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Coordinates: 33°00′04″N 93°27′41″W / 33.00111°N 93.46139°W / 33.00111; -93.46139
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{{short description|City in Louisiana, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Springhill, Louisiana
| name = Springhill
| official_name =
| official_name =
| native_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[List of cities in Louisiana|City]]
| settlement_type = [[List of municipalities in Louisiana|City]]
| image_skyline = Downtown Springhill, LA IMG_5145.JPG
| image_skyline = Downtown Springhill, LA IMG_5145.JPG
| imagesize = 225px
| imagesize = 225px
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| leader_party =
| leader_party =
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Carroll Breaux (Independent)<br>
| leader_name = Ray Huddleston (No Party)
Mayor-elect Ray Huddleston (No Party)
| leader_title1 =
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
| leader_name1 =
| total_type =
| total_type =
| unit_pref = Imperial
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2016">{{cite web|title=2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2016_Gazetteer/2016_gaz_place_22.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=Jul 2, 2017}}</ref>
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_22.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 20, 2022}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 16.29
| area_total_km2 = 16.30
| area_total_sq_mi = 6.29
| area_total_sq_mi = 6.29
| area_land_km2 = 16.09
| area_land_km2 = 16.09
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| elevation_min_point =
| elevation_min_point =
| elevation_min_rank =
| elevation_min_rank =
| population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
| population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 5269
| population_total = 4801
| pop_est_as_of = 2016
| pop_est_as_of =
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2016"/>
| pop_est_footnotes =
| population_est = 5048
| population_est =
| population_rank =
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = 313.78
| population_density_km2 = 298.34
| population_density_sq_mi = 812.75
| population_density_sq_mi = 772.73
| population_metro_footnotes =
| population_metro_footnotes =
| population_metro =
| population_metro =
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}}
}}


'''Springhill''' is a small city in the northernmost of [[Webster Parish, Louisiana|Webster Parish]], [[Louisiana]], United States. The population was 5,279 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], a decrease of 160 since 2000. Springhill is part of the [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]] [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]] though it is thirty miles north of Minden, the seat of government of Webster Parish. The Springhill population is 34 percent [[African American]], compared to 25 percent minority in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2272485.html|title=Springhill (city) Louisiana|publisher=quickfacts.census.gov|access-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref>
[[Image:Springhill, LA, clock IMG 5148.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">Springhill clock tower</span>]]


==History==
[[Image:Springhill, LA, City Hall IMG 5157.JPG|200px|right|thumb|Springhill City Hall shares a large building with the municipal civic center.</span>]]


Webster Parish was first permanently settled about 1818 near Overton south of the parish seat of Minden. According to genealogical findings, William Farmer, Samuel Monzingo, J. A. Byrnes, and Joseph Murrell were the first settlers in the area. These settlers formed an area that was initially referred to informally as "Piney Woods." In 1894, though still unincorporated, what would eventually become Springhill took the name "Barefoot, Louisiana" on the notions of a Mrs. Maxwell, who assigned the name based on her observations that many men in the community went to work without shoes. The town that is today Springhill was finally incorporated in 1902. The first mayor was N.B. Taylor, who followed a year thereafter by B.D. Wilson. Peter Modisette was the mayor from 1914 to 1925.<ref name=sch>Springhill City Hall, Springhill, Louisiana</ref>
[[Image:Springhill, LA, City Council chamber IMG 5155.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">Springhill City Council chamber</span>]]


Springhill City Hall is located opposite the Springhill Civic Center, a meeting hall which cost $500,000 and was financed in the late 1960s under a voter-approved bond issue, with millage taxes levied against property owners.<ref>"Springhill Tax Beat, Center Is Approved", ''[[Minden Press-Herald]]'', November 6, 1967, p. 1</ref>
[[Image:Springhill, LA, library IMG 5151.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library</span>]]

[[Image:Revised, Spring Theater, Springhill, LA IMG 5144.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">The restored Spring Theater in Springhill claims to have the largest screen in north Louisiana.<span style="font-size:100%;">]]

[[Image:Revised, Central Baptist Ch., Springhill, LA IMG 5141.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">The large Central Baptist Church in Springhill</span>]]

