A Legacy on Fairfield Avenue: The Story of Alfred Dillingham Land and 2770 Fairfield Avenue
In the heart of Shreveport, Louisiana, at 2770 Fairfield Avenue, stands a testament to the legacy of Alfred Dillingham Land, a man whose impact on both the judiciary and the architectural fabric of the city is undeniable. Built in 1905, this house tells the story of a life dedicated to justice, community, and resilience.
A Young Scholar in a Growing Shreveport
Born on January 15, 1842, in Holmes County, Mississippi, Alfred Dillingham Land was the son of Thomas Thompson Land, himself a distinguished attorney and state supreme court justice. The Land family relocated to Shreveport when Alfred was a child, where he attended local schools before furthering his education at Centenary College and the University of Virginia. He eventually graduated from the law school of the University of Louisiana (now Tulane University) in May 1861, a milestone that would mark the beginning of a storied legal career.
Civil War Service and a Return to Law
Land’s education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War. He served with distinction in the Confederate Army, joining Company H of the Seventh Louisiana Volunteer Infantry and later transferring to Harvey’s Scouts, where he demonstrated remarkable courage until a serious injury led to his honorable discharge in 1864. Returning to civilian life, Land was admitted to the bar in 1865 and briefly practiced in New Orleans before returning to Shreveport, where his legal acumen quickly earned him a reputation as one of the city's foremost attorneys.
A Jurist of Principle
In 1894, Land was elected as an additional judge of the First Judicial District of Caddo Parish, a position he held with integrity, earning reelection in 1896 and 1900. His contributions to Louisiana’s legal framework were significant; he played a vital role in the Constitutional Convention Committees of 1893 and 1894, shaping provisions that would be incorporated into the state’s 1898 constitution.
Governor William Wright Heard appointed Land as an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1903, a position he held until his death in 1917. His tenure was marked by wisdom and fairness, and he was reelected in 1912 with widespread support.
The Home at 2770 Fairfield Avenue
As Land’s career flourished, so too did his vision for a personal sanctuary. In 1905, he commissioned the construction of a stately home on Fairfield Avenue. The house, reflective of the architectural tastes of the era, blended classic Southern elegance with modern comforts. Its spacious interiors and intricate detailing hinted at Land’s refined sensibilities and commitment to excellence—traits evident in both his professional and personal life.
The home became a gathering place for discussions on law, politics, and the future of Shreveport. Its walls echoed with the laughter and camaraderie of a family deeply rooted in the community and a man devoted to his city’s progress.
A Legacy That Endures
Alfred Dillingham Land passed away on June 4, 1917, in his New Orleans residence after a stroke. His brother, John R. Land, also a Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, was at his side. Though Land’s passing marked the end of an era, his contributions to Shreveport’s legal and architectural heritage remain.
Today, 2770 Fairfield Avenue stands as a living monument to Land’s life. The home’s presence on the historic Fairfield Avenue corridor serves as a reminder of the man who built it and the legacy of justice, service, and resilience he left behind. For those who pass by or reside within its walls, it is not just a house but a cornerstone of Shreveport’s rich history.