In the 19th century, large boats made their way through Cottonport with goods destined for the port of New Orleans.

The bayou was deep enough to support the large boats and formed a perfect horseshoe, which allowed vessels to turn around.

The boats would deliver cargo into the area and would load crops on board to take to larger ports along the route.

It also serves as the backdrop to the annual Cottonport Christmas Festival, held the second weekend in December, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.2 km2), all land.