Our History
Nestled along the banks of Bayou Rouge in the heart of Avoyelles Parish, the Town of Cottonport has a rich history rooted in agriculture, river commerce, and Louisiana traditions. The community's beginnings date back to the early 1800s, when Joseph Ducote II settled along the bayou and later donated land for a road and school in 1835. Officially incorporated in 1888, Cottonport earned its name from the thriving cotton trade, when steamboats traveled the bayou transporting locally grown cotton and other goods to New Orleans. Over the generations, the town has preserved its small-town charm, historic landmarks, and strong sense of community. From the historic Ducote Oaks to cherished celebrations like the Easter egg-pocking tradition and the annual Christmas Festival, Cottonport continues to honor its past while embracing the future, proudly carrying forward the heritage that makes this Louisiana town so special.
The Town of Cottonport is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, beloved traditions, and vibrant community spirit. Among its most cherished celebrations is the annual Christmas on the Bayou Festival, a longstanding holiday tradition that brings families and visitors together for festive parades, dazzling fireworks, holiday lights, and community gatherings along the scenic Bayou Rouge. Each spring, Cottonport also hosts its famous Pockin' on the Bayou Festival, honoring the generations-old Cajun Easter tradition of egg knocking with friendly competitions, local festivities, and family entertainment. From its historic cotton-trading roots to its lively seasonal celebrations, Cottonport continues to embrace the traditions that have shaped its identity, making it a welcoming community where history, culture, and hometown pride come together.
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