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Sugartown (excerpt from BEAUREGARD PARISH HISTORY - T194) NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS DUE TO TYPO ERRORS, ETC.
Although some individual families had come into the lower Calcasieu region earlier, the first permanent settlement in Southwest Louisiana was at Sugartown, when several families arrived more or less simutanously beteen 1816-1818. they built the first home on scattered farm sites around what was a natural location for the town of Sugartown. The Sugartown township was first surveyed in 1807, probaly as a result of the Louisiana Purchase. During the latter part of the 18th century, the land east of the Sabine which now comprises Southwestern Louisiana, was under the jurisdiction of the Spanish government in Mexico. Boundries were not clearly defined under the terms of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and for many years ownership of the area was vigorously disputed by the governments of the U.S., Spain, Mexico and Texas. While governments held endless talks, and signed treaties, pioneers conquered hardships, overcame privations adn brought civilazation to the frontier. The village was first a way-station and overnight camping stop for travellers. Because Sugar Creek is easy to ford at this point. Sugartown later became the major stopping point on the well traveled and direct route from Lake Charles to Alexandria. Large cattle drives were made along this way from the holding opoint at the Marked Tree Pens ner the present DeRidder airport to the rail shipping point at Lecompte. How was Sugartown named? Two traditions exist: one, that a wagon overturned and spilled precious and scarce sugar into the creek, thus naming both the creek and later the town, and two that during a cook-off the unwatched pot cooked too long and sugar was made instead of syrup. The early settlers were almost entirely self sufficient. Until after the civil war everything that was used for food, clothing, farming and other tasks was made at home. Every farm house had a spinning wheel and a loom for weaving cloth. All cooking was done on an open fireplace and pine knots and tallow candles provided light. But progress came and gradually enterprising citzens began to provide needed services and conveniences. A tanning yard was built to make leather for shoes, saddles and harnesses and even a rope-works existed. Horsepower operated the early grist and syrup mills. From about 1820 to 1840, mail had to be picked up at Belgrade, TX. the Sabine River Boat Landing below Merryville. But in 1841 a post office was established at Sugartown with weekly deliveries by horseback from Lake Charles via Petersburg. There were 150 families living within ten miles of the Sugartown crossroads by 1861. In 1877, surveyors recorded that Sugartown "a small village in Sec. 31 is a thriving little place with two cotton gins, a sawmill and grist mill worked by steam." General stores had been opened, and about 1870 merchants began to stock yard goods for dresses and a rought jean. Ready made clotheing was available in local stores by 1880. But life was as sweet as the town's name implied. There were all-day picnics on the white, sandy beaches of Whisky Chitto Creek. Monthly dances were held in various homes with music by two black fiddlers from Ten Mile. Girls rode to the dances in buggies escorted by their brothers or cousins on horseback, and everyone looked forward to coffee, teacakes and sweets always served at 10 o'clock. Another type of pary fun was the famous taffy pull. Campground meetings ansd religious services sometimes lasting for several days wee also excuses for social gatherings. After the circuit riders finished preaching, the audience would gather in a large circle, sing songs and clap their hands in time to the music. At the turn of the century there also existed in Sugartown, a Masonic Lodge, school, churches, racetrack, saloons and boarding houses, as well as several stores, supply houses and the doctor's office. Although never legally incorporated, Sugartown was the center of organized community life, the recognized trade, business and economic center of the area, and its people set the pace in establishing social customs, educationa.l facilities and leadership in bring law and order the the frontier. Sugartown was the home of the first state legislator authorized for the district, and also the first cotton gin west of the Calcasieu River was at Sugartown and operated more than 40 years. But the most important achievement was the establishment of the Sugartown Male and Female Academy in 187. This school, it is felt by many, marked the beginning of the educational systm of Southwest Louisiana. W.H. Baldwin, a graduate of Columbia University, was its first professor. Pupils came to him from nine to ten parishes in Louisiana and from several counties in East Texas. The roll of graduates and their accomplishments is amazing. They became leaders in medicine, ministry, education, govenment adn business. Their influence is still felt today in many fields of public service. After Mr. Baldwin left, possibly because of his addiction to strong drink, there is no record of the Male and Female Academy until 188 when we find the school in operation with Professor M.W. Shaddock principal and S.J. Iles, assistant. A resolution at the Summer 188 School Board Meeting is noteworthy, "Resolved that because of the advanced character of the Sugartown Male and Female School and its many advantages as an educational center that it be instituted as a school of high grade ... and that the salary of the principal be increased tfrom $50 to $75 per month. The April 24, 1988 issue of The American carried this item of interest:"The Sugartown School, is doing a grand work. Sixty-four scholars enrolled with others to start soon. One mark of progress is the music class that is being taught in connection with the school." The population of Sugartown began to dwindle and businesses moved away when the railroads were laid to serve th busy sawmill towns of Bon Ami, Ludington , Fullerton and DeRidder. Had any of these mills or rail lines been built at Sugartown, probally would have retained its prominent role as the leader and Queen City of the Frontier. Sugartown symbolizes the valor and courage of the early fronteirsman whose significant contributions tot he development of America have become a treasured heritage. Reprinted from "Chapters in History." Sept.1968 - Reprinted from "Beauregard Parish History", Page 106, T194 A copy of the book in which the information on this page was obtained is available by contacting Mackie's Jewelry Shoppe, 101 North Washington Ave., DeRidder, LA 70634 or Phone: 337-463-3051(There is a limited supply available!) |