Allen Parish, Louisiana
Allen Parish is located in the southwestern region of Louisiana and covers an area of 579 square miles. It is bordered by Beauregard Parish to the north, Calcasieu Parish to the east, and Jefferson Davis Parish to the south. The western border of Allen Parish is formed by the Sabine River, which forms part of the Texas-Louisiana border. The terrain of Allen Parish is mostly flat with rolling hills in some areas. The landscape is predominantly rural and agricultural, with a few small towns scattered throughout. The climate in Allen Parish is humid subtropical with mild winters and hot summers, accompanied by frequent thunderstorms during the summer months. The average temperature in July ranges from 84-90 degrees Fahrenheit while January temperatures range from 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation levels vary across the parish, averaging around 49 inches annually with most falling during late spring and early summer months.
Country seat and other main cities of Allen Parish, Louisiana
The parish seat of Allen Parish is Oberlin, located in the heart of the parish. The town was founded in 1882 and is home to a variety of businesses, churches, and schools. The population of Oberlin is around 2,200 people and it serves as a hub for the surrounding rural communities.
According to Countryaah, the other main cities in Allen Parish are Kinder and Elton. Kinder is located in the western part of the parish along U.S Route 190 and has a population of around 1,000 people. It is known for its annual Rice Festival which celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage. Elton lies further east along U.S Route 165 and has a population of about 800 people. It was once known as “the Egg Basket of Southwest Louisiana” due to its large poultry industry during the mid-1900s.
The small towns throughout Allen Parish are connected by a network of roads that traverse through rural countryside with occasional stands of pine trees providing shade from the hot Louisiana sun. These small towns provide services to their local communities such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, churches, schools, and other amenities necessary to daily life in this rural region.
History of Allen Parish, Louisiana
Allen Parish has a long and rich history that dates back to the 1700s when it was part of the Attakapas region of Louisiana. The parish was officially established in 1912, though it had been inhabited by Native Americans long before then. In the early 1800s, settlers from France and Germany began to move into the area and establish homesteads along the Sabine River which forms part of the Texas-Louisiana border.
During the Civil War, Allen Parish saw a large influx of Confederate soldiers who were stationed in nearby Fort Jesup. After the war, many of these soldiers stayed in Allen Parish and began farming or working in lumber mills that had sprung up throughout the area. The lumber industry flourished for much of the late 19th century before slowly declining during World War I.
The 20th century saw an increase in population as more people moved into Allen Parish to take advantage of its agricultural opportunities. Cotton and rice were two major crops grown in Allen Parish which helped to fuel its economy during this time period. Today, agriculture continues to be an important part of life here with numerous farms dotting its landscape while oil production is also a major contributor to its economy.
Economy of Allen Parish, Louisiana
Allen Parish has a diverse economy that is powered by both agriculture and oil. Agriculture has been an important part of the parish’s economy since its inception and continues to be today. Cotton, rice, and soybeans are all major crops grown in Allen Parish and provide significant income to local farmers. Additionally, cattle, poultry, and other livestock are also raised here which helps to contribute to the local economy.
Oil production is also a major source of income for Allen Parish as it is home to numerous oil wells. This industry continues to thrive due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico which provides easy access for offshore drilling operations. Oil production has had a significant economic impact on the area as it provides jobs for local residents as well as revenue for businesses in the form of taxes and royalties from oil production.
In addition to agriculture and oil, there are also several other industries that contribute to the economy of Allen Parish such as manufacturing, tourism, and retail services. Manufacturing jobs are provided by companies such as Dow Chemical Company which produces synthetic rubber products at their plant in Oberlin while tourism provides revenue from visitors who come to enjoy the parish’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Retail services such as restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and other businesses provide goods and services that help keep Allen Parish’s economy running smoothly.
