Built 1914 Architectural style Beaux-Arts Opened 1914 Phone +1 337-463-6146 | Architect Steven-Nelson NRHP Reference # 83000490 Area 4,000 m² Added to NRHP 22 September 1983 | |
Address 201 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634, USA Hours Closed now Mardi Gras might affect these hoursTuesday(Mardi Gras)8AM–4:30PMHours might differWednesday8AM–4:30PMThursday8AM–4:30PMFriday8AM–4:30PMSaturdayClosedSundayClosedMonday8AM–4:30PM Similar Beauregard Parish Jail, Iberville Parish Courthouse, Beauregard Parish Training, First United Methodist Church | ||
The Beauregard Parish Courthouse is located in DeRidder, Louisiana, the location of the parish seat. The courthouse was built at the same time as the Beauregard Parish Jail, by the same people, and completed around the same time in 1915, as directed by the Beauregard Parish Police Jury.
Contents
The courthouse and jail are also part of the Historic Downtown district of DeRidder that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
History
The Hudson River Lumber Company donated a tract of land to the City of DeRidder. Property that adjoined this tract was owned by the First Baptist Church. The newly formed Beauregard Parish Police Jury, carved out of the old Imperial Calcasieu Parish, purchased the property and a building from the church. Stevens-Nelson of New Orleans was chosen to design a courthouse and jail. Falls City Construction Company was awarded the contract in September 1913. Both buildings were completed in 1915 at a cost of $168,000.
Tunnel
There is a lighted tunnel leading to the jail. It was incorporated into the design to facilitate the transfer of accused or prisoners to and from the jail to stand trial while maintaining safety. The tunnel is no longer in use as the jail is empty awaiting a fate as yet undetermined.
Notoriety
A trial that ended in two hangings in the Beauregard Parish Jail took place at the courthouse. This gave rise to the name "Hanging Jail" but any notoriety concerning the courthouse was lost after the hanging on March 9, 1928.
Current
The 101 year courthouse was in need of updating, that included expansion for a third courtroom, handicap access, elevator upgrades (ADA accessible), sewer upgrades and a facelift to include the courtyard and sidewalks. A new sprinkler and fire alarm system is also included. Corne Lemaire Group is the architectural firm and the bid from Pat Williams Construction was accepted.
The policy jury had previously purchased a large former First Baptist Church compound, located beside and behind the jail, and the main building has been renovated to be temporarily used.