Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey
Nestled in the heart of Louisiana, the charming town of Cheneyville boasts a close-knit community of around 600 residents. While it may not be a Ghost Town by any stretch of the imagination, the echoes of its bustling past resonate through the quiet streets lined with picturesque, yet sadly abandoned, houses and storefronts. These structures stand as reminders of the once-vibrant life that thrived here, evoking a sense of nostalgia for those who remember the town's heyday.
Cheneyville's story took a significant turn with the construction of the nearby Interstate Highway 49, which diverted traffic away from the old routes that once brought travelers through the town. Much like the impact of Interstate 40 on the iconic Route 66 towns further west, this new highway heralded a challenging fate for Cheneyville, leading to a decline in commerce and vitality as main thoroughfares shifted. The once-busy Highway 71, once the primary artery connecting Shreveport and Baton Rouge, has now settled into a quieter existence, primarily serving local residents and nearby farmers.
Historically, Cheneyville holds a unique place in the narrative of the Restoration Movement, which is closely associated with the influential figure Alexander Campbell. In 1843, a transformative shift occurred when most members of a local Baptist congregation, led by William Prince Ford, embraced Campbell's teachings and transitioned to a Church of Christ. This marks the Cheneyville Christian Church as the oldest congregation linked to the Restoration Movement in Louisiana—a point of pride for the town. In 1857, Campbell himself visited this congregation and was favorably impressed by the harmony he witnessed among its racially diverse members.
As you wander through Cheneyville, you step back in time to Old Cheneyville, established in 1813 along the bayou. Here, long ago, keelboats and barges would drift downstream toward the Inland Port of Washington or be pulled upstream by oxen, carrying supplies that made their way from New Orleans. The town's founding traces back to William Fendon Cheney, who arrived from South Carolina in 1811. Just two years later, friends and likely family members from the same region joined him, having originally marked out their plantations in Woodville, Mississippi. This wave of South Carolinian migrants laid the groundwork for what would become a vibrant community, forever intertwining their stories with the landscape of Cheneyville.
So whether you're a local or just passing through, stopping by Cheneyville offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Louisiana's history, where the past and present blend seamlessly, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
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