Vernon Parish, Louisiana
Vernon Parish sits in west-central Louisiana, along the Texas border. It’s known as “Louisiana’s Legend Country” because of its rich folklore.
The parish is home to Fort Polk, a major U.S. Army installation that has been around since World War II. Forests cover much of the land here.
Small towns are scattered throughout the parish, with Leesville being the largest. Travelers enjoy the area for its many opportunities for fishing, hunting, and hiking, especially in places like Kisatchie National Forest.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parish Name | Vernon Parish |
| Parish Seat | Leesville |
| Etymology | Named after Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Leesville, New Llano, Rosepine, Hornbeck, Anacoco, Pitkin, Fort Polk South, Simpson |
| Interstates and Highways | US-171, LA-8, LA-10, LA-28, LA-111 |
| FIPS Code | 22-115 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,341 square miles (1,328 sq mi land, 13 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Parishes (and Direction) | Sabine Parish (Northwest), Natchitoches Parish (North), Rapides Parish (East), Allen Parish (Southeast), Beauregard Parish (South), Newton County, Texas (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 31.1094° N, 93.1776° W |
| Major Landmarks | Fort Polk Military Base, Kisatchie National Forest, Vernon Parish Museum, Anacoco Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir |
| Population | Approximately 47,000 |
