The rolling piney hill landscape of Ouachita Parish west of the river
contrasts with the delta overflow land east of the river. This contrast
was reflected in settlement patterns with different land allocations and
building techniques. The delta lands had been acquired by pioneers in
the late 18th century and a plantation economy evolved. The less
productive western hilly area was settled in the 19th century as small
farm holdings. The eastern lands were subject to river overflows; houses
were elevated and were generally of wood frame construction. Pioneer
houses west of the river were often constructed of logs on wood or stone
piers in close proximity to the ground.
Thus, contrasting cultures existed on opposite banks of the river. In
this section the architecture of the western bank will be explored
through an explanation of its extant architecture as evidenced in
housing, out-buildings, churches and commercial buildings.