Harrisonburg, Louisiana
Whether you are surfing the internet or a visitor in person to our town. We believe you will agree that “Harrisonburg is a great place to recreate, to enjoy nature, to dine, to sight-see, to relax, to retire, to explore history and to worship God.”
Louisiana is divided into parishes rather than counties, county seats are referred to as parish seats. Harrisonburg is located in the parish seat of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.
Indians, early explorers, the Civil War and modern progress have left their mark upon this unique little village.
Harrisonburg comprises two Indian mounds not far from the Ouachita River, in the modern community of Harrisonburg. The larger mound (Md. A) is conical, about 10 feet tall and 115 feet at its base, with a small family cemetery atop it. Coring shows it was built in a single stage. No material adequate for radiocarbon dating was recovered, but soil weathering and the presence of a few ceramics indicate it was probably built about AD 200 (Marksville period). The second mound (Md. B) wasn’t identified until the 1990s. It’s about 200 feet northeast of the larger mound and measures about 3 feet tall and 115 by 100 feet at the base. Coring shows it was also built in a single stage. Soil weathering suggests that it was built earlier than the other mound, and may date to before 500 BC (Late Archaic period). The Native American Indian Mounds of Catahoula Parish
A small fur trading station was located there prior to the Village. There is reason to believe that this outpost trading station dates around 1712-14, thus challenging Natchitoches and Montgomery LA’s claims of being the oldest in LA. So, at least Harrisonburg may be the 3rd oldest settlement in the LA.
The Daughters of American Revolution placed a commemorative plaque at the intersection of LA ‘s Highways 8 and 124. “This marker commemorates the Old Natchitoches-Natchez Road-Harrisonburg Road which connected the San Antonio Trace- El Camino Real with the Natchez Trace.”
In 1819 Harrisonburg was the site of the Steamboat James Monroe’s Landing on its first trip in LA, a twelve day excursion from New Orleans to Harrisonburg. The first steamboat that ever ran up the river was the ‘James Monroe’ and was commanded by Captain Nascarrow in 1819. This boat continued on up the Ouachita to “Post of Ouachitta”. The thrill of the boat’s landing created such a “jubilee” that they changed the name of the settlement to Monroe!! .
Fort Beauregard, which is located a fourth of a mile outside the village, was a Confederate stronghold during the American Civil War. In 1863, the fort successfully defended Harrisonburg from the attack of four Union gunboats coming from the Black River to the Ouachita River. The village of Harrisonburg formerly stages reenactments at Fort Beauregard, also known as Fort Hill, each year.
Village of Harrisonburg, Louisiana
A Place to Experience History, Nature, and Community
Harrisonburg is more than a village—it is a living timeline of Louisiana history. From ancient Native American mounds to early trade routes, steamboat landings, and Civil War defenses, each chapter has shaped the identity of this remarkable community.
Whether you come to explore, relax, or connect, Harrisonburg stands as a place where history and modern life meet in a meaningful and memorable way.
Whether you are exploring online or visiting in person, the Village of Harrisonburg offers a unique blend of history, recreation, and small-town charm. Harrisonburg is a place to recreate, enjoy nature, dine, sightsee, relax, retire, explore history, and worship.
Located in the parish seat of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana—where parishes serve the role of counties—Harrisonburg stands as a community shaped by centuries of cultural influence, natural beauty, and historical significance.
Deep Historical Roots
Harrisonburg’s story spans thousands of years, beginning with its earliest known inhabitants.
Native American Heritage
The village is home to two significant Native American mounds near the Ouachita River:
- Mound A: A conical mound approximately 10 feet high and 115 feet wide, believed to date to around 200 AD during the Marksville period.
- Mound B: Located nearby and smaller in height, this mound is estimated to predate 500 BC, placing it in the Late Archaic period.
These mounds reflect some of the earliest known human activity in the region and highlight Harrisonburg’s deep archaeological importance.
Early Settlement & Trade
Historical evidence suggests a fur trading outpost existed in Harrisonburg as early as 1712–1714, positioning it among the oldest settlements in Louisiana, potentially the third oldest behind Natchitoches and Montgomery.
The area also served as a critical connection point along historic travel routes, linking:
- El Camino Real (San Antonio Trace)
- Natchez Trace via the Old Natchitoches–Natchez Road
A commemorative marker placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution recognizes this historic corridor.
Steamboat Era & River Commerce
In 1819, Harrisonburg became a landmark destination when the steamboat James Monroe completed its journey from New Orleans—one of the first steamboat trips into the region.
- Commanded by Captain Nascarrow
- Took 12 days to reach Harrisonburg
- Sparked such excitement that the settlement was briefly renamed “Monroe”
This event marked the beginning of river-based commerce and regional connectivity.
Civil War Significance
Just outside the village sits Fort Beauregard (Fort Hill), a key Confederate defensive position during the Civil War.
- In 1863, the fort successfully defended Harrisonburg from four Union gunboats
- Positioned strategically between the Black River and Ouachita River.
- Historically used for reenactments, preserving the town’s Civil War legacy
A Community Rich in Character
Today, Harrisonburg continues to reflect its heritage while offering:
- Access to the Ouachita River for boating, fishing, and recreation
- Scenic trails and outdoor experiences
- A peaceful environment ideal for families and retirees
- A strong sense of faith, culture, and community