[[Image:First United Methodist Church, Springhill, LA IMG 5142.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">First [[United Methodist]] Church in Springhill</span>]]

[[Image:Lake Erling north of Springhill, LA IMG 6505.jpg|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">Lake Erling near Springhill is popular for boating and fishing.</span>]]


More recent mayors included Ed Shultz (1942–1954), Charles McConnell (1954–1958), Jesse L. Boucher (1958–1962), James Allen (1962–1974), M. A. Gleason, Jr. (1974–1978), Johnny D. Herrington (1978–1986 and 1995–2006), a brother-in-law of Boucher, James Curtis Smith (1987–1994), and Carroll Breaux, who assumed office on January 1, 2007.<ref name=sch/> Breaux, an [[Independent (politics)|Independent]], is the first non-[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] to serve as Springhill mayor. He unseated Herrington, 973–782, in the [[nonpartisan blanket primary]] held on September 30, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/09302006/09302006_60.html|title=Louisiana primary election returns, September 30, 2006: Webster Parish|publisher=[[Louisiana Secretary of State]]|access-date=April 1, 2014}}</ref> Breaux was succeeded in 2019 by another No Party mayor, Ray Huddleston.
'''Springhill''' is a city in northernmost [[Webster Parish, Louisiana|Webster Parish]], [[Louisiana]], United States. The population was 5,279 at the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], a decrease of 160 since 2000. Springhill is part of the [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]] [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]] though it is thirty miles north of Minden, the seat of government of Webster Parish. The Springhill population is 34 percent [[African American]], compared to 25 percent minority in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2272485.html|title=Springhill (city) Louisiana|publisher=quickfacts.census.gov|accessdate=October 21, 2012}}</ref>


The 1979 film ''[[Five Days from Home]]'', which was directed by and starred [[George Peppard]], was filmed primarily in Springhill. Peppard's third wife, [[Sherry Boucher]], is a Springhill native; her father, Jesse L. Boucher was a businessman and developer who served as mayor of Springhill.
The 1979 film ''[[Five Days from Home]]'', which was directed by and starred [[George Peppard]], was filmed primarily in Springhill. Peppard's third wife, [[Sherry Boucher]], is a Springhill native; her father, Jesse L. Boucher was a businessman and developer who served as mayor of Springhill.

==History==

Webster Parish was first permanently settled about 1818 near Overton south of the parish seat of Minden. According to genealogical findings, William Farmer, Samuel Monzingo, J. A. Byrnes, and Joseph Murrell were the first settlers in the area. These settlers formed an area that was initially referred to informally as "Piney Woods." In 1894, though still unincorporated, what would eventually become Springhill took the name "Barefoot, Louisiana" on the notions of a Mrs. Maxwell, who assigned the name based on her observations that many men in the community went to work without shoes. The town that is today Springhill was finally incorporated in 1902. The first mayor was N.B. Taylor, who followed a year thereafter by B.D. Wilson. Peter Modisette was the mayor from 1914–1925.<ref name=sch>Springhill City Hall, Springhill, Louisiana</ref>

Springhill City Hall is located opposite the Springhill Civic Center, a meeting hall which cost $500,000 and was financed in the late 1960s under a voter-approved bond issue, with millage taxes levied against property owners.<ref>"Springhill Tax Beat, Center Is Approved", ''[[Minden Press-Herald]]'', November 6, 1967, p. 1</ref>

More recent mayors included Ed Shultz (1942–1954), [[Charles McConnell]] (1954–1958), Jesse L. Boucher (1958–1962), James Allen (1962–1974), M. A. Gleason, Jr. (1974–1978), Johnny D. Herrington (1978–1986 and 1995–2006), a brother-in-law of Boucher, James Curtis Smith (1987–1994), and Carroll Breaux, who assumed office on January 1, 2007.<ref name=sch/> Breaux, an [[Independent (politics)|Independent]], is the first non-[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] to serve as Springhill mayor. He unseated Herrington, 973-782, in the [[nonpartisan blanket primary]] held on September 30, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/09302006/09302006_60.html|title=Louisiana primary election returns, September 30, 2006: Webster Parish|publisher=[[Louisiana Secretary of State]]|accessdate=April 1, 2014}}</ref> Breaux will be succeeded in 2019 by another No Party mayor, Ray Huddleston.


