Exploring Shreveport: A Photojournalist's Journey Through History and Abandonment

 Story & Photos By Ken Hulsey

I have to admit that Shreveport is probably my favorite city in Louisiana. The city features stunning visual contrasts, and as a photojournalist, walking around provides countless opportunities to capture thought-provoking images. I spent some time in downtown Shreveport this week and took a lot of great pictures. The area is rich with things to see, including many abandoned buildings, which can be found in every city and town in the state, as well as preserved historical landmarks and modern art and architecture.

I tend to gravitate more towards the historical and the abandoned, so much of what I captured focuses on those aspects. Over the years, I have developed a love for old buildings, and downtown Shreveport has many interesting examples.

I love this blurb I found on Shreveport's Downtown Development Authority website; it sums up the area's history perfectly. 

"A walk through downtown Shreveport is a journey back in time where Elvis shook things up, and Huddie Ledbetter strummed the blues on a 12-string guitar. Tourists can play a lucky hand and capture the day’s winnings at two premier casinos, shop for contemporary art, take in an independent film at Robinson Film Center, or launch into orbit at the Sci-Port IMAX Dome Theater.

Downtown is also the seat of local governments and the courts, and is the heart of business and finance. More than 14,000 people work downtown each day, and they are seeing the street scene change in front of their eyes. Vacant historic buildings across the city center are under construction as office, retail and apartments, the Shreveport Common Art and Culture District brings thousands downtown for events ranging from giant puppet parades to huge street fairs, and the clean and safe Red River District is welcoming new businesses and exciting events.

Throughout downtown, you’ll find places to dine, art and music to enjoy, movies to watch, and great company along the way. We invite you to live, work, play, and Find It Downtown Shreveport!" 

- Source

Perhaps what I appreciate most about Shreveport is that it embodies qualities of both Texas and Louisiana. I’m sure my fond memories of my younger days in northern Texas (specifically Vernon) contribute to my affection for the city on a subconscious level.

Map:

Here are some of my photos. I usually don't post this many shots, but I really liked these, so I wanted to share them with you.

Wicked Shreveport - Paperback – by Bernadette J. Palombo (Author), Gary D. Joiner (Author), W. Chris Hale (Author),

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In the rough-and-tumble days of the nineteenth century, Shreveport was on the very edge of the country's western frontier. It was a city struggling to tame lawlessness, and its streets were rocked by duels, lynchings, and shootouts. A new century and Prohibition only brought a fresh wave of crime and scandal. The port city became a haunt for the likes of notorious bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde and home to the influential socialite and Madam Annie McCune. From Fred Lockhart, aka the "Butterfly Man," to serial killers Nathanial Code and Danny Rolling, Shreveport played reluctant host to an even deadlier cast of characters. Their tales and more make up the devilish history of the Deep South in Wicked Shreveport.