Louisiana is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Louisiana’s historic sites represent the past, but often these sites become neglected, abandoned, or ultimately demolished. The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation has announced eleven new sites for the 2024 Louisiana Most Endangered Places List, with a site in Caddo Parish identified.
For the past 25 years, the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized historic sites that could be lost from our communities if action is not taken to save them. These places embody the state’s cultural heritage and connect unique stories and people with physical places. LTHP works to identify and advocate for these endangered places, finding sustainable solutions for the restoration and revitalization of the sites and their communities. One hundred and ninety sites have been added to the Most Endangered Places List over the past quarter century.
This year’s list represents two previously unrepresented parishes, as well as a mix of sites ranging from Rosenwald schools, Masonic Lodges, Native American history, and more. Listing these places acknowledges their importance to the local community but also statewide identity and economy.
The list is generated from nominations made by the public and aims to attract creative approaches and resources to see the sites saved and rehabilitated for future generations. Brian Davis, LTHP Executive Director said, “Getting a property added to the Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places List can be a useful tool in the effort to save an important part of a community’s history. It reinforces the significance of the site and the urgency for action, when applying for a grant or garnering support from the local
stakeholders. It also increases the commitment of the Louisiana Trust and its resources in seeing a positive outcome for the site.”
The Caddo Parish location is in Mooringsport – the Mooringsport Masonic Lodge (Caddo Parish, c. 1916). The Lodge is a two-story red brick religious, fraternal, and social facility that was built in 1916 for the local Brotherhood of Freemasons and Order of the Eastern Star. The Beaux-Arts styled building was designed by Edward Neild and despite a few alterations, the lodge retains essentially most of its historic appearance to convey its significance as a structural advancement as one of the first professionally designed masonry constructed commercial structures in the town’s downtown business district.
It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 10, 2023. The Village of Mooringsport currently owns the building, with hopes of obtaining grant funds and donations to rehabilitate the building and keep its historic integrity. The village would like for this to be the first of several rehabilitation projects of commercial buildings and private homes in their community.
Selections to Louisiana’s Most Endangered Places List are based on their historic significance; the critical nature of their threat; and the likelihood to bring about a positive resolution to their situation or to those of similar sites. More information about the program, including nomination form, and list of sites may be found at lthp.org/endangered-properties/.