==Timber industry==
==Timber industry==
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The most significant local economic force, however, was the establishment of a massive pulp paper mill in 1937 by [[International Paper Company]]. The construction of the paper mill greatly expanded the regional economic importance of Springhill and further cemented ties to the timber industry. Though technically within the town of [[Cullen, Louisiana|Cullen]] just south of Springhill, the facility was regionally known as the "Springhill paper mill." The later addition of a wood products plant and container (box) plant by International Paper further established Springhill as one of the most important manufacturing and processing centers in northern Louisiana. In 1979, International Paper closed the paper mill, which along with a significant general downturn in the petroleum industry caused a deterioration of the local economy. Though the paper mill closed, International Paper maintained its wood products and container-producing facilities. During 2006–2007, IP sold the wood products plant to its main rival, [[Georgia Pacific]] and liquidated its significant land holdings in the Springhill area. The container division, often called the "box plant", remains the last remnant of International Paper in Springhill.
The most significant local economic force, however, was the establishment of a massive pulp paper mill in 1937 by [[International Paper Company]]. The construction of the paper mill greatly expanded the regional economic importance of Springhill and further cemented ties to the timber industry. Though technically within the town of [[Cullen, Louisiana|Cullen]] just south of Springhill, the facility was regionally known as the "Springhill paper mill." The later addition of a wood products plant and container (box) plant by International Paper further established Springhill as one of the most important manufacturing and processing centers in northern Louisiana. In 1979, International Paper closed the paper mill, which along with a significant general downturn in the petroleum industry caused a deterioration of the local economy. Though the paper mill closed, International Paper maintained its wood products and container-producing facilities. During 2006–2007, IP sold the wood products plant to its main rival, [[Georgia Pacific]] and liquidated its significant land holdings in the Springhill area. The container division, often called the "box plant", remains the last remnant of International Paper in Springhill.


After it purchased the plywood mill from International Paper, Georgia Pacific closed the plant. Another major employer, [[Trane]], which manufactures air-conditioning components, relocated to [[Mexico]].<ref name=newjobs>{{cite news|url=http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20140331/NEWS01/304010002/Gov-Bobby-Jindal-announce-300-jobs-coming-Springhill|title=Greg Hilburn of Gannett, Gov. Bobby Jindal to announce 300 jobs coming to Springhill, March 31, 2014|newspaper=[[The Times (Shreveport)|Shreveport Times]]|access-date=April 1, 2014}}</ref>
A new plant in north Springhill is Tucker Lumber Company, a sawmill, crosstie trimming, and end-plate facility.

On March 31, 2014, [[governor of Louisiana|Governor]] [[Bobby Jindal]] announced that IntegriCo Composites, a company that manufactures railroad cross ties, will open a plant in Springhill that will employ three hundred persons. Jindal called the new plant part of a "manufacturing renaissance" in Louisiana. [[Louisiana State Senate|State Senator]] [[Robert Adley (Louisiana politician)|Robert Adley]] of [[Benton, Louisiana|Benton]], said that Springhill "so desperately needs and deserves" these jobs. He added that the community has "taken some hard licks during the past years. This will create some economic momentum for the town and the region."<ref name=newjobs>{{cite web|url=http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20140331/NEWS01/304010002/Gov-Bobby-Jindal-announce-300-jobs-coming-Springhill|title=Greg Hilburn of Gannett, Gov. Bobby Jindal to announce 300 jobs coming to Springhill, March 31, 2014|publisher=''[[The Times (Shreveport)|Shreveport Times]]''|accessdate=April 1, 2014}}</ref>

==Springhill today==

[[Image:Revised Frank Anthony Center, Springhill, LA IMG 5143.JPG|right|thumb|200px|<span style="font-size:100%;">Frank Anthony Community Activity Center in Springhill has hosted the Texas singer [[Willie Nelson]].</span>]]

