Alexandria, Louisiana
View down 3rd Street in Downtown Alexandria
Alexandria is a city in Louisiana and the parish seat of Rapides Parish. It lies on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of the state. It is the principal city of the Alexandria metropolitan area (population 147,000) which encompasses all of Rapides and Grant Parishes. The 2006 population estimate for the city of Alexandria was 45,836.
History
The area of Alexandria, located along the Red River, was originally home to a community supporting activities of the adjacent Spanish outpost of Post du Rapides. The area developed as a vibrant, yet sometimes debaucherous, assemblage of traders and merchants in the agricultural lands bordering the mostly unsettled areas to the north, and providing a link to from the south to the El Camino Real and then larger settlement of Natchitoches. Alexander Fulton, a Pennsylvania businessman, received a land grant from Spain in 1785, and the first organized settlement was made at that time. In 1805, Fulton and business partner Thomas Harris Maddox laid out the town plan and named the town after Fulton`s infant daughter who died around that time. It was first incorporated as a town in 1818 and received a city charter in 1882.
The Civil War
Settled by northerners and having little culturally in common with the majority of the Old South, Alexandria found itself in a quandary during the American Civil War. Regardless of political inclinations or loyalties to North or South, its location on the Red River made the city a major strategic target. In the spring of 1863, a Union fleet under Admiral David D. Porter, operating on the Red River, cooperated with land forces under General Nathaniel Prentice Banks in pushing the Confederates westward. Alexandria was occupied on May 7, 1863, but the troops were soon withdrawn for the Port Hudson attack. On March 19, 1864, it was again occupied by the Union forces, who made it the point of concentration for another land and naval expedition against E. Kirby Smith and Shreveport. After the check of this expedition and its abandonment, Alexandria was again vacated on May 12-13, when the city was almost entirely burned, leaving only a few homes, owned by friends of Union General Sherman, and the city`s cathedral, which had been defended from fire squads by a shotgun-wielding bishop at its front door. The Union gunboats, which had passed up the river toward Shreveport at high water, were caught in its decline above the falls at Alexandria, but they were saved by a splendid piece of engineering (a dam at the falls), constructed by Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bailey, who for this service received the thanks of Congress and the brevet of brigadier-general of volunteers.
Annual cultural events and festivals
Mardi Gras
As Alexandria is at the cusp of Cajun culture`s extension to the north, the city recognizes Mardi Gras as an official holiday. The annual Mardi Gras parade - occurring on the Sunday before Mardi Gras - on Texas Avenue is a major cultural festivity in the area. Boasted as a true family oriented event, parade goers can enjoy over 20 New Orleans style floats, high school and college marching bands, as well as appearances by local celebrities. In addition to the main Sunday parade, a children`s parade takes place downtown on the Saturday before Mardi Gras and another parade known as the Krewe of Provine Parade occurs on Fat Tuesday itself down Coliseum Boulevard.
Celabration
Begun in the late 1980s, Cenlabration is one of the largest festivals in Central Louisiana (Cenla). The name comes from Central Louisiana ("LA") Celebration, and reflects local culture and heritage, as well as serving as a means of celebrating the end of the summer, at the time of Labor Day.
As many as three stages support a particular type of music, including Cajun and zydeco, blues and jazz, and country music. In addition there are arts and crafts booths for local artists to vendor their wares. In the Children`s Village, kids can participate in arts and crafts, listen to storytellers, play games with clowns, and watch a play or two! The festival has plenty of carnival rides available as well. Cenlabration ends with a large fireworks display, lighting up the Cenla sky on the banks of the Red River.
RiverFest
In 2002, representatives of local government, businesses, organizations, and community formed the nonprofit organization River Cities Cultural Alliance, Inc. to promote tourism and the arts through a celebration of Central Louisiana`s diverse cultural heritage. The nonprofit served to organize and put on RiverFest: Heritage and Arts on the Red. It was a great success with more than 10,000 festival-goers attending the day and a half event.
RiverFest is held in downtown Alexandria and on the Alexandria and Pineville levees. The festival features the work of visual artists from across the South, food booths exemplifying southern cuisine, a variety of children`s activities, three outdoor stages with a wide range of music, dance, and theatrical performances, and a literary component with readings and panel discussions by Louisiana authors and scholars.
Starting in 2007, RiverFest was cancelled due to a competing festival (Quein` on the Red) that began in late March 2006. Quein` on the Red received many of the same cooperate sponsors that RiverFest received which ended RiverFest`s run.
Parks and outdoor attractions
Alexandria Zoological Park
A popular local attraction is the Alexandria Zoological Park. Frequently praised by American zookeeper Jack Hanna, the zoo features over 600 animals from all over the world as well as an award-winning exhibit on the Louisiana habitat.
