found their way to the region and inhabited the area very early relative to settlement of much of the rest of the continent. As a result, some communities in Louisiana are among the oldest in the United States. Before those explorers arrived, of course, people we now know as Native Americans populated the region. Reaching still farther back in time, ancient peoples left their mark on the area thousands of years ago. The state of Louisiana offers many ways to explore the region’s rich history, in hundreds of museums, historic structures, landmarks, artifacts and works of art. The careful preservation and restoration of these sites and artifacts has created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Louisiana’s history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influence the state today.

Few American cities can boast the sort of patriotism that is on display in Winnsboro. Its Patriot Square lives up to the name, with more stars and stripes in the wind than you’re likely to see anywhere else. A clean, quiet and friendly town, it may be the closest thing to Mayberry you’ll find in Louisiana. Winnsboro was founded on cotton, and it remains an agriculturally-based community to this day. But it’s not all about the fields. In April, the biggest event on the social calendar, and one of the biggest events in north Louisiana, the Franklin Parish Catfish Festival hits town and 4,000 to 5,000 lbs of catfish gets cooked, giving you an idea of the importance of that whiskered fish. The immediate natural surroundings offer both great fishing and fertile hunting grounds. And Winnsboro itself supplies a generous collection of public parks, perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic.