Today, the Society Tomb of the Screwmen’s Benevolent Association in St. Roch Cemetery No. 1 stands as the only known public monument in New Orleans to the screwmen who once played such an important role on the city’s waterfront. For generations, these highly skilled laborers used jackscrews to tightly pack cotton into the holds of ships, helping make New Orleans one of the world’s great cotton ports. Despite their importance to the city’s economy and waterfront culture, remarkably little remains to commemorate their work. The society tomb is a rare physical reminder of a profession—and a community of working men—that was once a familiar part of life along the New Orleans levee.

Although graves and cemeteries are generally excluded from the National Register of Historic Places because a person’s burial site is not necessarily connected to their achievements in life, the Screwmen’s Benevolent Association tomb at St. Roch Cemetery offers something that historic buildings and documents often cannot. Standing before it provides a tangible, deeply human connection to the men whose labor, struggles, and solidarity helped build New Orleans into one of the nation’s great ports, reminding us that behind the history of commerce and industry were ordinary people whose lives and contributions deserve to be remembered.

St. Roch Cemetery No. 1 reflects the deep connections among faith, immigration, disease, and death in nineteenth-century New Orleans. The cemetery was established in 1874 by Father Peter Leonard Thevis, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, to serve the parish’s predominantly German Catholic congregation.

The cemetery’s origins are closely tied to New Orleans’s long struggle with yellow fever. During the epidemic of 1867, Thevis prayed to St. Roch, the Catholic saint traditionally invoked for protection against plague and disease, asking that his parishioners be spared. The cemetery was dedicated on September 6, 1875, when the cornerstone of the small chapel was laid. The completed chapel was formally dedicated on August 16, 1876, the feast day of St. Roch.

Early burials were often simple in-ground graves marked by wooden crosses, while masonry tombs initially lined the central avenue leading to the chapel. Gradually, the above-ground tombs, wall vaults, religious statuary, and orderly pathways created the distinctive landscape seen today. In this way, St. Roch Cemetery No. 1 preserves not only the history of a neighborhood, but also the religious traditions and experiences of New Orleans’s nineteenth-century immigrant communities.

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In the heart of Louisiana, where old live oaks stretch out over the bayou roads, there's a highway named after a local hero. This man answered his country's call to serve from the cockpit of a military plane. Back in 1997, the Louisiana Legislature decided to honor Captain Ashley James "A.J." Davis by naming the A.J. Davis Memorial Highway after him. Davis was from Baton Rouge and flew for the United States Air Force, sadly losing his life while serving his country.

A.J. Davis was born on November 19, 1960, in Hammond, Louisiana, a place known for its strong-willed people. He joined the Air Force in 1989 and worked his way up to become an Aircraft Commander in the 76th Airlift Squadron. During his time in the Air Force, he spent over 2,900 hours flying the military CT-43 plane. Davis had many important jobs, including flying First Lady Hillary Clinton to Bosnia and Turkey. He also played a role in Operation Deliberate Force, which took place over Serbia in 1995. His experiences took him to the highest levels of duty, giving him a unique perspective on the world. Davis's time in the Air Force was marked by notable assignments and a strong sense of determination, reflecting the character of his hometown in south Louisiana.

On a rainy April 3, 1996, Captain Davis was in charge of Flight IFOR 21, which took off from Zagreb. The plane was carrying a very important group of people, including Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown, who were on a mission to help rebuild Bosnia and Croatia after the Dayton Accords. As the plane flew through the heavy rain and poor visibility, it relied on old navigation systems to guide it towards Dubrovnik Airport. But something went terribly wrong, and the plane crashed into a mountainside near the city. Sadly, all 35 people on board lost their lives in the tragic accident. The incident was a devastating blow to the efforts to rebuild the war-torn region, and it would be remembered for a long time as a tragic loss of life.

President Clinton paid his respects to the fallen heroes at Dover Air Force Base, recalling their bravery as patriots who brought America's hope to a far-off and troubled land. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, Captain Davis, who was only 35 years old, was given a final farewell at Biloxi National Cemetery. His life, though short, was one of service and sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered. The president's words echoed the sentiments of a nation, as people came together to mourn the loss of these brave men and women.

The A.J. Davis Memorial Highway is a lasting tribute that can be found along the roads of his home state, serving as a reminder of a man who came from the bayous of Louisiana and went on to serve with great distinction and courage. This highway stands for all the people from Louisiana who have worn a uniform, whether they were in the air, at sea, or on the battlefield, and unfortunately did not make it back home. As people drive by the moss-covered oak trees, they are reminded of his name, which lives on as a son of Louisiana who will never be forgotten. The memorial highway is a quiet way to honor his memory, and it's a testament to the impact he had on the state and its people. For those who travel through the area, the highway is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by people like A.J. Davis, and it's a way to keep his legacy alive.

Drive slow. Look up. And carry his spirit forward.

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Johnny Wyatt was born July 23rd, 1946 in Bossier City, Louisiana. He was a 1964 graduate of Bossier High School and continued his education at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. He served as the city marshal in Bossier City from 1991 up until his death in 2010. A city marshal serves as the executive officer of the city court, acting as the enforcement arm for judicial orders. The city marshal is a member of law enforcement that can make arrests, conduct traffic, and carry a fire arm, but they do not have to do these tasks often. The main responsibility of a city marshal is to execute orders and mandates of the court.

In Louisiana, a city marshal is elected into office. In other states, the city marshal is appointed to office by the mayor. The city marshal of Bossier City can run unlimited times and serves a six year term. Wyatt won the 1991 city marshal election and never lost another one. He was re-elected three times because of the good work that he did for Bossier City. He established “A Step in the Right Direction”, which was a program that assisted young people and their parents that were in need due to alcohol or drug addiction. In 2006, Wyatt started the Northwest Louisiana Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. He started this task force because he loved his grandchildren and did not want any children to fall into the hands of a child predator. The last thing he started was the Bossier City Marshal’s Office Cyber Crime Unit and they would assist other agencies with digital forensics.

On October 8th, 2010, Wyatt was driving eastbound on Interstate 220 in Bossier Parish around 7:45 pm. He took the Shed Road exit, but his vehicle rolled past a stop sign and crashed into a culvert. He was taken to LSU Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was buried on October 12th, 2010 at Hill Crest Memorial Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana.

His memory will forever be remembered when traveling on Interstate 220 in Bossier Parish. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development hosted a ceremony on Thursday August 20th, 2015 that dedicated a portion of Interstate 220 to the former City Marshal of Bossier City, Johnny Wyatt.

Quotes from friends, co-workers, and family:

"Johnny had the great ability to lead a thousand people, or to sit down with one person and to make that person he or she feel like they were the most important in the entire world." Bossier Sheriff Larry (October 9th, 2010).

“There was never a time that Johnny did not greet me with a smile. He was truly a fine man and will be greatly missed. Rest assured that his legacy will continue to help others far into the future.” Mike Boggs (October 13th, 2010).

“My heart felt condolences on the loss of Johnny. He was my close and dearest friend. I can't express my own heartache for his death. He will be sorely missed by all in our community. We just wish him God's speed and know that he is with the lord. He certainly was an inspiration to us all.” Charlie Davis (October 13th, 2010).

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In the town of Mittie, LA lies the Cecil B. Tramel Memorial Highway, named in honor of a soldier fallen in Normandy, France following the D-Day invasion in 1944. Giving his life in service of his country before reaching the age of 30, Cecil B. Tramel landed in France as part of the liberation force set to free Europe from the grip of the Axis powers, in what is known as Operation Overlord. The invasion of Europe began on D-Day, June 6, 1944, with units from American and British forces storming the beaches of Normandy, France. Amidst a barrage of artillery fire from deeply embedded German forces, Allied troops fought desperately for every inch of beachhead gained. Over the course of D-Day, which involved a cooperation of naval, airborne and ground forces, Allied forces suffered over 4,000 deaths in a single day. The push into France continued for months after the initial assault on D-Day, with troops fighting to establish a gateway into the rest of Europe.

