History: The first settlers of the Czech community in Rapides Parish came from far and wide in answer to an advertisement in their local papers. Because of conditions in their country, many of the Czech citizens were searching for a better, safer place to live. When the newspaper article told them to "come to Kolin where fertile land, splendid health, grand southern climate, abundant rainfall, pure water and good markets assure success," it seemed the answer to their prayers. They packed up their families and began the long trek to

Louisiana. The Alexandria Daily Town Talk documented the arrival of the Bohemians as 12 January 1914.



The town of Kolin had been named after the Bohemian town of Kolin that was built on two islands in the Elbe River, 45 miles East of Prague. The town of Libuse was named after the first queen of the Czechs.



Soon after their arrival in the area, the settlers established their church and by necessity, their cemeteries. Each community had its own burial ground and held regular meetings for the upkeep and decoration of the graves. Kolin Cemetery Association was formed in 1915, and its first president, Mr. John Lehky, accepted 1-1/2 acres from the Alexandria Lumber Company for one dollar on 19 January 1915. The first settlers were buried with eulogies delivered by speakers from the Bohemian Association. (1) A translation of Czech words is included at the bottom of the Libuse Czech Cemetery Listing.



Directions: South on LA Hwy 107 from Pineville, approximately 1.7 miles past blinking light at Kraft Paper Mill Rd, turn left on Miller (Bonner Miller) Rd. Cemetery is 1.8 miles on the left, next to the highway (driveway is between a house and the cemetery). Large cedar trees outline three sides of the cemetery and smaller spruce trees on the back outline the newer addition. A hurricane fence surrounds the entire property.



A sign over the gate reads:

Cesko. Narodni Hrbytov [Czech National Cemetery]



By Jane P. McManus 22 October 2000