[[Image:Natural gas well in Springhill, LA IMG 1526.JPG|right|thumb|200px|<span style="font-size:100%;">A natural gas well in front of the Frank Anthony Center in Springhill</span>]]

[[Image:Springhill High School, Springhill, LA IMG 5140.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">North Webster High School in Springhill; junior high pupils now attend school in [[Sarepta, Louisiana|Sarepta]].</span>]]

[[Image:Piggly Wiggly, Springhill, LA IMG 5152.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">Springhill is one of the smaller cities with a [[Piggly Wiggly]] grocery store outlet.</span>]]

After it purchased the plywood mill from International Paper, Georgia Pacific closed the plant. Another major employer, [[Trane]], which manufactures air-conditioning components, relocated to [[Mexico]].<ref name=newjobs/>

There has been an expansion of the retail and service industries and improvement in the municipal infrastructure. Downtown Main Street has been revitalized with aesthetic improvements, new businesses, and renovation of the Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library. The city still has a theater, The Spring.

A formerly abandoned grocery store was converted into the Frank Anthony Community Activity Center, which hosts community events and occasional concerts by such music icons as [[Willie Nelson]] and Springhill native [[Joe Stampley]].


==Education==
==Education==
[[file:North Webster High School, Springhill, Louisiana IMG 5140.jpg|thumb|North Webster High School in Springhill; junior high pupils now attend school in [[Sarepta, Louisiana|Sarepta]]]]


Springhill has a high school, North Webster High School, formerly the Springhill Jr./Sr. High School, which housed grades seven through twelve in prior to 2011. After budget cuts and consolidation, the school now enrolls ninth through twelfth- graders from all of northern Webster Parish. All former Springhill Junior High pupils now attend school in [[Sarepta, Louisiana|Sarepta]] at North Webster Junior High School. Elementary schools, Browning Elementary and Brown Middle, remained the same after consolidation. PK-5th grade pupils in Springhill still attend these schools.
Springhill has a high school, North Webster High School, formerly the Springhill Jr./Sr. High School, which housed grades seven through twelve in prior to 2011. After budget cuts and consolidation, the school now enrolls ninth through twelfth- graders from all of northern Webster Parish. All former Springhill Junior High pupils now attend school in [[Sarepta, Louisiana|Sarepta]] at North Webster Junior High School. Elementary schools, Browning Elementary and Brown Middle, remained the same after consolidation. PK-5th grade pupils in Springhill still attend these schools.
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==Geography==
==Geography==
Springhill is located at {{Coord|33|0|4|N|93|27|41|W|type:city}} (33.001234, −93.461448)<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> and has an elevation of {{convert|292|ft|1}}.<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
Springhill is located at {{Coord|33|0|4|N|93|27|41|W|type:city}} (33.001234, −93.461448)<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> and has an elevation of {{convert|292|ft|1}}.<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|6.3|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|6.2|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|km2}} (0.80%) is water.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|6.3|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|6.2|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|km2}} (0.80%) is water.
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|2000= 5439
|2000= 5439
|2010= 5269
|2010= 5269
|2020= 4801
|estyear=2016
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|estimate=5048
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2016.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 9, 2017}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}
As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=American FactFinder}}</ref> of 2000, there were 5,439 people, 2,258 households, and 1,485 families residing in the city. The population density was 872.9 people per square mile (337.1/km²). There were 2,551 housing units at an average density of 409.4 per square mile (158.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.49% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 25.13% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.20% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.22% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.26% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.66% from two or more races. 0.79% of the population were [[Race (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 2,258 households out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,102, and the median income for a family was $35,540. Males had a median income of $29,757 versus $17,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,447. About 14.6% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over.