Fighting with the 318th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 80th Division, Cecil B. Tramel and his fellow soldiers pushed further into the depths of Nazi-occupied France. In August of 1944, the 318th Infantry Regiment made their way into Argentan, France, a town that “played a pivotal role during the final phase of the Battle of Normandy.” In Argentan the 318th encountered two German Panzer divisions and “[o]n August 18, 1944, a new offensive was launched” and the 318th “was in charge of taking Argentan.” Unfortunately, “the infantry suffered heavy casualties due to machine gun fire and mortar shells.” The fight to secure Argentan was brutal, and “about 80% of the town was destroyed.” Argentan was finally liberated on August 20, 1944, tragically, the same day that Cecil B. Tramel lost his life.

News of Tramel’s death reached his family via a telegram delivered by the Red Cross, as was commonplace during the war. Thousands of families just like Tramel’s received the devastating news of their loved one’s death on a slip of paper through the mail. Over seventy years later, Tramel would be memorialized beyond a telegram with a stretch of Louisiana Highway 26 named in his honor. Surviving members of his family traveled to view the unveiling ceremony, including his sister-in-law Gertrude Tramel. Gertrude recounted the last time she saw Cecil, when she and her husband brought him to the Oberlin, Louisiana bus station to ship out on his tour of duty in Europe. Despite the many long years between his death and the dedication of his highway memorial, Cecil Tramel was never forgotten by his family. And now, he will be forever remembered in the community of Mittie, Louisiana.

After the town of Argentan was secured by Allied forces, the push into France continued until almost the entirety of the nation was liberated from the Germans grip. The capital of Paris was secured by the Allies on August 25, 1944, and a massive victory parade took place on August 29th to celebrate the achievement. As 1944 drew to a close and the war entered a new year, more and more European nations were liberated. By Spring 1945, the death knell was tolling for the Nazi regime, as Allied forces rapidly advanced toward Berlin. For months Allied forces had liberated concentration camps, conquered towns and cities, and decimated the German military. The leader of the Nazi regime, Adolf Hitler, committed suicide on April 30, 1945, with Germany finally surrendering on May 8, 1945. The liberation of Europe from the tyranny of Nazi Germany was a long, arduous, and bloody fight. The freedom of millions could not have been secured without the sacrifices of soldiers like Cecil B. Tramel, who gave their lives for the deliverance of others. While a stretch of road is hardly enough to repay the debt we owe to their service, it is a small token of a grateful nation.

Bibliography

Argentan in 1944 - Orne - Battle of Normandy.

https://www.dday-overlord.com/en/battle-of-normandy/cities/argentan.

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“Argentan WW2 D-Day History and Present Day.” D-Day Center, 18 Apr. 2026,

https://www.dday.center/normandy-today/ww2-dday-towns/argentan/.

Schmidt, Theresa. “Highway Named after WWII Soldier.” Https://Www.Kplctv.Com, 23

Nov. 2010, https://www.kplctv.com/story/13552922/highway-named-after-wwii-soldier.

“The Liberation of Paris.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, 25 Aug. 2023,

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/liberation-paris.

“V-E Day: Victory in Europe.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans,

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/v-e-day-victory-europe.

Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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The story of DeLesseps Morrison Jr. begins in the shadow of one of New Orleans' most influential political families. Born in 1944, he grew up watching his father, deLesseps Story Morrison, reshape the city as mayor. Politics was part of daily life, and leadership was expected. For many, this would have meant following the same path. But Morrison Jr. had a wider vision.

Educated at Louisiana State University and trained in law, he quickly showed an interest in international affairs. His time studying abroad in Argentina gave him a global perspective that set him apart from many Louisiana politicians of his time. While others focused on local issues, he began thinking about how New Orleans could connect to the wider world through trade, language, and economic development.

In 1974, Morrison Jr. entered public office as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. During his time in the legislature, he supported policies to improve residents' everyday lives, including expanding access to health care. He also built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader who was not afraid to take on new challenges.

His political career reached a turning point in 1977 when he ran for mayor of New Orleans. The race marked a major shift in the city’s history, as Ernest "Dutch" Morial won the election and became the city’s first Black mayor. Morrison Jr.’s loss showed that the city was changing, prompting him to look beyond traditional politics.

After leaving elected office, he focused on business and innovation. He became deeply involved in promoting renewable energy, especially ethanol production, long before it became a national priority. He believed that Louisiana could lead in new industries if it was willing to take risks. Although his projects faced setbacks, they reflected his belief in progress and long-term growth.

Morrison Jr. also supported efforts to expand the city’s economy through industries like film production, helping lay the groundwork for what would later become a growing part of New Orleans’ economy. His ideas often came before their time, and not all of them succeeded, but they showed a willingness to think beyond the present.

He died in 1996 at the age of fifty-two, leaving behind a career that blended public service with global ambition. Today, his story reflects a different kind of leadership, one that looked past tradition and toward new possibilities for New Orleans.

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Louisiana is a state rich in rivers, bayous, marshes, and wetlands, making bridges essential for travel. The state is home to some of the most impressive and unique bridges, including the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the Crescent City Connection, and the Huey P. Long Bridge. Louisiana is also home to the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, one of its most notable structures, welded and elevated to reflect its significance.

The Horace Wilkinson Bridge, also known as the “New Bridge,” runs along Interstate 10, connecting Port Allen (West Baton Rouge Parish) to Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish). The 14,150-foot (2.5-mile) cantilever steel truss bridge rises 175 feet above the Mississippi River. It features a 4,550-foot superstructure and a 1,235-foot clear span, with an overall width of 500 feet. The bridge carries six lanes of traffic. Plans to build the bridge began in the early 1960s.

Before the Horace Wilkinson Bridge was built in 1968, travelers depended on the Huey P. Long–O.K. Allen Bridge, which opened in the 1940s and became known as the “Old Bridge.” Over the years, the region experienced an increase in highway and waterway traffic that the Old Bridge could no longer sustain. Traffic congestion and bottlenecks worsened, placing strain on Baton Rouge’s infrastructure. As a result, the Louisiana Department of Highways proposed and commissioned the construction of a “New Bridge” to reduce congestion throughout the region.

In 1960, plans to build the new bridge began. The Louisiana Department of Highways partnered with Modjeski and Masters, which designed the bridge, while construction was carried out by the American Bridge Company. On March 21, 1963, work began on the bridge’s substructure units. Three years later, in January 1966, contractors started on the superstructure. Construction was completed in February 1968, and the bridge opened on April 10, 1968. In total, the project cost $15,574,174.

Despite the bridge’s architectural significance and its role in reducing traffic congestion and expanding infrastructure, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 206 of 1968 to officially name the “New Bridge” the Horace Wilkinson Bridge. The bridge was named to honor and preserve the memory of three generations of the Wilkinson family: Horace Wilkinson Sr. (1854–1941), Horace Wilkinson Jr. (1888–1966), and Horace Wilkinson III (1913–1961). They were father, son, and grandson, respectively, and all three served in the Louisiana Legislature. Collectively, they served a total of fifty-four years. In addition to their legislative service, they were prominent figures in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

Horace Wilkinson Sr. (1854–1941) was born on Point Celeste Plantation in Plaquemines Parish. Before entering politics, he was a well-known planter. In 1883, he married Julia Merwin of New Orleans and moved to West Baton Rouge. Between 1884 and 1900, he managed Poplar Grove Plantation in Port Allen before returning to Plaquemines Parish for three years. In 1905, he returned to West Baton Rouge and purchased Poplar Grove Plantation. Around this time, he became actively involved in his community.

