A new book from local authors Father Peter Mangum, W. Ryan Smith and Dr. Cheryl White relates the account of five Roman Catholic priests who gave their lives caring for victims of the 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic in Shreveport. “Shreveport Martyrs of 1873: The Surest Path to Heaven” has been published by the History Press of Charleston, S.

he yellow fever epidemic of 1873 took a heavy toll on the city of Shreveport. Reports estimate Shreveport lost about one-fourth of its population to yellow fever. Now, a move is underway to honor five priests who gave their lives in service to Shreveport during those dark days with sainthood.