In the early 1800s, Claiborne, Louisiana, was a flourishing city with a population of nearly 10,000 people. It was the third-largest city in the state and one of the busiest ports on the Mississippi River. The city was also the seat of Claiborne Parish, which encompassed nearly 8,000 square miles of land.  See more here. 

Today, Claiborne is a much smaller city, with a population of just over 2,000 people. While it is no longer the bustling metropolis it once was, Claiborne remains an important city in Louisiana. It is the Parish seat of Claiborne Parish, which has a population of over 20,000 people. The city is also home to the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, which is the oldest active courthouse in the state of Louisiana. One of the most notable things about Claiborne is its long history. Claiborne was the first capital of Louisiana and remained the capital until 1812, when the state legislature moved the capital to Baton Rouge. Despite its small size, Claiborne has played a big role in the history of Louisiana. It was the site of the first Louisiana state fair in 1835. It was also the site of the Claiborne Riots of 1866, which were among the largest and most violent of the Reconstruction-era racial riots. Today, Claiborne is a quiet city with a strong sense of community. While it may no longer be the bustling metropolis it once was, Claiborne remains an important city in Louisiana.  Read about Cheniere, Louisiana: An Important Small City here.