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Springhill racial composition as of 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2272485&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=2021-12-29|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
| 2,850
| 59.36%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
| 1,649
| 34.35%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
| 10
| 0.21%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
| 32
| 0.67%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
| 182
| 3.79%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
| 78
| 1.62%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 4,801 people, 2,270 households, and 1,171 families residing in the city.
==Culture==
==Culture==
* Springhill hosts an annual Lumberjack Festival, which includes crafts, Kids Corner, Louisiana food, live music, and a parade. Although we are not the Springhill Lumberjacks anymore we still have it, which has been relocated to the Frank Anthony Park.
* Springhill hosts an annual Lumberjack Festival, which includes crafts, Kids Corner, Louisiana food, live music, and a parade. Although we are not the Springhill Lumberjacks anymore we still have it, which has been relocated to the Frank Anthony Park.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
* [[Devin White]] - All-American linebacker at LSU and Super Bowl champion for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, graduate of North Webster High School
* [[Trace Adkins]] – [[Country music]] singer
* [[Trace Adkins]] – [[Country music]] singer
* [[Bruce M. Bolin]] - former legislator and judge; born in Springhill in 1950<ref>"Louisiana: Bolin, Bruce Martin, ''Who's Who in American Politics, 2003-2004'', 19th ed., Vol. 1 (Alabama-Montana) (Marquis Who's Who: [[New Providence, New Jersey|New Providence]], [[New Jersey]], 2003), p. 770</ref>
* [[Drayton Boucher|Drayton R. Boucher]] – former member of the [[Louisiana State Legislature|Louisiana House of Representatives]] and the [[Louisiana State Legislature|Louisiana State Senate]] from Springhill
* [[Savannah Smith Boucher]] – actress
* [[Savannah Smith Boucher]] – actress
* [[Sherry Boucher]] – former Hollywood actress and [[Realtor]] in Bossier Parish; formerly married to [[George Peppard]]
* [[Sherry Boucher]] – former Hollywood actress and [[Realtor]] in Bossier Parish; formerly married to [[George Peppard]]
* [[Shannen W. Coffin]] – [[Georgetown University]] law school graduate who clerked on the federal bench. Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the United States. Resigned in October 2007 as General Counsel for the Office of the Vice President of the United States, [[Richard B. Cheney]].
* [[Shannen W. Coffin]] – Former Counsel to Vice President Dick Cheney and Deputy Assistant Attorney General, US Department of Justice Civil Division. Georgetown University law school.
* [[John David Crow]] – Winner of the 1957 [[Heisman Trophy]]. He played for eleven seasons in the [[National Football League]] and played in four NFL Pro Bowls. He also served as athletic director of [[Texas A&M University]] in [[College Station, Texas|College Station]].
* [[John David Crow]] – Winner of the 1957 [[Heisman Trophy]]. He played for eleven seasons in the [[National Football League]] and played in four NFL Pro Bowls. He also served as athletic director of [[Texas A&M University]] in [[College Station, Texas|College Station]].
* [[Eugene Eason]] (1928–2007) – [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[Louisiana House of Representatives]] from 1991–1992 and former member of the Springhill City Council.
* [[Robert L. Frye]] – Republican nominee for state education superintendent in 1972, retired to Springhill, where he died in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=robert-l-frye&pid=148361868|title=Robert L. Frye|publisher=''[[The Advocate (Baton Rouge)|Baton Rouge Morning Advocate]]'', February 6, 2011|accessdate=February 6, 2011}}</ref>
* [[Charles Jacobs (Louisiana judge)|Charles Jacobs]] - judge of the Louisiana 26th Judicial District Court; former city attorney for Springhill<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bossierpress.com/26th-district-judge-race%E2%80%88charles-jacobs/|title=26th District judge race: Charles Jacobs|publisher=''[[Bossier Press-Tribune]]''|date=July 23, 2014|accessdate=July 4, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Royce L. McMahen]] - veterinarian<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/s011500oo.aspx|title=In Memoriam: Royce L. McMahen|date=January 1, 2000|publisher=avma.org|accessdate=September 15, 2014}}</ref> and sheriff of Webster Parish from 1980 to 1996, [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]]
* [[Jack Montgomery (Louisiana politician)|John Willard "Jack" Montgomery, Sr.]] – Democratic] member of the [[Louisiana State Legislature|Louisiana State Senate]] from 1968 to 1972; preceded by and succeeded by [[Harold Montgomery]], no relation.
* [[E. N. Payne]] (1873-1951), state representative for Webster Parish from 1932 to 1936
* [[John M. Robinson (Louisiana judge)|John M. Robinson]] (born 1949) - Springhill city judge 1986 to 1999; 26th Judicial District Court judge from 1999 to 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.26jdc.com/judges.html|title=Judge John M. Robinson|publisher=26jdc.com|accessdate=April 26, 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424234651/http://www.26jdc.com/judges.html|archivedate=April 24, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Dorothy Garrett Smith]] - first woman president of the [[Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education]] (1989-1990), BESE member (1987-1990), member of the [[Webster Parish School Board]] (1971-1987)<ref>"Heart Attack Claims Dorothy Smith", ''Minden Press-Herald'', August 9, 1990, p. 1</ref>
* [[Joe Stampley]] – [[Country music]] artist who headed the former "The Uniques" and was part of a duo with [[Moe Bandy]]. In 1976, Stampley had eight singles which charted in ''[[Billboard Magazine]]'' and was awarded "Billboard's Single Artist of the Year".
* [[Joe Stampley]] – [[Country music]] artist who headed the former "The Uniques" and was part of a duo with [[Moe Bandy]]. In 1976, Stampley had eight singles which charted in ''[[Billboard Magazine]]'' and was awarded "Billboard's Single Artist of the Year".
* [[John Stephens (American football)|John Stephens]] – first-round pick of the 1988 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. 1988 NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year and member of the Northwestern State University Football Hall Of Fame.
* [[John Stephens (American football)|John Stephens]] – first-round pick of the 1988 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. 1988 NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year and member of the Northwestern State University Football Hall Of Fame.
* [[Steve Weddle]] – novelist and journalist, whose debut novel takes place in Springhill, Louisiana and [[Magnolia, Arkansas]]
* [[Stanley R. Tiner]] (born 1942) - American journalist<ref>"Tiner Announces candidacy for post representing District 4", ''Minden Press-Herald'', December 15, 1987, p. 10</ref>
*[[John Corey Whaley]] – author of young adult literary fiction. Debut novel, ''Where Things Come Back'', was published by [[Simon & Schuster]] in May 2011. He has since written two more novels, Noggin (published in April 2014) and Highly Illogical Behavior (published in May 2016).
* [[Steve Weddle]] - novelist and journalist, whose debut novel takes place in Springhill, Louisiana and [[Magnolia, Arkansas]]

