Ruston, LA
Music connected to Ruston
About Ruston
- • Karl Malone, the "Mailman", NBA Hall of Famer, was born and raised in Ruston.
- • Originating in Ruston, the Hodge Podge Lodge offers unique outdoor education experiences.
- • The Vicksburg, Shreveport and Pacific Railroad established Ruston, creating a boomtown.
- • Ruston was once home to a short-lived utopian socialist community called "The Principia."
- • The boll weevil infestation of the early 20th century devastated Ruston's cotton economy.
- • Robert Edwin Russ gave Ruston its name in 1883, honoring his wife's family.
- • With about 22,500 residents, its population is similar to a small college town.
- • Resting at 331 feet, it's slightly higher than the surrounding flatlands.
- • Education, particularly Louisiana Tech University, drives much of Ruston's economy.
- • A warm, welcoming atmosphere permeates Ruston; it feels like home.
- • The New Orleans Saints, Louisiana's NFL team, are about five hours away from Ruston.
- • Louisiana Tech Bulldogs won the 1973 NCAA Division II Football Championship.
