If you think museums are just dusty halls filled with old stuff, think again. The Spring Street Historical Museum in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a lively storyteller housed in a building that’s a piece of history itself. Located at 525 N Spring St, Shreveport, LA, this museum invites you to explore the city’s past through a collection of fascinating exhibits and artifacts, all within the walls of an 1860s bank building.
A Building With a Story
The museum’s home is no ordinary structure. Construction began in 1861 but was delayed by the Civil War, and was finally completed in 1865. Originally, it was Tally’s Bank, serving as a financial hub during Shreveport’s early days as a bustling river port. Over the years, it housed various banks, a bar, an insurance broker, and even a residence on the second floor.
What makes this building special is that it’s the oldest commercial building still standing in Shreveport. It retains original features like the cast iron grillwork gallery, a painted iron vault door, wooden floors, and molding. The inside shutters on the second-floor windows were carefully recreated from remnants found in the building’s mud basement. This authentic setting gives visitors a real sense of stepping back into the 19th century.
What You’ll Discover Inside
The Spring Street Historical Museum is a treasure trove of Shreveport’s history. The first floor features permanent exhibits that cover major moments in the city’s evolution. You’ll see arrowheads from the Caddo Tribe, relics from the 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic, a Confederate officer’s jacket, old medicine bottles, microscopes, and even the original bank vault from Tally’s Bank.
There’s also a Civil War exhibit, historic maps, transportation displays, and information about the city’s trolley stops. The second floor offers a Victorian parlor set in the 1870s and 1880s, giving you a glimpse of how people lived during that era.
One standout feature is a large antique history book in the middle of the floor that plays a short film about the Civil Rights movement in Shreveport. The museum also rotates temporary exhibits, so there’s always something new to explore, even if you visit multiple times a year.
A Museum That Tells the Whole Story
Shreveport’s history isn’t just about dates and artifacts but about the people and stories that shaped the city. The museum doesn’t shy away from the city’s colorful past, including tales of mayors dueling in the streets, the legal red light district in the early 1900s, and the city’s rise from a frontier town to a thriving urban center. It’s a mix of the good, the bad, and the downright wild.
Plan Your Visit
The Spring Street Historical Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing for families, history buffs, or anyone curious about Shreveport’s roots. The visit usually takes about an hour, but you might want to linger longer to soak in all the stories and artifacts.
Why Consider Living in Shreveport?
If you’re wondering whether Shreveport is just a place to visit or a place to call home, let me tell you-it’s got character. Living here means being part of a community with deep roots and a rich cultural tapestry. From historic sites like the Spring Street Museum to vibrant local music, food, and festivals, Shreveport offers a blend of small-city charm and big-city amenities.
Imagine waking up in a city where history is around every corner, and the riverfront buzzes with activity. The cost of living is affordable, and there’s a welcoming spirit that makes newcomers feel right at home. Whether you’re a history lover, an artist, or someone who just enjoys a good story, Shreveport has something to offer you. Plus, with museums like Spring Street keeping the past alive, you’ll always have a fascinating place to explore on weekends.
Discover Shreveport’s Past Today
The Spring Street Historical Museum isn’t just a place to look at old things- it’s a place to connect with the story of Shreveport. From its origins as a frontier river port to its role in major historical events, the museum offers a window into the city’s soul. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to 525 N Spring St will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this Louisiana city’s unique journey through time.
Source: lsus.edu
Header Image Source: Spring Street Historical Museum – GMB
