One of Shreveport’s Oldest Buildings is Also an Impressive Museum

If you've spent any amount of time in Downtown Shreveport, I guarantee that you've driven by this historical location a million times. And chances are, you've probably never given it a second thought. I know, personally, I haven't. When Downtown was rocking and rolling with nightlife and live music, I parked in their parking lot countless times.

But, this historical location in Downtown Shreveport is more than just an old building. There's a rich history to it. And, it happens to be home to a museum that tells the long (and sometimes wild) history of our city.

The History of the Building at 525 North Spring Street

The building at 525 North Spring Street is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the City of Shreveport. Construction at this location started in 1861, but didn't finish until 1865 due to the Civil War. Originally, it was Tally's Bank. Since it's original creation, it became different things until ultimately becoming the Spring Street Museum in 1977. The building was then placed into the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

This spot is the perfect location to tell Shreveport's story. Because it's seen and survived pretty much every historical occurrence to happen in our City. From the Civil War to the Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1873 to the legal Red Light District in the 1900s and everything in between.

What is the Spring Street Museum in Downtown Shreveport?

As the paining on the side of the building says, this museum tells the 'Story of Shreveport'. And, if you've never really dug into Shreveport history, you're in for one heck of a treat. Because our City has a sordid history that, at points, reads like something out of an old dime store western novel. This was a rough and rowdy place, and the Spring Street Museum tells that tale - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Mayors fighting duels and shooting folks in the streets? Yep, that happened here. (Here's one account of a famous duel that took place in town featuring a Mayor's Brother & Drew Barrymore's Great Grandfather). Tales of fortune & glory? Tales of riches to rags? Yep, there's plenty of those stories to be told.

The Spring Street Museum covers it all - from Captain Henry Miller & the Great Raft Log Jam to the Red Light District and every other highlight (and low light) you can imagine.

Get our free mobile app

What All is Featured in the Spring Street Museum?

As mentioned above, the Spring Street Museum tells the history of Shreveport. So, the museum has all sorts of cool artifacts and photos from throughout the history of our city. Arrowheads & other artifacts from the Caddo Tribe, relics from the 1873 yellow Fever Epidemic, a Confederate Officer's jacket and TONS of other stuff. The museum even features a vault from the original Tally's Bank.

It's not a huge museum by any means, but it's easy to go and get lost in Shreveport's history for an afternoon. And they have rotating exhibits, so you could go multiple times a year and get a different experience each time, which is pretty cool.

When is the Spring Street Museum Open?

With the exception of holidays & special events, the Spring Street Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission to the Museum is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

You can read more about the museum and get additional details here.