History of Ruston, LA
More Railroad, More Land
Railroads spark the growth of northern Louisiana in the late 1800's, and the sheriff of Lincoln Parish, Robert Edwin Russ, donates land to a town which later becomes known as Russ Town (Ruston). Russ serves as sheriff from 1877-1880.
Productivity Brings Growth
The cotton industry fuels Ruston's growth and expansion during the early 1900's, and schools such as Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University establish Lincoln Parish as a hub of learning in northern Louisiana.
PeachTown Is Born
The small town is now a rising community, and the first Louisiana Peach Festival takes place in 1951. People from all over come to celebrate the annual Peach Festival, and its success makes it a defining piece of Ruston, LA history!
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1910
1950
Shortly after the Civil War, Lincoln Parish residents received news that railroad lines would be built across North Louisiana. These new lines would enhance business opportunities by connecting the south with western states and facilitating the transportation of goods back and forth. Lincoln Parish Sheriff Robert Edwin Russ donated 640 acres of land to a small town in the area, and this began the history of Ruston, LA.Â
Sections of land were sold for $375 each in 1883, and the town’s construction began soon after.Â
Local establishments including churches, schools, and businesses began to take hold as cotton supported Ruston’s economy during the late 1800’s. Another railroad running north and south was built in 1900, and this propelled the young town’s economy to new heights. Ruston was recognized areawide for its education and economic success by the time World War I began in 1917.
To be continued…