Vernon Parish

Nestled in the piney woods of west central Louisiana, Vernon Parish offers a vast array of opportunities for nature lovers and sportsmen alike. Hunters, fishermen, campers, and hikers enjoy nature's bounty as they traverse the gently rolling hills through forests studded with freshwater lakes and streams. The semi-tropical climate encourages great diversity of both plant and animal life.

Leesville

Located near the center of the parish, Leesville has served as the County Seat since creation of the parish in 1871. History buffs will love the Historic Downtown District and the Museum of West Louisiana. The city offers a variety of artistic entertainment through art exhibits,  musical performances, live theater, and several annual festivals which are held at various locations throughout the year.

Fort Polk

Vernon Parish is home to Fort Polk, the largest military installation in Louisiana. First established in 1941 and named in honor of the Right Reverend Leonidas Polk, the first Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana and a Confederate general, the army base has evolved to suit the changing needs of the US Army. Today, Ft. Polk houses the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Five Parishes West

With France on one side and Spain on the other, settlement of western Louisiana was slow. The pioneers who did come were rugged individuals seeking a new way of life, far from established society. In order to survive, they learned to depend on themselves and their neighbors for all that they needed.

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