Interesting Facts

• The world’s first ever Shriner’s Hospital was founded in Shreveport in 1922.
• From 1948 to 1960, Shreveport was home to the hit radio show “Louisiana Hayride”, which has been credited with launching the careers of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Hank Williams over its 10+ year run.
• One of the largest art murals in the U.S., the “Once In A Millennium Moon Mega Mural”, is located in downtown Shreveport. It covers 25,000 sq. ft. on the AT&T building.
• Elvis Presley sang the jingle for Shreveport’s Southern Maid Donuts commercial in the 1950s. It was the only commercial he ever did.
• Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for chimpanzees who have been retired from biomedical research and the entertainment industry, is located just outside of Shreveport.
• The American Rose Center, which has been the headquarters of the American Rose Society for 40 years, has an astonishing 20,000 rose bushes.
• Many of the exterior scenes in the HBO series “True Blood” were filmed on a plantation near Shreveport.
• “Horse Soldiers” was filmed in the area in 1959 and the world premier was held at the Strand Theater.
• Shreveport is home to sports superstars Terry Bradshaw, Todd Walker,  Tommy Maddox, Freddie Spencer, and Hal Sutton. 
• Famous musicians from Shreveport include Kix Brooks and Hank Williams, Jr.
• Actor Jared Leto was born in neighboring Bossier City, LA