How a small Louisiana town became the coldest place in state history

History · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Established in 1836, Minden, Louisiana, is a quiet parish seat with a surprising past. Beyond its role as a Confederate supply depot, this city holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in Louisiana, a chilling -16 degrees Fahrenheit reached during the Great Blizzard of 1899.

Founded by Charles Veeder in 1836, Minden is the administrative heart of Webster Parish. While it is now a recognized historic district, the town’s history is marked by significant challenges. During the American Civil War, it functioned as a vital supply depot for the Confederate Army, hosting an encampment of approximately 15,000 soldiers. The Old Minden Cemetery serves as a final resting place for nearly thirty soldiers who perished in the Battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill.

The early 20th century brought a series of hardships to the community. In 1931, the town suffered a dual blow when one of its two banks collapsed during the Great Depression and a devastating fire razed a major portion of the downtown area. Recovery was further complicated on May 1, 1933, when a tornado struck, destroying 20% of the town's housing stock. Despite these events, the city has maintained its cultural identity, even serving as the inspiration for the fictional setting of Bon Temps in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series.

Minden is perhaps most famous for its extreme weather records. On February 13, 1899, during the Great Blizzard, the temperature plummeted to -16 °F (-26.7 °C), the lowest ever recorded in the state. This remains the coldest temperature in Louisiana history. Today, the city is home to 11,928 residents, according to the 2020 census, and continues to be recognized for its historic architecture and cultural significance as a designated Louisiana Main Street Community.

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