Bossier Parish was created in 1843 by carving out part of Natchitoches District and Claiborne Parish. The area was inhabited by many who were headed west, and decided to settle in the rich lands of the Red River valley rather than migrate to an unknown area.

Spring flooding was common as the waters of the Red came down from Oklahoma. But the upside to the flooding was the fertile soil that it brought. Agriculture has always been predominant in Bossier Parish. Cotton is still king, though other crops are grown. Oil was discovered changing the economy.

Cane's Landing was a point to cross the Red River for those going westward, and supplies and as a shipping point for the large Elysian Groves plantations crops of cotton corn and sweet potatoes.
Shreveport -across the Red River from Bossier City- eventually built up more population.

Railroads replaced steamboats both north-south and east west. Also a transcontinental highway brought more settlers.

In 1930 Barksdale Air Force Base was built providing a large economic push for Bossier Parish from both current active duty as well as retired military personnel.