Horace Wilkinson Sr. was an advocate for Louisiana’s agriculture and infrastructure. He served as a member of the West Baton Rouge Parish Police Jury, as president of the Atchafalaya Basin Levee Board, and as president of the Choctaw Drainage Board. He was also elected to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention and served for twenty-one years in the Louisiana Legislature.

During his time in the legislature, Horace Wilkinson Sr. advocated for improved drainage systems, bridges, and roads. In 1918, during the administration of Ruffin Pleasant, he introduced a bill to purchase the Gartness Plantation in south Baton Rouge; this land later became the site of Louisiana State University. During the administration of John Parker, Horace Wilkinson Sr. served as the manager of the Angola State Penitentiary.

As mentioned, the bridge is named after Horace Wilkinson Sr.’s son and grandson. Both Horace Wilkinson Jr. and Horace Wilkinson III also played important roles in the Louisiana Legislature. Horace Wilkinson Jr. (1888–1966) followed in his father’s footsteps. He was a well-known sugar planter who lived on Poplar Grove Plantation. Like his father, he served in the Louisiana Legislature for 16 years and was a member of the West Baton Rouge Police Jury. Horace Wilkinson Jr. also served on the LSU Board of Supervisors for fourteen years. He is credited with being the first planter in Louisiana to use sheep to control Johnson grass in sugarcane fields.

Horace Wilkinson III (1913–1961) attended LSU and graduated in 1936 with a degree in agriculture. Like his father and grandfather, he followed a career in public service. He served twelve years as a member of the West Baton Rouge Police Jury and became a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors in 1959. Horace Wilkinson III was also a member of the Farm Bureau, the American Sugar Cane League, the National Cattlemen’s Association, and Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He was active in Louisiana politics for several years and served as a Louisiana senator from 1952 to 1956. He was reelected in 1960 but died in 1961 before completing his term. In total, Horace Wilkinson III served ten years as a Louisiana senator. While delivering a speech in 1961, he died from a stroke.

Overall, the Wilkinson family contributed significantly to Louisiana politics, infrastructure development, and agricultural advancement. They were strong advocates for the state’s progress. The bridge was built in their honor and stands as a lasting tribute to their legacy.

The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is also a symbol of modern engineering advancements. It is one of the highest bridges that crosses the Mississippi River. Its cantilevered truss design allows it to support heavy loads while also providing clearance for ships navigating the river, helping to reduce ship-related accidents.

Despite the bridge’s impressive design and historical significance, travelers often face challenges when using it. Although it was built to help reduce traffic congestion, the route is now known for frequent daily traffic delays.

The increased volume of vehicles has led to traffic delays and accidents. The original design of the Horace Wilkinson Bridge allowed little room for emergency contingencies. In response, in recent years, efforts have been made to implement additional safety measures for the bridge. For example, in 2003, the merge between Interstate 10 East and Interstate 10 West was redesigned to improve traffic flow. However, heavy traffic congestion remains an ongoing issue.

Currently, efforts to improve the bridge and make it safer for travelers continue to be an important focus. The Horace Wilkinson Bridge is a significant structure in the Baton Rouge area. It represents the legacy of the Wilkinson family and their efforts to improve the region. Overall, the bridge stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and progress.

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Joseph D. Waggonner Jr. was a Louisiana Congressman who served nine terms from 1961 to 1979. Throughout his life, he was involved with the Local, State, and National Government and earned countless titles and honors.

As a graduate of Louisiana Tech, he received an honorary doctorate, was named a distinguished alumni in 1977 and Alumnus of the Year in 1992, and had two professorships endowed in his name. He was also an active member of the local Methodist church in his hometown of Plain Dealings, Louisiana and became an honorary alumnus of Centenary College of Louisiana.

Waggonner was also a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. As a civilian back home in Plain Dealings, he ran a business distributing wholesale petroleum products. He first entered the political sphere in 1954 when he was elected to the Bossier Parish School Board. Later, he rose to President of the United Schools Committee of Louisiana and eventually moved to membership in the Louisiana Board of Education in 1960.

Just a year later, in 1961, a special election saw him voted into the House of Representatives, where he represented the state of Louisiana for nine consecutive terms. Throughout that time, he became known as the unofficial leader of the conservatives of both Louisiana and the United States. He was a staunch opponent of desegregation and a strong voice for states’ rights, voting against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1956. Near the end of his time in the House of Representatives, however, he claimed to have mellowed on the issue, claiming to have “accepted the law” (CITATION).

Waggonner also spent time and effort working to his home state of Louisiana, especially the northwest region. Interstate 49, stretching between New Orleans and Shreveport, was planned and funded with his oversight. Because of this, a portion of Interstate 220 in Shreveport, Louisiana was named Joseph D. Waggonner, Jr. Highway.

The representative retired from Congress in 1979, continuing to serve his local community.

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Sam A. Siracusa stood at the edge of his service station on a warm afternoon in Morgan City, watching cars pass along the newly redirected highway. Years earlier, he had stood in almost the same way beside his father and brother, pumping gas after school and learning what it meant to build something from the ground up. Now, the station had moved, the town had grown, and so had he.

Morgan City was changing, and Sam was changing with it. What began as a small family business became the foundation for something much larger. He understood people, and more importantly, he understood the town. When opportunities came, he took them. He helped organize a bank. He invested in property. He built connections that stretched across St. Mary Parish. People began to see him not just as a businessman, but as someone who could help shape the future of the community.

But it was not in boardrooms or business deals that Sam earned his most memorable name. It happened at Sacred Heart, when a group of boys came to him with a simple request. They needed football uniforms. Sam listened, then helped. That moment turned into years of involvement. He showed up at games, helped organize events, and supported the school in ways that went far beyond money. Students and families saw him everywhere, always working, always helping.

They started calling him “Sister Sam.” It was a joke at first, but it stuck. The name carried a kind of respect that titles never could. It meant he belonged to the school as much as any teacher or student. It meant he cared.

Even as his business responsibilities grew, Sam never stepped away from the community. He served on boards, helped guide local organizations, and gave his time wherever it was needed. He believed that success meant little if it was not shared.

When he passed away in 1979, the town he had spent a lifetime building paused to remember him. His family mourned him, but so did the school, the church, and the businesses he had helped create. His presence had been woven into the everyday life of Morgan City.

Long after his passing, his influence remained. The institutions he supported continued, the community he helped shape endured, and the nickname he earned still echoed in memory. Sam A. Siracusa had done more than live in Morgan City. He had helped define it.

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The Atchafalaya Basin is a testament to Louisiana’s economic, ecological, and cultural significance. Spanning millions of acres, it is the largest swamp in the United States. The basin also serves as a vital corridor along Interstate 10, connecting Acadiana to Baton Rouge and eastern Louisiana. Despite its many resources, it has posed challenges for travel for decades. As a result, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was built.

The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is a pair of twin bridges that run east and west through South Louisiana. The bridge serves as a gateway along Interstate 10, connecting Lafayette to Baton Rouge. Before the bridge was constructed in 1971, traveling to Baton Rouge took approximately three hours, while reaching New Orleans took about four hours. In the early 1900s, crossing the basin required water transportation, such as ferries.

