Bogalusa, Louisiana

Bogalusa is a city located in Washington Parish, Louisiana. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 13,365. It is the only community in Washington Parish incorporated as a city. According to the United States of America Geological Survey, Bogalusa is located at Latitude = 30 degrees, 47 minutes, 27 seconds North and Longitude = 89 degrees, 50 minutes, 55 seconds West.

History

The Great Southern Lumber Company mill was built here in 1906, and a community quickly grew around it. Bogalusa was incorporated as a city on July 4, 1914.

Related Topics:
1906 - July 4 - 1914

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Bogalusa was the birthplace of poet Yusef Komunyakaa and of blues piano titan Professor Longhair.

Related Topics:
Yusef Komunyakaa - Professor Longhair

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In the mid-1960s, Bogalusa was a center of activity for the Deacons for Defense and Justice.

Related Topics:
1960s - Deacons for Defense and Justice

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In 1995 a railroad tank car imploded at Gaylord Chemical Co. releasing nitrogen tetroxide and forced the evacuation of about 3,000 people within a one mile radius. Residents say "the sky turned orange" as a result. Emergency rooms filled with about 4,000 people who complained of burning eyes, skin, and lungs. Dozens of lawsuits were filed against Gaylord Chemical and were finally settled in May of 2005, with compensation checks issued to around 20,000 people involved in the accident.

Related Topics:
1995 - Tank car - Gaylord Chemical Co. - Nitrogen tetroxide - Lawsuits - May - 2005

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