Pineville, Louisiana
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| Pineville, Louisiana | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pineville |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Old Town |
| Pushpin label | Pineville |
| Coordinates | 31, 19, N, 92... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Louisiana |
| Subdivision type2 | Parish |
| Subdivision name2 | Rapides Parish |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1818 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Rich Dupree |
| Area total km2 | 33.20 |
| Area total sq mi | 12.82 |
| Area land km2 | 32.30 |
| Area land sq mi | 12.47 |
| Area water km2 | 0.90 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.35 |
| Elevation m | 36 |
| Elevation ft | 118 |
| Population total | 14455 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 447.5 |
| Population density sq mi | 1159.2 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 71360 |
| Area code | 318 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 22-60480 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2404521 |
| Website | www.pineville.net |
Pineville, Louisiana. Pineville is a city in and the parish seat of Rapides Parish, situated on the west bank of the Red River directly across from its larger twin city, Alexandria. Founded in 1818, it is one of the oldest settlements in central Louisiana and is anchored by significant institutions like the VA medical center and Louisiana College. The city retains a distinct historical character while serving as a residential and service hub for the Alexandria metropolitan area.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Avoyel and Natchez tribes before European exploration. A French trading post was established near the present site in the early 18th century. The community was formally laid out in 1818 and incorporated in 1878. Its early growth was tied to river commerce on the Red River and the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway. During the American Civil War, it was occupied by Union forces following the Battle of Mansfield and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. The establishment of the Veterans Affairs hospital in the 20th century became a major economic and social pillar. The city is also home to Louisiana College, founded in 1906, which has shaped its cultural and educational landscape.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.82 square miles, of which 12.47 square miles is land and 0.35 square miles is water. It lies on the west bank of the Red River, opposite Alexandria. The terrain is characterized by low rolling hills and pine forests, part of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Major waterways include Bayou Rapides and Kisatchie Bayou. The city is located within the Alexandria metropolitan area and is bordered by the Kisatchie National Forest to the west.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,455 people residing in the city. The racial makeup was approximately 60% White, 30% African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Asian. The median household income was below the state average, and about 20% of the population lived below the poverty line. A significant portion of the population is connected to Louisiana College, the VA medical center, and Fort Polk.
Economy
The economy is heavily driven by healthcare, education, and government services. The Alexandria Veterans Affairs Health Care System is one of the largest employers. Louisiana College provides significant educational employment. Retail and service sectors cater to the local population and the broader Alexandria metropolitan area. The proximity to Fort Polk and the England Economic and Industrial Development District also contributes to the local economy. Key commercial areas are found along Highway 28 and Highway 167.
Government
Pineville operates under a mayor-council form of government. The current mayor is Rich Dupree. The city council is composed of five members elected from single-member districts. It provides standard municipal services including police through the Pineville Police Department, fire protection, and public works. The city falls within Louisiana's 5th congressional district and is part of Louisiana State Senate District 29 and Louisiana House of Representatives District 25.
Education
Public education is managed by the Rapides Parish School Board, with schools including Pineville High School. The city is home to Louisiana College, a private Baptist liberal arts college. Higher education opportunities are also available nearby at Louisiana State University of Alexandria and the Alexandria Campus of Central Louisiana Technical Community College. The Pineville Library is part of the Rapides Parish Library system.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include former National Football League player Kevin Faulk, Country music singer Trace Adkins, former Major League Baseball pitcher Andy Sheets, and United States Army Medal of Honor recipient John L. Canley. Academy Award-winning film director Kathryn Bigelow spent part of her childhood in Pineville, and NFL coach Hue Jackson was born there.
Category:Cities in Louisiana Category:Rapides Parish, Louisiana Category:Alexandria metropolitan area Category:Populated places established in 1818 Category:Parish seats in Louisiana