Travel Information
The 2012 Conference will be held at Centenary College of Louisiana, in Bynum Commons. The conference will be held in the Whited Room, directly inside Bynum Commons.
Centenary College of Louisiana is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Centenary College of Louisiana is the 43rd oldest. It was founded in 1825 by the State in the last days of the 5th president of the U.S. – James Monroe. Known then as the College of Louisiana, it was located in the village of Jackson.
Then, as now, the College was a liberal arts institution, concentrating on studies such as language, philosophy, history, literature, and abstract science. Before 1845, the College of Louisiana had established itself as one of the leading educational institutions in the country, rivaling even Harvard’s enrollment, as nearly 300 students showed up for some sessions. But its location off the beaten track and the State’s failure to support it financially led to its merger with Centenary College, a Mississippi Methodist institution. That college was founded to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of John Wesley’s organization of the Methodist Societies of England. The amalgamation of the two schools in 1845 under the name “Centenary College of Louisiana” proved to be a good move for both institutions. Before the Civil War, Centenary enjoyed productive years. A magnificent classroom/administration building was erected in 1846, flanked by two dorms, one of which is still standing as a museum and relic. The Civil War, in effect, dealt a mortal wound to Centenary and Jackson. The College closed during the conflict was used as a hospital and was captured and recaptured by Union and Confederate forces. The campus itself was the scene of more than one battle. Centenary at Jackson never really recovered from the War. It hung on there till 1908, but only barely. The College moved to Shreveport in 1908 through the efforts of prominent Shreveport Methodists.
Travel Resources
Centenary Campus Driving and Parking Directions
Centenary Campus Map
Louisiana Travel Promotion Association Website - Discover fun things to do while in Shreveport!!
