In 1886, two brothers had a dream to bring people to this wonderful area of prairie land and form a town. W.W. and C.C. Duson formed the Southwestern Louisiana Land Company and purchased one hundred and seventy-four acres of land to be the site of the new town.  They convinced Patrick Crowley, road master for the Louisiana Western Railroad, to move his depot seven miles to the site so it would be a scheduled stop for trains. On January 4, 1887, the town of Crowley was formed and name after Mr. Patrick Crowley. It was incorporated on January 6, 1888.  Just fifteen years later, on December7, 1903, the population grew to 5000 and the town was incorporated as the City of Crowley.

 

In 1937, the citizens of Crowley wanted to celebrated the 50th Anniversary, the Golden Jubilee, and thus the first Rice Festival was held.  Now known as the International Rice Festival, the citizens of Crowley celebrate, every third weekend of October, the success of the rice harvest. With games, rides, two parades, great music, and wonderful food, downtown Crowley is trasformed into an event that gets better every year.

 

1940, "the 4-F year", will always be remembered by its nickname. That year, Crowley was devastated by 4 major diasters. First there was a FREEZE for several days, next was a ''FLU'' epidemic, later a major rice mill was destroyed by a FIRE, and last was a great FLOOD. During the flood, many people were evacuated due to the rising water. Many citizens used boats to get around. Even though the flood was diasterous, no one died and there was no epidemic!

 

To this day Crowley continues to prosper with many new businesses and of course the ones that have been around for decades. Its Historical District is home to almost 200 homes and buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To see Crowley's beauty and to hear more of its magnificent history, come on down to Crowley, LA.

 

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To get a copy of "Crowley, The First Hundred Years" by Mrs. Dorothy B. McNeely, come by our office where we will be more than happy to visit with you!