Between 1906 and 1911, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company constructed a railway known as the Baton Rouge Branch, which crossed the Atchafalaya Basin. Its purpose was to provide a shorter route to eastern parts of Louisiana and to transport freight across the basin. The railway operated for sixteen years before being destroyed by the flood of 1927. Efforts to repair it were unsuccessful, and the line was eventually abandoned. Today, remnants of the railroad can still be seen within the swamps.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Louisiana’s interstate system was under development. Civil engineers needed to find a solution that would allow direct access across the Atchafalaya Basin. Before construction of the bridge could begin, engineers had to explore the basin to identify a stable foundation. This process was lengthy and took several years. During their research, engineers discovered nearly ninety feet of mud before reaching layers of sand that were stable enough to support the bridge’s pillars.

In 1971, construction of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge began, and it was completed two years later, in 1973. The structure consists of twin spans that stretch 18.2 miles, with pillars driven approximately 140 feet deep. At the time of its completion, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was the second-longest bridge in the United States; today, it ranks as the third longest. It is surpassed by the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and the Manchac Swamp Bridge, both of which are slightly longer.

After the bridge opened, travel times to Baton Rouge and New Orleans were significantly reduced, with trips taking about two to three hours instead of four.

Since the 1970s, the bridge has been known as the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge because it spans the basin. During the 1980s, there were efforts to name infrastructure after military personnel. In 1989, the bridge was officially renamed the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge (LA Airborne Memorial Bridge). It was renamed on July 10, 1989, to honor the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. The bridge serves as a tribute to all members and veterans of the United States Airborne Forces, including those who served in World War II.

Today, approximately 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day. Over the years, it has played an important role for many Louisianans, supporting the expansion of the state’s infrastructure and Acadiana’s economy. The bridge carries a significant volume of materials along Interstate 10 in both eastbound and westbound directions and serves as a vital link to several industries within Louisiana.

It also connects ports along the Gulf Coast, facilitating maritime logistics. In addition, the bridge contributes to Louisiana’s tourism industry by providing access to the Atchafalaya Welcome Center and recreational activities within the basin. Activities such as fishing, boating, and swamp tours generate revenue for local businesses.

While the bridge is widely recognized for its importance, it is also known for motor vehicle accidents. Heavy traffic makes it a particularly dangerous location for collisions, and when accidents occur, they can cause severe congestion. Since 2014, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge has been the site of more than 1,000 accidents, some of which have resulted in 15 fatalities. On average, about 197 accidents occur each year.

Efforts have been made to improve safety on the bridge. For example, in 1998, the speed limit was reduced from 70 miles per hour to 60.To further reduce accidents, several laws and regulations are enforced for those traveling on the bridge. Speed limit signs are installed to alert drivers when they are exceeding the limit. In addition, 18-wheelers and commercial trucks are prohibited from using the left lane and are required to remain in the right lane for the entire 18-mile span. Louisiana State Troopers are also present on the bridge to monitor traffic.

In recent years, Louisiana legislators proposed installing an automated camera system that would issue tickets to drivers who crossed the bridge in under eighteen minutes. However, between 2024 and 2026, the proposal was abandoned, and local law enforcement continued to monitor traffic on the basin.

The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, also known as the LA Airborne Memorial Bridge, is one of the most notable man-made structures in Louisiana. It carries a rich history that is significant to the state. The bridge is more than just a link between Acadiana and Baton Rouge; it is a symbol of Louisiana’s growth and expansion.

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On March 6, 2010, Corporal Clovis Wayne “J.R.” Searcy Jr. lost a two day fight for his life to a gunshot wound he sustained responding to an assault in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. An Air Force veteran of four years and an eight-year member of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Searcy died at a mere thirty-three years old, after dedicating over a third of his life to service. Born in West Monroe, Louisiana, Searcy’s life was full of family and fun. He spent his time “participating in his children’s sporting events, four-wheel racing, [and] mud digging.” A graduate of West Ouachita High School in 1994, Searcy left home to join the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force as a military police officer, Searcy “met the love of his life, Kerry, his wife of 9 years,” with whom he shared “2 children Justin and Maegan Searcy, as well as his step-son Nicholas Lambert.” When he wasn’t enjoying time with family, Searcy was a dedicated Sheriff’s Deputy serving his community. Searcy’s career with the Sheriff’s Office included “several years as a K-9 officer which was his true passion,”where he was also remembered as “always willing to help anyone in need.” In addition to his job as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Searcy was also a business owner, operating a lawn care service called C&K Searcy Enterprises. Searcy also dedicated time to directing traffic during the arrivals and dismissals of students at Woodlawn Elementary School, ensuring that all students remained safe.

On the fateful day of March 4, 2010, Searcy was joined by another deputy in responding to an aggravated assault call in West Monroe. The suspect had been reported as trying to run over people with his vehicle and was standing outside of his vehicle when the two deputies arrived on scene. Searcy, with his taser in hand, ordered the suspect to put his hands up and surrender. However, Searcy did not know that the suspect had a handgun hidden behind him in the small of his back. Acting as though he was going to surrender, the suspect suddenly reached for the concealed weapon and opened fire. Corporal Searcy was struck twice “just an inch above his protective vest,” as “the second deputy returned fire, killing the suspect.” Searcy was rushed to the hospital, where he fought for two days before finally succumbing to his wounds on March 6, 2010.

After his life was tragically cut short, family and friends began the process of memorializing their fallen loved one. A local branch of the Ouachita Parish Public Library was named in Searcy’s honor at the behest of his friends, “with a statue of him and his K-9 partner, Rico, near the entrance.” Then, in 2011, Searcy was honored with the naming of the Corporal J.R. Searcy Memorial Highway. Running through his home parish, the highway bearing Searcy’s name is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy. In addition to the library and road named in his honor, the Corporal J.R. Searcy Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) is awarded in his memory to students in the criminal justice program. The scholarship was created by Searcy’s longtime friend Dennis Wall, a fellow law enforcement officer and promoter of the “XTREME Battle of the Badges” fundraiser. Wall presented ULM with a check for $43, 478.19, with donations doubling in size the following year, cementing the scholarship as a tribute to Searcy “that will last well into the future and ensure a student is trained, in his memory, to protect our community.” Searcy’s life and legacy are a testament to his dedication to serving his community and as a loving family man. The Corporal J.R. Searcy Memorial Highway is only a small token of appreciation for the life tragically lost to a senseless act of violence.

“Corporal Clovis Wayne Searcy, Jr. .” The News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana), March 10,

2010. https://www.newspapers.com/image/226438302/?match=1&clipping_id=new.

“In Memory of Corporal J.R. Searcy.” Facebook. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, March 6,

2024.

https://www.facebook.com/OuachitaParishSheriffsOffice/posts/in-memory-of-co

rporal-j-r-searcywe-remember-our-fallen-brother-ouachita-parish-s/723521649

960250/.

The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP). “Corporal Clovis Wayne ‘J.R.’ Searcy, Jr.,

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana.” Accessed March 31, 2026.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/20340-corporal-clovis-wayne-jr-searcy-jr.

“ULM News.” Accessed March 31, 2026.

https://www.ulm.edu/news/archives/2011/mar11/searcy.html.

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Sergeant Thomas M. Alexander died in the line of duty. On September 11th, 2010, police received a 911 alert for a home invasion. The resident was outside the city limits for the Rayville Police department, but Sgt. Alexander was the closest to the scene so he took the call. The person who called 911 was home alone when she heard glass shatter. When Sgt. Alexander arrived at the scene, he made sure the victim was safe and went inside to apprehend the suspects. When he got to the back room, he approached the closest where he was shot four times. Richland Parish Sheriff Charles McDonald stated in 2010 that, “ He was ambushed. He told the victim to run. He basically saved her life.” Three suspects were arrested. Robert J. Walker of Rayville was arrested at the scene. He was found hiding under a bed in the home. Two hours after the shooting, Anthony D. Oatis of Monroe was arrested. The final suspect, Richard L. Long Jr. of Monroe was arrested the next day. All three suspects were booked into the Richland Parish Detention Center on first-degree murder of a police officer and aggravated burglary charges.

