Shreveport (population 199,311) is a city in Louisiana State. The city serves as the seat of Caddo Parish and extends into Bossier Parish. It is the third largest city and part of the 4th largest metropolitan area in Louisiana: the Shreveport-Bossier City Metropolitan Area with a population of nearly 400,000. Shreveport is situated along the Red River across from Bossier City on the other side. The two cities are called "Shreveport-Bossier."
In the area of Shreveport, the states of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana join on a region called "Ark-La-Tex".
Shreveport was created when a company known as the Shreve Town Company developed a settlement at the point where the Red River met the Texas Trail in the year 1836. The Texas Trail was an established overland route used by travelers heading to Mexico and later the independent Republic of Texas. The newly-formed community was called Shreve Town to honor Captain Henry Miller Shreve. The Captain was like a hero after leading US Army Corps of Engineer efforts to remove a lengthy stretch of debris clogging the river.
The town of Shreveport was incorporated during the year 1839, and in 1871 it officially became a city. The city of Shreveport played an important part in the national oil industry during part of the 20th century. When the oil industry faltered in the 1980s, Shreveport's economy declined because of company closures, cutbacks and layoffs. The city of Shreveport then focused its efforts on the service sector by preserving its landmarks and developing riverboat casinos. Nowadays, it is considered a popular tourist spot.
When the city positioned its economy to more of a base in services, there was a boom within the gaming industry. Riverboat gambling casinos helped to offer an essential revenue streams and employment within the region. Casinos within Shreveport-Bossier comprise Sam's Town Casino, Eldorado Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Boomtown Casino and Diamond Jacks Casino. The city of Shreveport was the 2nd most visited city in Louisiana following New Orleans (before Hurricane Katrina). The region is also known for horse racing. Harrah's Louisiana Downs, a main racetrack, is located within nearby city of Bossier. Tourists can contact the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau for tourism info regarding the area, such as events, attractions, accommodations and restaurants.
The area of Shreveport-Bossier is a cultural and commercial center. It supports a huge entertainment and shopping complex referred to as the "Louisiana Boardwalk" which is situated across the river in Bossier City. The Boardwalk is a 51,000 mò facility with outlet shopping, restaurants, movie theatre and bowling complex.