Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

Athens Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

Athens is an old name given to a new town on the Louisiana & Northwestern Railroad. It claims a population of about 250, six business houses, a Masonic hall, one saw-mill and planer, one steam gin and grist-mill, blacksmith and woodshop, a hotel, three religious denominations (Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian) and excellent school in charge of Prof. J. M. Davis, good depot buildings and telegraph office, and a few modern dwelling houses.

It is surrounded by a healthy and productive country, the soil and climate being admirably well adapted to the raising of all the products peculiar to the country, and especially to the successful growth of fruits and vegetables.

The country is well watered and timbered. Sugar cane is grown in large quantities, and the manufacture of molasses is practiced on an extensive scale.

The farmers are also turning their attention to the raising of mules and horses, principally the former.

The first fire was that of March 23, 1890, which destroyed the Baker store, and a portion of his stock of merchandise.

The old Masonic lodge, Athens No. 145, organized at the old town in 1850, is still in existence with headquarters in the new town.

In 1889 the Benevolent Association of Confederate Veterans was organized, composed of former residents of the States of Georgia, Maryland, Alabama, Mississippi and other Southern States. The following officers were elected to serve during the first year: J. T. Baker, president; P. A. Aubrey, vice-president; J. H. Carr, recording secretary; J. W. Brooks, corresponding secretary; J. P. McFarland, treasurer.

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, Southern Publishing Company, 1890