Walker has a rich history to share. In 1825, Michael Milton and his wife, Martha Clark, along with several slaves, blazed a trail from the Amite River near Benton Ferry Landing and founded what is now known as Walker. The resulting village that grew up was first named Milton Oil Field. The Town of Walker was incorporated in 1909. Walker unofficially became a city in 2002, when its population first exceeded 5,000.

In its early days, the town was largely sustained by timber, cotton and sugarcane. Among some of the most prosperous homesteaders were the Crotwell Brothers [Ad and Will], Walter Milton, Joel and Mathew Lockhart, Jesse Ellis, Jim Courtney, Elliot Milton, Gilliam Barnett, the Peak Brothers, Felix Smith, John Sides, Willie Milton, Robert Pendarvis, Ross Coxe and John, Steve, Euel, Robert, Joe and Wiley Stafford.

The cotton gin that serviced these planters was owned and operated by Issac Minton. On October 29, 1903, his wife met a tragic death when she tripped and fell onto the conveyor belt and was pulled into the engine. Willie Milton later operated a gin in Walker.

Some years later, Fieldon D. Courtney established the Courtney Lumber Company, thereby giving employment to many who were otherwise unemployed. He subsequently furnished heavy timbers to aid in war efforts. Prior to this venture, he set up a mercantile and produce industry, and in his later years, was successful in raising Brahmau cattle.

Summer Art Mini-Camps

We've added a series of Mini-Camps in July to our Summer Art Camps for Kids lineup. Children can learn how to make a puppet or draw and paint a picture, or they can celebrate Christmas in July while they create original tree ornaments. These one- or two-day camps are for children ages 6-10 and are quite affordable, at $15 per lesson. For a schedule and information on registration, click here.

Summer Arts Camps for Kids

Your children can create something special this summer. The City of Walker and The Walker Museum Community Art Gallery are offering Summer Art Camps for Kids in June and July. The affordable courses include painting, recycled art, mixed media, scrapbooking, photography, watercolor and drawing. For a schedule and information on registration, click here.

On exhibit now

If you're a fan of Ansel Adams and Art Wolfe, or if you have an interest in unique landscapes of diverse places, come experience the work of John Gallagher. The attorney/lobbyist and former staffer for U.S. Sen. John Breaux shares his images from travels throughout the United States and Europe, including Death Valley National Park, and the lands of the Navajo Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. He recently returned from a trek through the Atchafalaya Swamp under the guidance of C.C. Lockwood.