Town of Lake Providence

The name of one of Louisiana"s most beautiful cities was created in a legend of piracy along the Mississippi River. The bend of the river immediately upstream from the town was named Bunch"s Bend after a pirate and his crew who hid out in the swamps bordering the big river. In the late 18th century traffic on the river was increasing in volume and value and Bunch became such a menace that crews on the keelboats deemed it an act of Providence if they made it past the bend with their cargo.

The town, the oldest in Louisiana north of Natchitoches, was also a major entry point by pioneers moving west into the territory and later the state of Louisiana.


Type of Government: Mayor and Bd. of Alderman (5) Lawrason Act
Police: 9 officers /4 patrol cars.
Fire Department: 20 volunteers/4 trucks
Fire Rating: 6 in city.
Health Care: One hospital/29 beds
Recreation & Culture: Historic buildings and Antebellum homes such as Arlington, water sports on Lake Providence, annual Bass Classic, Lights along the Lake (Thanksgiving to New Years), Louisiana Soul Food and Heritage Festival (June), LakeFest (Sept.), Byerley Park, Mennonite Bakery, Grant"s Canal Area.