Citizens' Bank of Louisiana $5 - circa 1800's Obsolete Banknote - Shreveport, Louisiana

$5 printed by American Bank Note Company. Red on back. Shreveport, Louisiana, is the third-largest city in the state, following New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Located primarily in Caddo Parish, where it serves as the parish seat, the city also extends into neighboring Bossier Parish along the west bank of the Red River. According to the 2020 census, Shreveport had a population of 187,593, while the larger Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area was home to 393,406 people.

Founded in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company, Shreveport was established at the intersection of the newly navigable Red River and the Texas Trail, a key route leading to the Republic of Texas. The city expanded rapidly during the 20th century, particularly after the discovery of oil in Louisiana, which made Shreveport a hub for the oil industry. Major companies like Standard Oil of Louisiana and United Gas Corporation were headquartered there until the 1960s and 1980s, respectively.

In the following decades, Shreveport faced significant economic challenges, including the decline of the oil industry, the closure of General Motors' Shreveport Operations, and rising poverty, drugs, and violent crime. Despite these struggles, the city has made efforts to revitalize its infrastructure, diversify its economy, and reduce crime. However, in 2021, Shreveport saw its highest recorded number of homicides, surpassing the previous peak set in 1993.