Historic Courthouse

Schedule a Tour

To arrange a tour of our Historic Courthouse for your group or organization, contact our office at 318-226-6801.

Since 1926

The Caddo Parish Courthouse dates back to 1926 and is set on approximately 2.5 acres. Two previous Courthouses have stood on this on this location; one of which was used as the State Capital of Louisiana during the time of the Civil War. The present Courthouse, built in 1926, was free of debt by April 21, 1928. Renovations were completed during the 1970s. The Courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Surrounding Landscape

The landscape consists of large live oak trees which were donated by Judge Thomas Fletcher Bell in the late 1800s. A plaque memorializing Judge Bell’s donation of the trees sits in the Courthouse Square on the Milam Street side. Special care is taken to ensure the preservation of these historic trees. Other landscaping includes indigenous shrubs of all manner and seasonal plants. Benches are available in the Courthouse Square for the enjoyment of employees as well as the public.

Confederate Veterans Reunion Monument

On the Texas Street side of the Courthouse Square is the Forty-Six Confederate Veterans Reunion Monument. This monument commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War.

Inside the Courthouse

The foyer, with its Rosatta marble walls, is the most impressive feature of the Courthouse. The floors are laid in alternating squares of pink and gray Tennessee marble with a border of Belgian black marble. The foyer is accented with bronze lamps hanging gracefully from the ceiling and bronze torches lining the marble walls. The design of these exquisite lamps is entirely original. These bronze and marble touches can be found through-out the Courthouse.

A Downtown Historical Monument

Many people come to see the rich beauty and history found in this great monument. Some have come to view the superior architectural work of the Courthouse and have imitated its design in other buildings. The Courthouse Square, with its picturesque landscape, and the Courthouse, with its magnificent structure, stand as a testament to our rich historical heritage in the midst of Downtown Shreveport.