Beauregard Parish
Founded in 1913
Beauregard Parish is comprised of the cities and towns of DeRidder, Merryville, Longville, Oretta, Singer, Sugartown, Dry Creek, and Ragley. It is often referred to as the Southern gateway to the Western corridor, with a heritage that reflects a mix of Louisiana and Texas.
Points of Interest
- Experience every growing season at a real working farm - CM Farms, with more than 40 attractions, animals, live entertainment and events.
- Travel through history on the Myths and Legends Byway, a 178-mile drive based on true stories, legends and tall tales.
- Experience the haunting and historic Gothic Jail in DeRidder. The walls hold secrets of a brutal murder, suicide and double hanging. Built in 1919 and got its name from the “Collegiate Gothic” architectural style of the building. Also, known as the “Hanging Jail” it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open Monday-Friday for daily tours.
- Visit the first United States Organization (USO) in the nation; used during World War II at the War Memorial Civic Center, a site on the National Register of Historic Places. The building honors 47 young men from the area who were killed in action during the war, including a War Room Museum with many items on display. The center is over 5,000 square feet and was constructed in only 39 calendars days at the cost $57,480.00. Doors opened in November 1941.
- DeRidder is also home to two downtown museums. The Beauregard Museum housed in the second Kansas City Southern Depot, built in 1926. Home too many artifacts from the timber industry, old photographs, from the parish history. Lois Loftin Doll Museum holds more than 3,500 dolls. Collection was donated by Lois and Albert Loftin. Dolls can be seen at the Old Post Office, constructed in 1935 and is also home to a mural painting by Conrad A. Albrizio’ the fresco entitled “Rural Free Delivery”. Admission is free at both museums.