Gilbert, Louisiana

Gilbert, Louisiana is a village located in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, in the Northeast Louisiana region, near the Ouachita River. The village is situated approximately 15 miles northwest of Winnsboro, Louisiana, the Franklin Parish seat, and about 30 miles southeast of Monroe, Louisiana. Gilbert is part of the Monroe, Louisiana Metropolitan Statistical Area and is near the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The village is also close to the Poverty Point National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography

Gilbert is situated in the Mississippi River Delta region, near the Ouachita River and Bayou Macon. The village is located in the Northeast Louisiana region, which is characterized by its flat terrain and alluvial soil. The area is also home to several wetlands, including the Atchafalaya Basin and the Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. Nearby cities include Monroe, Louisiana, West Monroe, Louisiana, and Ruston, Louisiana, which is home to Louisiana Tech University. The village is also near the Louisiana Highway 15 and the U.S. Route 165.

History

The area that is now Gilbert was first settled in the early 19th century, with the village being officially incorporated in 1915. The village was named after William Gilbert, a local landowner and planter. During the American Civil War, the area was a key location for the Confederate States of America, with nearby Monroe, Louisiana serving as a major supply depot. The village is also near the Vicksburg National Military Park, which commemorates the Siege of Vicksburg during the American Civil War. Other nearby historic sites include the Natchez National Historical Park and the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the village of Gilbert had a population of 521 people, with a median age of 34.4 years. The village has a diverse population, with a mix of African American, White American, and Native American residents. Nearby cities, such as Monroe, Louisiana and Ruston, Louisiana, have a more diverse population, with a mix of Louisiana State University and Grambling State University students. The village is also near the Tulane University and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport.

Economy

The economy of Gilbert is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including cotton, soybeans, and corn. The village is also home to several small businesses, including retail stores and restaurants. Nearby cities, such as Monroe, Louisiana and West Monroe, Louisiana, have a more diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The village is also near the Shreveport, Louisiana and the Bossier City, Louisiana, which have a strong oil and gas industry. Other nearby major employers include the Louisiana Department of Corrections and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Infrastructure

Gilbert has a limited infrastructure, with only a few roads and highways passing through the village. The village is served by the Louisiana Highway 15 and the U.S. Route 165, which provide access to nearby cities, such as Monroe, Louisiana and Ruston, Louisiana. The village is also near the Monroe Regional Airport and the Shreveport Regional Airport, which provide access to major airlines and destinations. The village is also served by the Kansas City Southern Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad.

Education

Gilbert is served by the Franklin Parish School Board, which operates several public schools in the area, including the Gilbert School. The village is also near several universities and colleges, including Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Grambling State University. Other nearby educational institutions include the Louisiana Tech University and the Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The village is also near the Tulane University and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, which offer a range of academic programs and research opportunities. Category:Villages in Louisiana