Sgt. Alexander served for a total of twenty-years on the police force. His first seven years of duty was with the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office and the final thirteen years was with the Rayville Police Department. Many of his fellow policemen miss him very deeply. On September 13th 2010, “The News-Star” paper, out of Monroe, Louisiana, interviewed a few people days after the death of Sgt. Alexander. Rayville Police Chief, Willie Robinson, worked with Sgt. Alexander for over thirty years. He says that, “This time ain’t easy. Tommy was like a son to me, he’ll be greatly missed, I promise. He died a hero.”

In 2013, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development officially named a section of Louisiana Highway 80 in Rayville, Louisiana “Thomas M. Alexander Memorial Highway”. The section of highway is from the intersection of Bob’s Lane and Highway 80 and stretches east to the intersection of Orchard Lane and Highway 80. This section is approximately three miles long. The memorial highway passes through downtown Rayville, Louisiana. HB No.171 was presented to the Louisiana House of Representatives. It stated that, “Designates a portion of La. Highway 80 in Richland Parish, from its intersection with Bob's Lane east to its intersection with Orchard Lane, as the "Thomas M. Alexander Memorial Highway". A section of this dedicated road is also by where Sgt. Alexander lost his life, while saving others.

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Emanuel Joseph “Lionel” Grizzaffi was born on August 30, 1901, in Morgan City, Louisiana. At the time, the town was growing quickly as a port along the Atchafalaya River. Fishing, shrimping, and maritime trade drove the local economy. Shipyards lined the riverbanks, building and repairing vessels used across the Gulf Coast. Growing up in this environment, Grizzaffi learned early how important waterways and transportation were to coastal life.

His family operated a shipyard in Morgan City. This placed them at the center of the town’s river-based economy. Boats needed constant repair, especially those used in shrimping and shipping. As a result, shipyards were essential to daily life. Grizzaffi later recalled in a local interview that “the river was the town’s lifeline,” a phrase that reflected how deeply these industries shaped the community. That experience influenced his later interest in economic development.

As a young man, Grizzaffi also stood out on the baseball field. From 1919 to 1931, he played semi-professional baseball. Teams traveled from town to town, drawing large crowds. Games often turned into community events. Older residents remembered Grizzaffi as “a steady player who could always be counted on in a tight game.” His time in baseball helped him build connections across southern Louisiana.

Grizzaffi eventually turned his attention to civic leadership. In 1947, he helped establish the Morgan City–Berwick Chamber of Commerce and became its first president. In this role, he worked with business owners and local officials to promote growth. He also encouraged cooperation between Morgan City and Berwick, two towns separated by the river but closely connected in daily life.

His involvement in government followed soon after. From 1944 to 1948, he served on the St. Mary Parish Police Jury. This body handled local issues such as road maintenance, budgets, and public services. The experience gave him a direct role in shaping how the parish developed during a period of postwar growth.

Grizzaffi’s leadership extended beyond the local level. During the mid-twentieth century, coastal Louisiana was undergoing major changes. The expansion of the oil industry, improvements in highways, and increased demand for seafood all reshaped the region’s economy. Within this context, Governor Earl K. Long appointed Grizzaffi to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. There, he worked with representatives from other Gulf Coast states to manage fisheries and protect marine resources. In 1957, he served as chairman.

He also contributed to the Louisiana Game Fish and Oyster Committee. Over twelve years, he helped address issues affecting fishing and oyster harvesting. His work reflected a sustained commitment to balancing economic growth with resource management in a region that depended heavily on its natural environment.

Grizzaffi later served in the Louisiana House of Representatives. There, he focused on improving infrastructure and supporting regional development. His interest in transportation continued when Governor John McKeithen appointed him to the Louisiana Board of Highways. He served from 1964 to 1970, a time when the state was expanding its road network to meet growing demand.

One of the most pressing local challenges was crossing the Atchafalaya River. Morgan City and Berwick depended on each other, but travel between them was limited. As traffic increased along U.S. Highway 90, the need for a modern bridge became clear. Community leaders, including Grizzaffi, pushed for a solution.

When the new bridge was completed in 1975, it was named the E. J. “Lionel” Grizzaffi Bridge. The dedication recognized his many contributions to the region. A local newspaper later described the structure as “a link not just between two towns, but between past efforts and future growth.” Today, the bridge carries thousands of vehicles each day and remains a key part of the area’s infrastructure.

Even in his later years, Grizzaffi stayed active in public life. In 1975, he ran for the Louisiana State Senate in District 21. Although he did not win, the campaign showed his continued interest in serving the region.

Outside of public service, Grizzaffi was devoted to his family. He was married to Carrie C. Grizzaffi, and together they raised two children, Luke Joseph Grizzaffi and Virginia Grizzaffi Versen. Their lives reflected the close-knit nature of southern Louisiana communities, where family, church, and local ties were central.

On June 8, 1982, Grizzaffi and his wife were killed in a car accident in Morgan City. Their deaths deeply affected the community. They were buried in Morgan City Cemetery, alongside many generations of local families.

Today, the E. J. “Lionel” Grizzaffi Bridge stands as a lasting reminder of his contributions. From his early days in a shipyard family to his years in public leadership, he played a key role in shaping Morgan City. His work supported transportation, strengthened coastal industries, and encouraged regional cooperation. Through both his actions and his legacy, Grizzaffi helped guide his community through a period of important economic and social change.

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L.A. Henagan, nicknamed Buddy, was a civic leader and mayor of DeQuincy from 1966 until 1982. He would also serve as mayor from 1990 until his death in 2004. Henagan was a veteran, community leader, and union worker who came from a humble home, was raised in the aftermath of the Great Depression, and came of age at the start of the Second World War. After serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II, Henagan would return home to DeQuincy, marry Marget Smith, and work as a locomotive engineer for the Missouri Pacific Railroad company. Buddy Henagan also worked with his brother, R.P. (Rip) Henagan, as joint owners of the Parkway Cafe in DeQuincy.

Before running for mayor, Henagan displayed skills as a leader as the Charter President of the DeQuincy Athletic Booster Club and exhibited his commitment to justice by acting as a member of the DeQuincy Sheriff’s Posse. In the years and months leading up to his election in 1966, Henagan served on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce as Chairman of the Highway Committee. He also served as the Chamber’s chairman of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the local Industrial Board, which aimed to bring new jobs through industry to DeQuincy and the surrounding area. Buddy Henagan would win the mayoral election of 1966, kicking off his nearly 30-year-long career as the city’s top executive. As Mayor of DeQuincy, Henagan oversaw the development of the KCS Depot, the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, and the DeQuincy Industrial Park. He was also responsible for the building of a new city hall, fire department, hospital, and post office. Roads, sidewalks, new city paths, and sewage systems underwent renovations under Henagan’s leadership.

Henagan also secured millions of dollars to finance public projects such as the construction of a new sports complex, ballfields, a neighborhood center, and a public pool. These funds also contributed to the construction of more than eighty units of public housing. Henagan was not only skilled in building up infrastructure, but he also understood the importance of being a part of the community. This is best exemplified in his role as a member of the Volunteer Barbeque Crew, a local group that would barbecue for any organization in DeQuincy that needed help raising funds.