Cotile Lake Recreation Area
Cotile Lake is a man-made impoundment located in the uplands approximately 15 miles (24 km) west-northwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The lake is approximately 1,775 acres (7 km²) in size and was completed in October 1965. The Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission stocked this impoundment with the proper species and number of game fish in 1965-66 shortly after its completion date. The recreational facilities include a large area cleared and zoned for swimming with complete bath house facilities nearby. There is a water skiing area that is cleared and snagged for safety of the skiers. The picnic and camping areas are modern and complete. There is also space available for campers.
Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area
Encompasses a 2,250 acre (9 km²) lake, 100 acres (0.4 km²) of developed recreation facilities and a 250 acre (1 km²) primitive camping area all within the Alexander State Forest. The lake, located in central Louisiana, was constructed as a joint venture of the Louisiana Forestry Commission, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, and the Lower West Red River Soil and Water Conservation District as a reservoir for agricultural irrigation in times of need and for recreation purposes.
The recreation area camping area contains 109 campsites with conventional full utility hookups, 3 beaches for swimming, bath houses, a boat launch, and 75 picnic sites. A covered pavilion within the developed area provides for groups up to 100 people. The recreation area is open year round and operates on user fees.
Kisatchie National Forest
Alexandria sits in the middle of the Kisatchie National Forest. Ranger districts are north, northwest, west and southwest of the city. An abundance of large timberlands and forest nurseries, as well as lake and recreation areas, are within a short driving distance.
Military
Louisiana National Guard
Alexandria is home to both Headquarters and Company B of the 199th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB). The 199th BSB is the logistical component of the 256th Infantry Brigade that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from October of 2004 until September of 2005. The 199th BSB provides supply and transportation (Company A), medical (Company C)and maintenance (Company B)support and services that keep the 256th Brigade operational. The battalion also has units located in Jonesboro, Winnfield, Colfax and St. Martinville, Louisiana.
England Air Force Base
Alexandria served as the home of England Air Force Base from its origins as an emergency airstrip for Esler Regional Airport until its closure. England AFB was officially closed on December 15, 1992, pursuant to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public Law 101-510) and recommendations of the Defense Secretary`s Commission on Base Realignment and Closure. The base now serves as Alexandria International Airport.
Economy
Expansions at Rapides Regional hospital downtown
At the time of the 2000 census, the per capita income in Alexandria was $16,242, compared with $21,587 nationally. Alexandria`s native workforce consists of about 55,000 residents. Union Tank Car Company has recently located a plant northwest of Alexandria near the airport creating hundreds of jobs. Expansions at the Procter & Gamble plant and the construction of a PlastiPak plant in nearby Pineville have also created a number of new jobs for the area.
In 2007, Inc. Magazine rated Alexandria as the 77th best place in which to conduct business out of the 393 U.S. cities ranked, a significant increase from its ranking as No. 276 in 2006. Out of other Louisiana cities, Alexandria ranked second, following only Baton Rouge, which ranked 59th nationally.
Healthcare
Alexandria is home to two major hospitals: Rapides Regional (located downtown) and Christus St. Frances Cabrini (located at the corner of Masonic Drive and Texas Avenue). Both of these hospitals are in the process of expansion.
Port of Alexandria
In the early 1800s, the Port of Alexandria brought goods to the area and shipped cotton and other local products to the rest of the country. A ferry connected the cities of Alexandria and Pineville until a bridge was built across the Red in 1900.
Today, Port facilities include: a 40-ton crane for off-loading, a 15,000 square foot (1,400 m²) warehouse, 13,600-ton bulk fertilizer warehouse, a 3,400-ton bulk fertilizer dome structure and a 5,000-ton dome which was added in January 2005.
The petroleum off-loading facility includes two 55,000 BBL tanks, one-15,000 BBL tank capable of handling two barges and five truck off-loading simultaneously. There is also a general cargo dock with access to rail and a hopper barge unloading dock with conveyor system.
Today`s modern facilities and the Port`s central location with its connection to the Mississippi River provide excellent opportunities for importers and exporters.
Alexandria International Airport
Alexandria International Airport (AEX) is one of only two international airports in Louisiana (the other is at New Orleans). In 2006 a new-state-of-the-art passenger terminal was dedicated. Alexandria is served by American, Continental, Delta and Northwest Airlines. Additionally, numerous international charter airlines use the airport in the transport of military personnel attached to the United States Army base at Fort Polk. A new military personnel terminal will open in 2007.
Government and politics
Local government
History
Following the Civil War, all public records in Alexandria had been destroyed. On September 29, 1868, the city was granted a new charter with a government consisting of a Mayor, Treasurer, and Justice of the Peace. Nine Aldermen represented the four wards of the city - two from each ward and one elected at-large.
