May 1, 2019 will be the 200th anniversary of the steamboat “James Monroe” navigating the Ouachita River up to Fort Miro. The citizens were overwhelmed by the upcoming economic prosperity the steamboat promised (along with some libations), that they renamed the town after the steamboat. The Cooley House will be taking part in the bicentennial celebration of 2019 as the “Year of the River” along the Ouachita. The Cooley House houses a library focused on steamboats and north Louisiana architecture, and is available by appointment.

Visit the University of Louisville’s digital library for information on the golden age of steamboats.