History & Heritage in Leesville Louisiana

One facet of Louisiana that makes it such an appealing visitor destination is its deep and colorful history. European explorers found their way to the region and inhabited the area very early relative to settlement of much of the rest of the continent. As a result, some communities in Louisiana are among the oldest in the United States. Before those explorers arrived, of course, people we now know as Native Americans populated the region. Reaching still farther back in time, ancient peoples left their mark on the area thousands of years ago. The state of Louisiana offers many ways to explore the region’s rich history, in hundreds of museums, historic structures, landmarks, artifacts and works of art. The careful preservation and restoration of these sites and artifacts has created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Louisiana’s history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influence the state today.

Leesville is the parish seat of Vernon Parish and is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and enjoy the pleasures of living in a community where you will always find a warm welcome and old fashioned hospitality. We are very proud of our friendly, small town atmosphere and continue to preserve our unique cultural and historic heritage, while cultivating a dynamic economic environment. Recreational opportunities abound including a municipal golf course, parks, a 6–screen cinema, bowling alley, skating rink, museum, tennis courts, new water complex, and nearby lakes which offer some of the best fishing in the nation. Leesville is near 2 sections of Kisatchie National Forest, and located just 7 miles from Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center. For more information, contact the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission at 337-238-0783.