Despite the many public works and social outreach, Buddy Henagan's administration was not without controversy. After Henagan’s death in 2004, John D. Williams, a former Louisiana inmate, claimed that Buddy Henagan, amongst other city officials, forced him to work additional hours, sometimes for the personal gain of Henagan and other local officials. Williams asserted that he worked 20 hours a day during the city’s railroad festival, barbecued for over 26 hours at local fundraisers, and had to wax the floor of Henagan’s church. The district court found that while Henagan likely abused his authority over Williams, these abuses were not enough to support Williams’ claim that his rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act or Thirteenth Amendment were infringed.

While Henagan’s abuse of power over Williams does not undo his great services to his community, it should not simply be erased from public memory either. Henagan was a pillar of the community of DeQuincy who radically transformed the city in the latter half of the twentieth century. Yet despite these improvements to public infrastructure and commitment to the people of DeQuincy through community involvement in organizations such as the Volunteer Barbeque Crew, Mayor Henagan was not infallible. Sometimes these community outreach campaigns were even undercut by the exploitation of prison labor, as seen in John Williams’ experiences with Henagan’s barbeques or the railroad festival. This is not meant to be an attack on Henagan’s character, but rather a commitment to the true memory of Henagan. If our memorial highways only remember the good, we only set ourselves up for failure by painting an incomplete picture of the past. By remembering the whole truth, we can still admire the good, but learn from the mistakes of the past so that we might not repeat them.

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Being a high school coach takes commitment and time. People look up to you and will never forget you.

A.C. “Coach” Schiro was born January 21st 1927 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School and went to college at Louisiana Tech University. He received his masters degree from McNeese State University. He moved to Merryville in 1949 after finishing college and began teaching and coaching at Merryville High School. He retired in 1979 after serving as a teacher, head football coach, and principal.

As a football coach at Merryville High School, Coach Schiro’s team won the district title twice. His team's first district title was in 1954 and the second was in 1963. His teams were also district runner-up four times. Those years were 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960. The Merryville class of 1954 credits their head coach on their class website. He served as head football coach of the Merryville Panthers from 1949 up until the late 1960's. After coaching, he became the principal of Merryville High School until his retirement in 1979.

After retirement from the public school system, Coach Schiro became Deputy Schiro for the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office from 1980 to 1997. Even though he was not from the Beauregard area, he was deeply involved with the community. He lived for a few short years after retiring from the Sheriff's Office. He died on March 27th 2001 at the age of 74.

Shortly after his passing, the Louisiana DOTD dedicated a section of Louisiana Highway 110 in Merryville to A.C. “Coach” Schiro. The section of the road passes in front of Merryville High School and stretches for one mile. For his years of dedication to this small town high school, Senator James David Cain proposed that the highway should be dedicated to him. It was finally passed and on Monday October 29th 2001, a ceremony was conducted to honor Coach Schiro. Officially naming the highway that passes in front of Merryville High School as “A.C. Schiro Memorial Highway”.

"I had a foul shot coming and I made that, also. I heard Coach Schiro let out a triumphant yell, because he spent lots of time with me in my basketball training" - George Edward Dewey Merryville Class of 1954.

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At a mere 21 years old, Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard of the United States Marine Corps gave his life in service of his country while deployed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. A team leader in the 2nd Battalion/8th Marines, Corporal Richard was killed in an IED explosion, after safely evacuating his team from danger. The War in Afghanistan was known for the prevalence of IED's (improvised explosive devices) , which posed grave danger to both civilians and soldiers alike. In a commendation received after his death, Corporal Richard was cited as “a highly courageous and dynamic leader” whose “initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” Corporal Richard’s selfless sacrifice in Afghanistan is a testament to how he lived, a life memorialized along Louisiana Highway 91, which runs through his hometown of Iota, Louisiana.

Born to parents Jeff and Alicia Ardoin Richard, Corporal Richard grew up in the Iota community surrounded by loving friends and family. A graduate of Iota High School, Corporal Richard was described as an avid outdoorsman and football player. Beyond his love of sports and the outdoors, Corporal Richard “loved his family, loved his friends, and loved his country.” Moreover, Corporal Richard was remembered as an incredibly compassionate and caring individual who had a heart for service. The passion with which Corporal Richard held for taking care of others inspired him to enlist in the Marine Corps upon graduating from high school, as it was his dream to serve his country and alongside his fellow Marines. Corporal Richard’s determination to serve his country led him to be deployed in Afghanistan, where he was an exemplary Marine. Corporal Richard was remembered fondly by his fellow Marines for his “unbridled, comical personality and contagious enthusiasm” and as an “extraordinarily driven individual.”

After his death, Corporal Richard’s larger than life legacy would be honored with a foundation and a roadway bearing his name. Founded by his parents after his death, The Corporal Matthew Richard Memorial Foundation was created to “ensure that the death of our son does not end in only sorrow and pain” and “to bring help to those who are still here.” To further honor his legacy, a portion of Louisiana Highway 91 in Iota was designated the “Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard Memorial Highway” in 2015. Unlike the foundation, which was started by Corporal Richard’s parents, the mission to name a roadway in his honor began with an Iota eighth grader named Collin Steen. An Eagle Scout who was one of many that attended the funeral procession for Corporal Richard. Steen was inspired to begin a campaign to see Corporal Richard honored on one of Louisiana’s roadways. Steen, who was 13 at the time, wrote to Representative Jack Montoucet asking for legislation to authorize a road named for Corporal Richard. After the legislation passed, the new sign bearing Corporal Richard’s name was unveiled in Iota at his parents home, with Representative Montoucet remarking that he hoped “those who traveled the road and saw the sign were not only reminded of Richard but would say a prayer for him, his family, and remember all who serve the U.S.”

Today Corporal Richard’s legacy continues to shine through the efforts of his parents and the community in which he was raised. After his death, Iota “rallied around the Richard family and the family, in turn, has turned itself back into the community, creating scholarships and a memorial 5K run.” As of 2021, the Corporal Matthew Ricard Memorial Foundation had raised an estimated $170,000, “with most of the money helping organizations that assist veterans.” Additionally, the Foundation donates to community projects and awards a $1,000 scholarship to an Iota High School graduate every year.” While the circumstances surrounding Corporal Richard’s death were indeed heartbreaking, the efforts made by his family and community members shows the strength of small towns in the wake of tragedy. The Iota community surrounded Corporal Richard’s family with love and support in the wake of his passing, and continue to do so even over a decade after. Speaking about the efforts to keep Corporal Richard’s memory alive, his father Jeff proclaimed that “We are not going to let him be forgotten.” As long as the “Corporal Matthew Thomas Richard Memorial Highway” remains named and a sign stands tall, the life, sacrifice, and legacy of Corporal Richard will not be forgotten.

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On the morning of September 17th, 2011, Nickie Gene Voinche was on his way to work as a construction superintendent with Gilchrist Construction. He was heading to the bridge on Highway 190 in Livonia, Louisiana when he was tragically hit head-on by a vehicle in Morganza. Voinche passed away as a result of the incident.

Gilchrist Construction of Alexandria initiated a memorial in his honor, hoping to have the state bridge named after Voinche. Louisiana State Representative Johnson and Senator Ward co-authored a bill and presented it to the Louisiana Legislature. At a regular session in 2013, House Bill 419 named the bridge Nickie Gene Voinche Memorial Bridge.

Nickie Gene Voinche was born on September 23, 1954 in Marksville, Louisiana. He graduated from Marksville High School in 1972. In his young life, he once worked at the local church with his friends. When they finished with their work, the priest would let them take his car to town. However, he and his "pad-nas" would sometimes sneak out to town on their own. He also enjoyed going to the camp on weekends to hunt and fish. He earned himself the nickname “Hippie” amongst his family and friends and was known to never meet a stranger.

