American Towns That Used to Be Rich But Are Now Poor

© Courtesy of National Archives at College Park

Ville Platte, Louisiana

But the town has not always been marred by poverty, and has had several economic booms. The first came in 1930 when oil was discovered six miles north of the town, causing Ville Platte’s population to more than double. A black carbon facility remains in Ville Platte, but today the plant only employs 90 people.