From the mid-1890's to the early 1970's, the Texarkana, Shreveport & Natchez and Texas & Pacific Railroads served the economic and personal needs of northeast Caddo Parish along a roadbed at this site. As the railroad was built during the 1890's and early 1900's, the towns of Ida, Mira, Hosston, Gilliam, Belcher, and Dixie were established. The railroad was vital to the development of lumbering, agriculture, and the petroleum industry in the area.