Ringgold
experiencing resurgence in growth By Mary K. Hamner The town of Ringgold, located five miles east of Lake Bistineau, is a historic town and currently seems to be experiencing ongoing revitalization. Dr. Philip C. Cook, Ringgold native and reputable historian, in his Early History of the Ringgold Area, places the early settlement of the area during the 1830s." Early Europeans had settled the western edge of today's Bienville Parish during the French and Spanish exploration periods not later than the 1700s." Cook writes. "This was because Loggy Bayou and Lake Bistineau were detour routes around the Red River logjam. In the winter of 1827-1828, the first constructed road in North Louisiana appeared. This was the famous U. S. Military Road Number 11, built by the government from Fort Jesup in Sabine Parish, west of Natchitoches, to Fort Gibson and Fort Smith in Arkansas, and Fort Towson in Oklahoma (Indian Territory), to connect the frontier outposts of defense." Dr. Cook goes on to say that, "The main street of Ringgold in the early years was along the Military Road running north and south. Most of the business houses were situated on this street. It was said that in the early days the little town was a very rough and rowdy place. Ringgold was officially incorporated in 1855." Dr. Cook's research is published in his Thesis of Antebellum Bienville Parish and Volume One of the History of Bienville Parish, compiled by Billie Jean Poland, and both are available at the Ringgold Branch Library. Also, on display at the library are photos of business activity of the early town. Initially arranged from North to South along a stretch of the Military Road the streets currently spread east and west. Unlike many old towns with many vacant buildings, Ringgold is sporting a new look with many of the older buildings along the town's center occupied and freshened up with new paint. Emily Bolin hopes to see more of Ringgold's buildings occupied. Bolin, who moved her flower shop into the former (Circa 1879) Economy Store building in April 2007 thinks there is opportunity currently for a variety of new businesses." Haynesville Shale activity has definitely had an impact," Bolin said. "I personally would like to see people step out, take the risk and open new businesses. Grants are available through economic development programs and I hate to see the old buildings go down. We have a good school and Ringgold is a great community to live in." With a land area of 2.32 square miles and population of 1520 in 2008, Ringgold is expanding in all directions. Several trailer parks have located within range of downtown and families are moving into the area accompanying the Haynesville Shale workers. A stop light at the corner of Military Road and Hall Street is central to a variety of businesses and 11 churches are located within a one-mile radius. Many church groups have cared enough to pray for the town and its revitalization. Helen Thomas Pietsch, longtime resident and member of one of the prayer groups, sees the change, knows progress toward revitalization has been made. Another prayer partner believes that those who believe should pray and then work to make improvements. "Faith without works is dead," she said. Others, such as Alan Clayborn, business owner and Alderman serving on the town council, just love their hometown and want to see it prosper. "It's definitely perking up," Clayborn said." We've seen two new businesses added the latter part of this year. The Haynesville shale activity has been a big boost. The increase in traffic is amazing." Ringgold is a town that has endured and seen many changes through the 154 years of its history. A cabinet making business occupies the old Movie Theater and the bank moved to a new building across the street. A new bank moved in right from it while a former pharmacy building sits vacant. A new pharmacy located on a nearby corner. The ever-expanding school complex continues to grow and a new washateria has been opened near one of the trailer parks north of town. Supported by a community that works and prays and paints old buildings, possibilities are everywhere. |