Cottonport, Louisiana


Cottonport is a town in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,006 at the 2010 census.

History

Cottonport was founded in the early 19th century. In 1835, Joseph Ducote donated land to be used for a road and school, which was the beginnings of the community. Incorporated in 1888 along the banks of Bayou Rouge. In the 19th century, large boats made their way through Cottonport with goods destined for the port of New Orleans. The bayou was deep enough to support the large boats and formed a perfect horseshoe, which allowed vessels to turn around. The boats would deliver cargo into the area and would load crops on board to take to larger ports along the route. The main crop available for exporting at that time was cotton. In fact, because so much cotton was being shipped from the port, early settlers named the village Cottonport.

Present day

Today, over 100 years after its incorporation, Cottonport retains many of its picturesque qualities. Although Bayou Rouge is no longer navigable, it continues to be used as a fishing hole. It also serves as the backdrop to the annual Cottonport Christmas Festival, held the second weekend in December, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of, all land.

Demographics

Race / Ethnicity Pop 2000Pop 2010% 2000% 2010
White alone 1,10789570747.80%44.62%34.95%
Black or African American alone 1,1471,0581,19149.53%52.74%58.87%
Native American or Alaska Native alone 136190.56%0.30%0.94%
Asian alone 41070.17%0.50%0.35%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone 0010.00%0.00%0.05%
Other race alone 5140.22%0.05%0.20%
Mixed race or Multiracial 1618560.69%0.90%2.77%
Hispanic or Latino 2418381.04%0.90%1.88%
Total2,3162,0062,023 100.00%100.00%100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,023 people, 711 households, and 435 families residing in the town.

Notable people