In 1912, the State government passed a law establishing the city government in a Strong Mayor format, where the Mayor served as Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, Commissioner of Streets and Parks and Commissioner of Finance and Utilities.
Today
Alexandria has a mayoral-council system of government. The Mayor serves as the executive branch of the local government. The current Mayor - Jacques Roy - was elected to office in November 2006, succeeding long-time mayor Edward Gordon "Ned" Randolph, Jr.
The City Council serves as the legislative branch. The five districts of the city are represented on the Council; in addition there are two Councilmen elected to serve as at-large representatives of the city.
The Alexandria City Court has a limited jurisdiction, consisting of the citizens of Wards 1, 2 and 8 in Rapides Parish. Within those boundaries the court has the power to hear and decide both criminal and civil cases, rule in civil cases and hand down judgment for punishment in criminal cases.
Area politics
Overall, the people of the Alexandria area tend to be conservative. Even though the majority typically elects Republicans in national elections, they frequently vote for Democrats in local elections.
United States Congressional district
From 1913 to 1993, Alexandria served as the seat of Louisiana`s Eighth Congressional district. A staunchly conservative Democratic seat, it was held by the Long family for nearly half of its existence, from 1953 to 1987, broken only by the two terms of Harold B. McSween. The seat was removed after the 1990 census indicated Louisiana no longer had the population to support it. The district was split among the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Congressional districts. Alexandria is now in the Fifth district and has been represented by Rodney Alexander, a Republican, since 2003.
Education
Colleges and universities
Situated south of the city, Louisiana State University at Alexandria (or LSUA) is a regional campus of the state`s flagship university system, Louisiana State University. From its establishment in 1959, the campus offered only two-year degrees; students seeking baccalaureate degrees had to commute or move to the main campus in Baton Rouge in order to gain a four-year degree. After 1976 students could either commute or telecommute in order to attend upper level courses, including graduate classes. In 2002, following approval by the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation allowing LSUA to offer baccalaureate degrees.
Founded in 1906, Louisiana College (or LC) is a private, Baptist coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences with selected professional programs. Built upon the principles of character and learning, the College has a tradition of outstanding academics and is the only Baptist, four-year institution in Louisiana. In the spring of each school year, it serves as the home of the Rapides Parish District Literary Rally. George H. W. Bush visited the college in 2006 to attend its centennial anniversary.
High schools
Alexandria has three public high schools: Bolton High School, Alexandria Senior High School, and Peabody Magnet High School. In addition, there are two private high schools: Holy Savior Menard Central High School (a Catholic school) and Grace Christian.
Louisiana Refinance Loans - Why Refinancing to a Higher Rate is a Good Idea by Jane Hale
You have probably heard of refinancing to get a lower interest rate, but have you ever heard of refinancing to get a higher rate? While refinancing to a higher interest rate may sound downright foolish, there are certain circumstances in which it would make complete sense.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
Adjustable rate mortgages have really grown in popularity. It is estimated that approximately half of the people who took out loans for homes in New Orleans and Baton Rouge have adjustable rate mortgages.
ARMs are most often chosen because of the benefit of low introductory rates. The only problem is that rates can rise unpredictably, causing monthly payments to rise, and possibly become unaffordable. For this reason alone, many people who want to sleep easier at night choose to refinance to a fixed rate, even if it is slightly higher.
Another reason to refinance out of an adjustable rate mortgage is a change of plans. Some people buy homes with the intention of selling them within a few years, but then have a change of heart and decide to stay. If you are in it for the long haul, a fixed rate mortgage may make more sense. Getting a Louisiana refinance loan now before interest rates rise any higher could save you money down the road.
Interest Only Loans
Interest only loans are another popular option for Louisiana homebuyers, because it allows them to purchase more house than they may have otherwise been able to afford with a traditional loan. Unfortunately, once the interest only term has ended, payments can skyrocket. Refinancing out of the interest only loan before the term has ended, could save you from struggling with these high payments, and may prove to be worthwhile even if the interest rate on your new loan is a little bit higher.
Visit Louisiana Lending Center to see our Top 3 Refinance Lenders Servicing Louisiana, whether you are looking for home purchase, refinance or a home equity loan.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Hale
Source:
Hale, Jane. "Louisiana Refinance Loans - Why Refinancing to a Higher Rate is a Good Idea." EzineArticles 16 November 2006. 05 November 2007 <http://ezinearticles.com/?Louisiana-Refinance-Loans---Why-Refinancing-to-a-Higher-Rate-is-a-Good-Idea&id=361604>.
