Our Exhibits

The earliest inhabitants of Webster Parish were Caddo Indians. Their lasting influence can be seen in place names such as Bistineau, Dorcheat, and Shongaloo.

Overton was created in 1836 to serve as the seat of what was then Claiborne Parish. It was located on Bayou Dorcheat south of Minden. Today, there is nothing left but the remnants of the cemetery.

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A steamboat landing was located there. Steamboats traveled Lake Bistineau and Dorcheat for decades. These waterways were essential for transporting people and goods until the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s.

This cabin is what remains of the O'Bier home. It was a dog trot, meaning that it had an open hall that ran through the middle of the house. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally located in Shongaloo, it was moved to Germantown. There it was damaged and fell into disrepair. What could be salvaged was reconstructed inside the museum.

There was no battles fought in the Minden area during the Civil War. However, there was a large Confederate camp, known as Camp Magruder, located in the area. 

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After the war ended, Minden was occupied by Union forces. The 61st Colored Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops was stationed here for several months. One hundred cabins were said to have been built for them in the area surrounding the upper end of Homer Road.

Minden's Residential Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It contains many historic homes and represents a range of architectural styles. Several of the homes within the district are individually listed on the National Register.

Education has always been important to the people of Webster Parish. The Minden Female College, located on the site of Minden High School, was well-known. At the same time, Academy Park was home to the Minden Male Academy. 

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In the 1920s, school consolidation was implemented by E. S. Richardson. This system became a model followed by other schools across the state.

Coca-Cola Bottling of Minden was started by W.S. Hunter in 1901 as North Louisiana Bottling Works. The Hunter family was also instrumental in early recreation in Minden. On their property, they constructed a baseball field, swimming pool, and Hunter's Playhouse where many dances were held for the young people of Minden. Among the baseball teams sponsored by the Hunters was the Minden Redbirds semi-pro team. 

The first pastor of the Minden Baptist Church, now First Baptist Minden, was George Washington Baines, great-grandfather of President Lyndon B. Johnson. He later served as President of Baylor University from 1861 to 1863.

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B.B. McKinney was from Heflin. He was editor of the Broadman Hymnal and author of many hymns such as "The Nail-Scarred Hand."

In the midst of the Great Depression, 1933 was a year of disasters for Minden. A fire destroyed a large portion of downtown, a devasting tornado killed at least 24 people and destroyed an estimated 200 homes, the Bank of Minden failed, and there was flooding across the parish. Residents proved their resiliency and pushed forward despite these hardships.

Minden and Webster Parish have been the filming site of several movies in recent years.

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At one time, Minden was home to several movie theaters including the Rex, the Joy, and the Joy Drive-In. In July 1955, Elvis performed on the back of a flatbed truck at the Joy Drive-In.

Webster Parish has been home to many who have achieved great athletic accomplishments.

Sweet Lou Dunbar- Harlem Globetrotters

Jackie Moreland - Detroit Pistons

David Lee - Baltimore Colts

Billy Joe Booth - Ottawa Rough Riders

Charlie Hennigan - Houston Oilers

John David Crow - Heisman Winner

The railroad was vital to the development of Webster Parish. Many small communities throughout the parish grew into small towns with the coming of the Vicksburg, Shreveport, and Pacific Railroad and then the L&A Railway. The L&A was built by lumberman William Buchanan and several sawmills were built along its route. The L&A was helped support the economy of Minden by moving its railroad shops and offices here.

Alan Bean - 4th man to walk on the moon

Gene Austin - considered to be the first "crooner"

Percy Mayfield - wrote "Hit the Road, Jack"

James Burton - Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, played w/Elvis

Joe Stampley - lead singer of the Uniques

Sharon Brown - Miss USA 1961, runner-up Miss Universe

Ben Earl Looney - famous artist

Bill Cook - Broadway performer

Trace Adkins

The Cox Family

...to name a few