Voinche later married Julia Bordelon Voinche on June 30th, 1979. Together, they had three children, Chis, Celeste, and Samantha. At date of writing, he has four grandchildren. When his children were young, he worked for 4F Construction. He worked in heavy civil and road construction for all of his life, often working away from home. However, more than anything, he loved his family and always made time to spend with his loved ones. If he didn’t have to stay the night away at work in his camper, he would simply drive all the way back home to make sure his family got his time and love. There was nothing he was prouder of than his children and, later, his grandchildren, and he always made sure they knew it.

In his later life, he worked for Gilchrist Construction. He would still spend time with family and spend his Sundays cheering on the Saints. Saturday nights were often spent dining at his favorite restaurant, Outback. One of his favorite things to do was cut grass with his beloved tractor. He also loved to cook in his outdoor kitchen, smoking meat and barbequing. He made sure to visit his friends and family as often as he could, up until he passed away.

His daughter, Celeste Gauthier, speaks fondly of her father. "To know him," she said, "was to love him! My daddy was a simple man. He was funny, caring and kind, was NOT afraid to ask questions, enjoyed making others laugh...

"He would give his shirt off of his back to help anyone,and he truly did that! He NEVER met a stranger! It was like you were with a celebrity when you were with him because he knew everyone...I realized it when it was too late after his passing, I wanted to speak to others about him."

Beloved by friends, acquaintences, and family alike, Nickie Gene Voinche still lives on in the memory of all who knew him. The bridge on Highway 190 is just one small reminder of "extraordinary but ordinary" life that was cut too short.

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Louisiana is home to a lot of amazing people who carry Louisiana’s culture within them. Louisiana is also home to many local legends. One in particular is Doris Coleman Guillory.Doris Coleman Guillory’s love for basketball exemplify her role as an extraordinary athlete who helped shape the future of women’s basketball. Born in 1943, Doris Coleman grew up in Longville, Louisiana, a small community in Beauregard Parish. Her love for basketball was evident from an early age. At just eight years old, she built her own basketball hoop by nailing an old foot tub to a pecan tree in her backyard. This gave her access to practice and perfect her skills.

When Doris graduated from high school in 1961, athletic scholarships for women were nonexistent. If a woman wanted to pursue a career in basketball, she had to play professionally, but opportunities were extremely limited. At the time, there were only two known professional women’s basketball teams: Hazel Walker’s Arkansas Travelers and the Red Heads. After high school, Doris tried out for a spot on the Arkansas Travelers and earned a place on the team. Between 1962 and 1968, she played professional basketball.

While playing, Doris and her teammates competed against male teams under men’s rules. Sometimes, they played against military and semi-professional teams. There were no exceptions to basketball rules when competing agaisnt male teams. During an interview, Doris stated, “It was rough and tough playing against male teams. They didn’t have any pity on us.” During games, Doris and her teammates were required to maintain a ladylike appearance. They had to roll their hair and apply full makeup before each game. However, this requirement did not stop the Arkansas Travelers from matching their opponents’ energy and dominating on the basketball court. As a member of Hazel Walker’s Arkansas Travelers, Doris played approximately 200 games per season, and the team won 85 percent of its games. During her professional career, she competed against legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, who played for the Harlem Globetrotters, the San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Together, Doris and her teammates were true pioneers, paving the way for the future of women’s professional basketball, including the WNBA. In 1968, Doris retired from professional basketball and worked at Trunkline Gas Company for forty years, performing engine maintenance and serving as a fire extinguisher and crane inspector. She also dedicated several years to the Beauregard Parish School Board.

In recognition of her extraordinary high school basketball legacy, Doris was inducted into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1993. She was credited with popularizing the overhand jump shot, a maneuver that could not be duplicated by any girl at the time. This move even made boys envious. Doris was also recognized for scoring more than 4,000 points during her high school career, setting a record that would not be broken for over thirty years. Additionally, her free-throw record was recognized during her induction: she made 1,147 free throws, averaging 39 per season and 10.6 per game.

In 2007, Senator James David Cain of Dry Creek, Louisiana, proposed Senate Bill No. 61 to rename the Hickory Creek Bridge in honor of Doris Coleman Guillory. On August 15, 2007, the bridge was officially renamed the Doris Coleman Guillory Bridge to recognize her remarkable basketball accomplishments.The bridge is located on Louisiana Highway 110 over Hickory Creek, west of Longville. It is a relatively small, two-lane tee-beam bridge that measures 160 feet. The bridge was originally constructed in 1948.

Unfortunately, Doris Coleman Guillory passed away in 2022. However, her legacy lives on through the renaming of the Hickory Creek Bridge and her contributions to sports. Her accomplishments continue to inspire athletes across the state of Louisiana.

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When traveling east on LA 16, in order to get into the small town of Franklinton, Louisiana, you will need to cross over the Bogue Chitto River. To do this, you will travel over the Chess Richardson Memorial Bridge. Though the bridge does not have the same iron beam cross design that it once had, the remembrance of Col. Hardy Chesley Richardson is still the same.

Colonel Hardy Chesley Richardson was born on April 20th 1822, in a small community named Ben's Ford, Louisiana. He was married to Martha Warren and they lived together in Sunny Hill, Louisiana until his death in 1888. It is said that Col. Richardson was a very large man, standing anywhere from 6 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 6 inches and weighing roughly 250 pounds.

The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the north and south in America. The reason for the American Civil War was because of the abolishing of slavery. The South was trying to keep slavery to help keep their economy. The North wanted to abolish slavery and make everyone free. The North fought under the Union Army. The South fought under the Confederate Army. Since Louisiana is located in the south, they joined the Confederacy. Col. Richardson was a colonel in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He was in charge of "Camp Moore" in Tangipahoa Parish, where 200 men trained to fight for the Confederacy. His crew, also known as the Washington Rifles, went on to join General Robert E. Lee's army in Virginia. Col. Richardson's army fought in eight battles. They fought in the following: First Manassas (Bull Run), Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Sharpsburg, Chancellorsville, Second Manassas, Petersburg, and the raid on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In their final battle, the raid on Chambersburg, Col. Richardson was shot and wounded and would end his leadership in the Confederate Army.

Upon his return back home, Col. Richardson raised cattle, served as the parish clerk of court in Washington Parish, and served on the Louisiana State Senate. He also ran for the United States Senate but lost the election by three votes. He would suddenly pass away on July 5th 1888, after collapsing on his front porch.

The Chess Richardson Memorial Bridge began construction in 1935 and was offically opened on April 23rd, 1936. The bridge would be a significant piece of history in Franklinton, Louisiana, until in 1989, the Louisiana State Legislature and the DOTD would decide on tearing down the bridge and replacing it with a modern bridge. The bridge was officially torn down in 1998, and the new bridge was officially opened on March 18th, 1998.

Col. Hardy Chesley Richardson's service in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War and his public service in Washington Parish left a lasting impact in Eastern Louisiana. As travelers pass by the Varnado Store Museum, they can still see the iconic sign that once was mounted on the bridge.

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In Richland Parish, Louisiana lies a stretch of LA. Hwy. 183, also known as the “James ‘Terry’ Watson Memorial Highway.” Named for a fallen DEA agent and Richland Parish native, the road is more than just a memorial for a life lost, but a reminder of a life lived. Born in the town of Holly Ridge, Louisiana to parents Paul and Henrietta Watson on December 9, 1970, Terry Watson had a heart for adventure. Growing up, Watson “enjoyed riding motorcycles,” as well as “traveling, snow skiing, and running which he continued to enjoy all of his life.” Watson soon developed an interest in law enforcement, and set upon a path that would take him on an international journey as a law enforcement officer and eventual federal agent.

