Cottonport Map
Cottonport is a town in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,316 at the 2000 census.
Cottonport was founded in the early 19th century and incorporated in 1888 along the banks of Bayou Rouge (French for Red Bayou). In the 19th century, large boats made their way through Cottonport with goods destined for the port of New Orleans. The bayou was deep enough to support the large boats and formed a perfect horseshoe, which allowed them to turn around. The boats would deliver cargo into the area and would load crops on board to take to larger ports along the route. The main crop available for exporting at that time was cotton. In fact, because so much cotton was being shipped from the port, early settlers named the village Cottonport.
Today, over 100 years after its incorporation, Cottonport retains many of its picturesque qualities. Although Bayou Rouge is no longer navigable, it continues to be used as a fishing and boating outlet. It also serves as the backdrop to the annual Cottonport Christmas Festival, held the second weekend in December, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2005.
Nearby cities include Cheneyville, Simmesport, Evergreen, Plaucheville, Mansura.