* [[D. C. Wimberly]] (1917–2007) – [[POW|Prisoner of war]] from 1944 to 1945 in [[Germany]]. He was liberated by the [[Russians]] and then escaped on May 9, 1945. He was subsequently an officer of [[American Ex-Prisoners of War]], an organization based in [[Arlington, Texas|Arlington]], [[Texas]], chartered by the [[U.S. Congress]] in 1942. A graduate of [[Northwestern State University]] in [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches]] and [[Louisiana State University]] in [[Baton Rouge]], Wimberrly was [[Principal (school)|principal]] of four Webster Parish schools.
<gallery mode="packed">Image:Springhill, LA, clock IMG 5148.JPG|Springhill clock tower
*[[John Corey Whaley]] – author of young adult literary fiction. Debut novel, ''Where Things Come Back'', was published by [[Simon & Schuster]] in May 2011. He had since written two more novels, Noggin, was published in April 2014 and Highly Illogical Behavior, published in May 2016.
Springhill, LA, City Hall IMG 5157.JPG|Springhill City Hall shares a large building with the municipal civic center.
Springhill, LA, City Council chamber IMG 5155.JPG|Springhill City Council chamber
Springhill, LA, library IMG 5151.JPG|Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library
Revised, Spring Theater, Springhill, LA IMG 5144.JPG|The restored Spring Theater in Springhill claims to have the largest screen in north Louisiana.
Revised, Central Baptist Ch., Springhill, LA IMG 5141.JPG|The large Central Baptist Church in Springhill
First United Methodist Church, Springhill, LA IMG 5142.JPG|First [[United Methodist]] Church in Springhill
Lake Erling north of Springhill, LA IMG 6505.jpg|Lake Erling near Springhill is popular for boating and fishing.
Revised Frank Anthony Center, Springhill, LA IMG 5143.JPG|Frank Anthony Community Activity Center in Springhill has hosted the Texas singer [[Willie Nelson]].
Natural gas well in Springhill, LA IMG 1526.JPG|A natural gas well in front of the Frank Anthony Center in Springhill
</gallery>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 293: Line 283:


