The Museum of West Louisiana

803 South Third Street, Leesville, LA 71446
(337) 239-0927
FREE ADMISSION
Tues-Sun 1:00-5:00pm (also by appointment)

The Museum of West Louisiana is housed in the historic Leesville KCS Depot building. From 1916 until 1968, the Kansas City Southern railroad served as a primary travel and transportation center for the city of Leesville and all of the surrounding area, but eventually rail travel declined and the building fell into a state of disrepair. On October 25, 1984, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and by 1986 had been fully restored to serve as a storehouse of artifacts illustrating the history, culture, and resources of Vernon Parish and the West Central area of the Louisiana Territory.

Other buildings on the grounds, including a dogtrot cabin, a shotgun house, and a section house, serve as excellent examples of the architectural styles which were common to the area during the 1800s and early 1900s. Each has been fully restored and displays a variety of historical artifacts. Pioneer Park, located on the southern end of the museum property, is available for picnics, cookouts, special events, or just sitting and relaxing.

Items of interest include archaeological artifacts, logging and railroad memorabilia, clothing and household items, and special displays. Recent additions include the P.O.W. Paintings, a group of scenes painted on the walls of a local hotel by German prisoners of war during World War II. The Museum Gift Shop showcases many handmade and donated items.

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