In 1902 the area of Shreveport Louisiana known as West End was a bustling neighborhood of working-class families and businesses. That year William Hamilton Davis opened a general merchandise store on Texas avenue selling work clothes and shoes and hats and tobacco. In 1902 there was a train yard in West End and Davis himself was a former railroad man. In 1902 the area of Shreveport Louisiana known as West End was a bustling neighborhood of working-class families and businesses. That year William Hamilton Davis opened a general merchandise store on Texas avenue selling work clothes and shoes and hats and tobacco. In 1902 there was a train yard in West End and Davis himself was a former railroad man.