First, occupied by the Indians in the area, the village was the home of salt licks. When the French arrived, they found the Indians drying the salt, and decided they could trade with the Indians. The most prominent at the salt licks, and who the licks are now named after, was Reuben Drake. Drake Salt Works is the site of one of the oldest salt wells in Louisiana. The Indians made use of the wells, and it was a major salt supply for Confederate forces during the War Between the States.
Goldonna became a railroad stop for the Louisiana and Arkansas Railway. After the Great Depression and World War II, the railroad ceased operations. Where the tracks once lay, now lays the L&A Trail, an outdoor recreational trail linking many towns and villages from Winnfield in Winn Parish to Sibley in Webster Parish.
Goldonna was first incorporated July 13, 1898. Population: 417 Mayor’s Office (318) 727-4444
Attractions
L & A Rails to Trails (Old Tank Pond) (318) 727-4444 Saline Lake / Saline Bayou
Annual Events
Drake Salt Works Festival – First Saturday in September