shrēvˈpôrt, city (1990 pop. 198,525), seat of Caddo parish, NW La., on the Red River near the Texas and Ark. lines; inc. 1839. The third largest city in the state, it is a regional oil and natural gas center, with important metal, cotton, and lumber manufactures. Dairy goods, feed and grain, machinery, household goods, and chemicals are also made. The city was founded after the Red River there was laboriously cleared (1833–36) of logs and driftwood, rendering it navigable. It became the Confederate capital of Louisiana in 1863. The discovery of oil in 1906 provided the greatest impetus for Shreveport's growth. It is the seat of Centenary College of Louisiana, Louisiana State Univ. in Shreveport, the Louisiana State Univ. School of Medicine in Shreveport, and the state fairgrounds. Annual events include the Louisiana State Fair and an arts fair. Of interest are the ruins of Confederate Fort Humbug, which was defended with fake cannons. Barksdale Air Force Base, headquarters of the 2d U.S. Air Force, is just across the river. Shreveport and neighboring Bossier City are home to three riverboat casinos (on the Red River). Nearby is Cross Lake, with recreational facilities.

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