Celebrating the ArkLaTex: Transporting back in time at the Spring Street Historical Museum

Shreveport, Louisiana’s Spring Street Historical Museum is presenting local history inside the oldest building in downtown Shreveport, according to its website. The museum says, “Shreveport is where it all began,” citing the city’s role in oil and water blending, cotton’s journey up the Texas Trail, and even street duels between mayors. Housed in a structure built around 1866, the building held multiple banks until 1903, and the original bank vault remains. The collection includes vintage clothing dating back to 1835, original 18th- and 19th-century furniture, and plantation records. The museum runs free educational tours and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on weekends and major holidays.