The Pioneer Heritage Center, founded in 1977 as a joint project of Louisiana State University Shreveport and the Junior League of Shreveport, interprets the unique culture and social history of northwest Louisiana from the 1830’s to the end of the 19th Century, the period of settlement for our area.

The Center comprises seven historical structures, the Caspiana House, a raised plantation cottage built in 1856 on the Hutchinson’s Caspiana Plantation; the Thrasher House, a log double-pen dog trot; a detached kitchen; the Doctor’s Office; the Webb & Webb Commissary; a single pen log Blacksmith Shop; and the Riverfront Mission Chapel.  The Caspiana House and the Thrasher House are both listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  The structures, exhibits, and artifacts serve as a history laboratory for students and teachers, for community groups, tourist, and the general public.

Trained and period dressed guides conduct interpretive tours that use all the structures and related artifacts to demonstrate the region’s early folk architecture and history.  The authenticity of everything in the Center is ensured by many primary sources: original letters, diaries, ledgers, plantation records, successions, interviews, photographs, and other archival materials from the period.

The Center is located on the campus of Louisiana State University Shreveport and is currently available by appointment.  It is recommended that you call before you come.  The Center is closed on all major holidays.

To request information, schedule an activity or tour, or make an artifact donation, please call (318) 797-5339.