{{Webster Parish, Louisiana}}
{{Webster Parish, Louisiana}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Cities in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Louisiana]]

Latest revision as of 06:27, 30 May 2024

Springhill
City
Downtown Springhill
Downtown Springhill
Location of Springhill in Webster Parish, Louisiana.
Location of Springhill in Webster Parish, Louisiana.
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Location of Louisiana in the United States
Coordinates: 33°00′04″N 93°27′41″W / 33.00111°N 93.46139°W / 33.00111; -93.46139
CountryUnited States
StateLouisiana
ParishWebster
Settled1818
Incorporated1902
Government
 • MayorRay Huddleston (No Party)
Area
[1]
 • Total
6.29 sq mi (16.30 km2)
 • Land6.21 sq mi (16.09 km2)
 • Water0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2)
Elevation
292 ft (89 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
4,801
 • Density772.73/sq mi (298.34/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
71075
Area code318
FIPS code22-72485
Websitewww.springhilllouisiana.gov

Springhill is a small city in the northernmost of Webster Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 5,279 at the 2010 census, a decrease of 160 since 2000. Springhill is part of the Minden Micropolitan Statistical Area though it is thirty miles north of Minden, the seat of government of Webster Parish. The Springhill population is 34 percent African American, compared to 25 percent minority in 2000.[2]

History

[edit]

Webster Parish was first permanently settled about 1818 near Overton south of the parish seat of Minden. According to genealogical findings, William Farmer, Samuel Monzingo, J. A. Byrnes, and Joseph Murrell were the first settlers in the area. These settlers formed an area that was initially referred to informally as "Piney Woods." In 1894, though still unincorporated, what would eventually become Springhill took the name "Barefoot, Louisiana" on the notions of a Mrs. Maxwell, who assigned the name based on her observations that many men in the community went to work without shoes. The town that is today Springhill was finally incorporated in 1902. The first mayor was N.B. Taylor, who followed a year thereafter by B.D. Wilson. Peter Modisette was the mayor from 1914 to 1925.[3]

Springhill City Hall is located opposite the Springhill Civic Center, a meeting hall which cost $500,000 and was financed in the late 1960s under a voter-approved bond issue, with millage taxes levied against property owners.[4]

More recent mayors included Ed Shultz (1942–1954), Charles McConnell (1954–1958), Jesse L. Boucher (1958–1962), James Allen (1962–1974), M. A. Gleason, Jr. (1974–1978), Johnny D. Herrington (1978–1986 and 1995–2006), a brother-in-law of Boucher, James Curtis Smith (1987–1994), and Carroll Breaux, who assumed office on January 1, 2007.[3] Breaux, an Independent, is the first non-Democrat to serve as Springhill mayor. He unseated Herrington, 973–782, in the nonpartisan blanket primary held on September 30, 2006.[5] Breaux was succeeded in 2019 by another No Party mayor, Ray Huddleston.

The 1979 film Five Days from Home, which was directed by and starred George Peppard, was filmed primarily in Springhill. Peppard's third wife, Sherry Boucher, is a Springhill native; her father, Jesse L. Boucher was a businessman and developer who served as mayor of Springhill.

Timber industry

[edit]

Springhill's close association with the timber industry began in 1896 with the arrival of the Pine Woods Lumber Company. Springhill prospered from timber and for a time was a boomtown. The Pine Woods Lumber Company went out of business during the Great Depression, and the population of Springhill dwindled. The Pine Woods Lumber Company facility was purchased by the Frost Lumber Company, which sold to Springhill Lumber Company. The Springhill Lumber Company later became Anthony Forest Products, which remained in Springhill until 1972.

