"No
Man's Land"a
Settlement of the land that makes up DeSoto, Sabine, Vernon, Beauregard, and Allen Parishes was slow. Located between the French and Spanish empires, the land served as the outer boundary for both countries. The Louisiana Purchase was vague about exact boundaries, and arguments erupted throughout the region. American and Spanish military leaders agreed that while their governments argued over the boundary, they would each consider the area to be a neutral zone, or "No Man's Land", and not allow settlers or military expeditions from either side into the area.
Despite the agreement, desperate peoples began to move in, hoping to establish their own communities where they could avoid societal censure. Criminals came to escape the law and immediately began organizing illegal activities throughout the area. Travel in the area quickly became as dangerous as living conditions were difficult.
The hardy pioneers which emerged combined elements of Indian, Anglo, Spanish, French, and African cultures and created rugged individuals who developed a strong sense of independence and self-reliance as they struggled to make a life for themselves and their families in Louisiana's final frontier, "No Man's Land".
| DeSoto Parish | Sabine Parish |
| Vernon Parish | Beauregard Parish |
| Allen Parish |
DeSoto Parish
| See the present... and the past! DeSoto Parish is home to the city of Mansfield, the site of a major Civil War battle. Annual events include a re-enactment of the battle and the Old Spanish Trail Ride which travels from Logansport to Houston, TX. Also in Logansport, you can see the last remaining border marker which marked the boundary between the Republic of Texas and the United States; or visit the grave of Moses Rose, survivor of the Alamo. Other historic sites include the DeSoto Parish Courthouse and the Mansfield Female College Museum. |
DeSoto Parish Tourist Bureau M-F 8am to Noon / 1pm to 4pm 101 N. Washington Mansfield, LA 71052 (318)872-1177 touristb@wnonline.net |
Sabine Parish
| Love the outdoors? You will love Sabine Parish, Heart of Toledo Bend. Enjoy camping, fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming at any of the 25 lakeside resorts. Annual festivals include the Zwolle Tamale Festival, Fisher Sawmill Days, Florien Freestate Festival, and the Civil War Battle of Pleasant Hill. Enjoy golf at beautiful Cypress Bend Golf Resort or Emerald Hills Golf Resort. Hodges Gardens State Park offers hiking, fishing, and camping in the midst of hundreds of acres of both formal and natural gardens. |
Sabine Parish Tourism Commission 1601 Texas Hwy. Many, LA 71449 (800) 358-7802 / (318) 256-5880 |
Vernon Parish
| The Heart of Sportsman's Paradise, Vernon Parish continues to be a haven for those who love the outdoors. Kisatchie National Forest offers developed sites for hiking, biking, birding, hunting, fishing, and camping. Five Wildlife Management Areas offer large tracts of undeveloped forest for those who prefer more primitive pleasures. Two stocked lakes provide unlimited opportunities for fishermen. History buffs love our historic downtown, the Museum of West Louisiana, and the Fort Polk Military Museum. Annual events include Artwalk, Mayfest, and the West Louisiana Forestry Festival & Fair. |
Vernon Parish Tourism Commission M-F 9am to 4:30pm 201 S. Third St. Leesville, LA 71446 (800) 349-6287 / (337) 238-0783 vernoninfo@venturevernon.com |
Beauregard Parish
| Come, get away! Enjoy quaint coffee shops and unique boutiques; experience festivals, museums, arts, and antiquing. Take a step back in time when you visit the historic DeRidder Gothic Jail or the War Memorial Civic Center Museum. Other historic venues include the Beauregard Museum, the Ragley Museum, Burk's Log Cabin Museum, and the Lois Loftin Doll Museum. Annual festivals include the Four Winds Pow Wow, the Watermelon Fest, Merryville Heritage Fest, and a Civil War Re-enactment of the Battle of Hickory Creek. |
Beauregard Parish Tourist Commission 113 S. Washington Ave. DeRidder, LA 70634 (800) 738-5534 |
Allen Parish
| Experience culture, food, and fun in Allen Parish. If you're feeling lucky, you can visit Coushatta Casino Resort or the Metro Soileau Downs Racetrack. Arrange a hunting trip at the Dry Creek Ranch or go primitive on the West Bay Wildlife Management Area. Several stocked waterways offer abundant fishing and boating opportunities. Annual events include Mardi Gras, Old Time Plow Days, and the Coushatta Pow Wow. |
Allen Parish Tourist Commission 8904 Hwy. 165 Oberlin, LA 70655 (888) 639-4868 / (337) 639-4868 |