Watson began his career as a Richland Parish Sheriff’s deputy where he later transitioned to working in narcotics investigations. During his tenure at the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, Watson was also a student, attending Northeast Louisiana University where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice. After Watson earned his Criminal Justice degree, he joined the United States Marshal's Service, where he was then assigned to work in Biloxi, Mississippi. Following two years of service with the US Marshal’s, Watson “achieved his lifelong goal and was hired by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in which he devoted 13 years of service.” As a federal agent, the nature of Watson’s work was often incredibly hazardous . In his three deployments to Afghanistan, Watson was involved with “conducting dangerous counter-narcotics missions as a member of DEA’s FAST program.” The FAST program, Foreign-deployed Advisory Support Team, “deployed specially trained DEA agents to work alongside U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and NATO forces” to “identify and dismantle Afghanistan's top drug traffickers, disrupt the opium and heroin trade, and cut off financial pipelines supporting terrorist organizations.” Watson’s work was invaluable both at home and abroad, stifling both the spread of illegal drugs as well as quelling the activities of terrorist organizations through the disruption of their financial support. 

Unfortunately Watson would only be able to make so much of an impact before his life was tragically cut short at forty-two years old and after thirteen years of service with the DEA. While on assignment in Bogota, Colombia as part of a drug-smuggling investigation, Watson would be attacked while riding in a taxi cab as part of a robbery scheme. While inside the cab, Watson was assaulted with a stun gun and then stabbed with a knife. Although he was able to escape from the cab, Watson would collapse and succumb to his injuries in a hospital. Despite the devastating circumstances surrounding his death, Agent Terry Watson’s life and service are the most important of his story.

Travelling to dangerous places like Afghanistan and Colombia were assignments that Watson volunteered for, and as his family wrote in a statement after his passing, “[v]olunteering and taking those risks were part of his character and demonstrate the type of person he was.” Watson was determined to make a difference in the world, and was willing to place himself in harm’s way to do so. Hopefully when people drive past the “James ‘Terry’ Watson Memorial Highway” sign they will remember his name, and take the time to look him up the next time they have a free moment. When they do they will see the life and legacy of a man who dedicated himself to making the world a little safer for all of us. According to his mother, Henrietta Watson, “her son traveled the stretch of highway almost every day of the first 22 years of his life. It was the road that brought him home.” The notion that the section of roadway named after Watson was the same that he traveled as a young man is nothing but bittersweet. James ‘Terry’ Watson was more than just a DEA agent, he was a husband, a brother, and a son. Perhaps most importantly though, he was a man from a small town in Louisiana who craved adventure and wanted to help others. He found a way to combine those two passions by leading a life of service both at home and around the globe.

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Saint Tammany is one of the most unusual figures in American history. Unlike traditional saints recognized by the Catholic Church, Saint Tammany was actually a Native American leader of the Lenni Lenape people, also known as the Delaware tribe. He lived during the late 1600s in the region that is now Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. His real name was Tamanend, but over time, Americans began calling him Tammany. His transformation from a historical figure into a symbolic “saint” reveals how early Americans constructed national identity through myth, memory, and selective storytelling.

Tamanend was known for being wise and peaceful. He is most remembered for his relationship with William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. When Penn arrived in North America, he hoped to build fair and peaceful relationships with Native Americans. Tamanend was one of the leaders who made agreements with him. These agreements later became powerful emblems of cooperation between Native Americans and European settlers. Early writers described Tamanend as calm, fair, and honorable.

As years passed, Tamanend’s story grew larger than life; he became almost legendary in American culture. After the American Revolution, the new nation wanted heroes who were not connected to Britain. Before independence, many colonists celebrated British figures like St. George. But after breaking away from Britain, Americans wanted their own national icons. Tamanend became a perfect choice. He represented harmony, fairness, and a connection to the American land. Calling him “Saint Tammany” was not religious. Instead, it was a symbolic way to honor him as a national hero.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, groups were formed in his honor. One of the most famous was Tammany Hall in New York City. At first, this group, also known as Tammany Society, celebrated American independence and used Native American imagery in its meetings. Members even celebrated “St. Tammany’s Day.” However, over time, Tammany Hall became known for political corruption and unfair practices. Even though the organization later developed a controversial reputation, its original purpose was to honor Tamanend as a representation of American identity.

In 1810, St. Tammany Parish was officially created in Louisiana and named after Tamanend. This is especially interesting because Louisiana has a strong Catholic history, and most of its parishes are named after Catholic saints. St. Tammany is different. According to the St. Tammany Parish Library, the “Saint” in its name is not Catholic-related. It comes from the American tradition of honoring Tamanend as a symbolic saint of the new nation. This makes the parish unique within the state.

Today, Tammany Parkway, a portion of U.S. Highway 190 in St. Tammany Parish, continues to carry his name. Even though Tamanend never lived in Louisiana, his reputation spread across the country. His name came to represent unity, harmony, and pride in American independence.

However, the story of Saint Tammany also shows some contradictions in American history. Early Americans admired Tamanend and used him as a symbol of freedom and fairness. At the same time, Native American tribes across the country faced displacement and unfair treatment as the United States expanded westward. While Tamanend was honored in name, many Native Americans did not receive the same respect in reality. This creates an important reminder that history can be both inspiring and complicated.

It is also important to remember that much of what we know about Tamanend comes from stories passed down over time. Historical records about his life are limited, and some details may have been exaggerated. Still, there is strong evidence that he was a respected Lenni Lenape leader who supported peaceful relationships with colonists. His treaty with William Penn became a lasting emblem of cooperation, even though later relationships between Native Americans and settlers were often marked by conflict.

Saint Tammany was not a traditional saint but a Native American leader who became a powerful figure in early American culture. Tamanend was admired for his peaceful leadership and his role in building relationships with colonists. After the American Revolution, Americans adopted him as a representation of national pride and independence. Although the title “Saint” was symbolic and not religious, it showed how deeply he was respected. St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana carries his name as a reminder of this unique history. His story helps connect local Louisiana history to the larger story of how America created its national identity, while also demonstrating how historical memory and mythmaking can reshape real individuals into lasting national legends.

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After his passing on February 4th, 1991, the community of Starks, Louisiana in western Calcasieu Parish saw to dedicating a portion of Highway 109 to the late Reverend A. L. O'Brien. He was the pastor at First Pentecostal Church for over 35 years and an active member of the Starks community. A. L. O'Brien was born on June 30th, 1922 in Pickering, Louisiana. After graduating high school, he moved to Lake Charles and converted to the Pentecostal faith at age 17. While living there, he assisted Reverend J. W. Evans for twelve years. During this time, he married Emily Donahue and fathered their child, Roger, in December of 1944. After he and his wife worked as Evangelists for a year, A. L. O'Brien served as a pastor in Topsy and Indian village at their respective Pentecostal churches. In July of 1954, he found his lifelong pastoral position at First Pentecostal Church in Starks, Louisiana. When he took on the pastorate at First Pentecostal, the church was in the process of building a new sanctuary for worship. He oversaw this and saw that the building was completed in 1956. In 1961, a new educational building for the church was completed and dedicated to Roger O'Brien, his son who passed away in 1960 after a battle with pneumonia. Through his time with the congregation, even as members came and went, the numbers saw tremendous growth. Eventually, Reverend O'Brien saw this and decided that more space was needed to accommodate the church and its services. By 1973, a new complex for the church was completed and dedicated. Reverend O'Brien served his congregation and community for over three decades before passing away on February 4th, 1991. After his passing, it was proposed that a portion of Louisiana Highway 109 in Calcasieu Parish be named in his honor. Today, the Memorial Highway passes directly beside First Pentecostal Church in Starks, Louisiana, where his memory and legacy lives on in the community he loved and that loved him in return.

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