The most significant local economic force, however, was the establishment of a massive pulp paper mill in 1937 by International Paper Company. The construction of the paper mill greatly expanded the regional economic importance of Springhill and further cemented ties to the timber industry. Though technically within the town of Cullen just south of Springhill, the facility was regionally known as the "Springhill paper mill." The later addition of a wood products plant and container (box) plant by International Paper further established Springhill as one of the most important manufacturing and processing centers in northern Louisiana. In 1979, International Paper closed the paper mill, which along with a significant general downturn in the petroleum industry caused a deterioration of the local economy. Though the paper mill closed, International Paper maintained its wood products and container-producing facilities. During 2006–2007, IP sold the wood products plant to its main rival, Georgia Pacific and liquidated its significant land holdings in the Springhill area. The container division, often called the "box plant", remains the last remnant of International Paper in Springhill.

After it purchased the plywood mill from International Paper, Georgia Pacific closed the plant. Another major employer, Trane, which manufactures air-conditioning components, relocated to Mexico.[6]

Education

[edit]
North Webster High School in Springhill; junior high pupils now attend school in Sarepta

Springhill has a high school, North Webster High School, formerly the Springhill Jr./Sr. High School, which housed grades seven through twelve in prior to 2011. After budget cuts and consolidation, the school now enrolls ninth through twelfth- graders from all of northern Webster Parish. All former Springhill Junior High pupils now attend school in Sarepta at North Webster Junior High School. Elementary schools, Browning Elementary and Brown Middle, remained the same after consolidation. PK-5th grade pupils in Springhill still attend these schools.

The former campus of the Georgia Howell Elementary School, built in 1956, has been closed because of unsafe building conditions. The pupils formerly assigned there now attend Browning or Brown Middle.

Geography

[edit]

Springhill is located at 33°0′4″N 93°27′41″W / 33.00111°N 93.46139°W / 33.00111; -93.46139 (33.001234, −93.461448)[7] and has an elevation of 292 feet (89.0 m).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16 km2), of which 6.2 square miles (16 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.80%) is water.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1920748—
19301,546106.7%
19402,82282.5%
19503,38319.9%
19606,43790.3%
19706,4960.9%
19806,5160.3%
19905,668−13.0%
20005,439−4.0%
20105,269−3.1%
20204,801−8.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
Springhill racial composition as of 2020[10]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 2,850 59.36%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 1,649 34.35%
Native American 10 0.21%
Asian 32 0.67%
Other/Mixed 182 3.79%
Hispanic or Latino 78 1.62%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,801 people, 2,270 households, and 1,171 families residing in the city.

Culture

[edit]
  • Springhill hosts an annual Lumberjack Festival, which includes crafts, Kids Corner, Louisiana food, live music, and a parade. Although we are not the Springhill Lumberjacks anymore we still have it, which has been relocated to the Frank Anthony Park.

Notable people

[edit]
  • Springhill clock tower
    Springhill clock tower
  • Springhill City Hall shares a large building with the municipal civic center.
    Springhill City Hall shares a large building with the municipal civic center.
  • Springhill City Council chamber
    Springhill City Council chamber
  • Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library
    Springhill branch of the Webster Parish Library
  • The restored Spring Theater in Springhill claims to have the largest screen in north Louisiana.
    The restored Spring Theater in Springhill claims to have the largest screen in north Louisiana.
  • The large Central Baptist Church in Springhill
    The large Central Baptist Church in Springhill
  • First United Methodist Church in Springhill
    First United Methodist Church in Springhill
  • Lake Erling near Springhill is popular for boating and fishing.
    Lake Erling near Springhill is popular for boating and fishing.
  • Frank Anthony Community Activity Center in Springhill has hosted the Texas singer Willie Nelson.
    Frank Anthony Community Activity Center in Springhill has hosted the Texas singer Willie Nelson.
  • A natural gas well in front of the Frank Anthony Center in Springhill
    A natural gas well in front of the Frank Anthony Center in Springhill

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  2. ^ "Springhill (city) Louisiana". quickfacts.census.gov. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Springhill City Hall, Springhill, Louisiana
  4. ^ "Springhill Tax Beat, Center Is Approved", Minden Press-Herald, November 6, 1967, p. 1
  5. ^ "Louisiana primary election returns, September 30, 2006: Webster Parish". Louisiana Secretary of State. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  6. ^ "Greg Hilburn of Gannett, Gov. Bobby Jindal to announce 300 jobs coming to Springhill, March 31, 2014". Shreveport Times. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
  7. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
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