Near Bienville in Bienville Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Sparta

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Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2014

1. Sparta Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1849 as first parish seat for Bienville Parish. Post office est. 1849. 1st Postmaster J. M. Denson. Incorp. 1852. 1860 pop. Of 250 composed of merchants, craftsmen and professionals. Had two churches, two Masonic Lodges, three private schools and an indigents home. In 1862 organized Sparta Guards for the Confederacy. After the War railroad line came to parish but bypassed Sparta by six miles. 1892 parish seat moved to Arcadia. Citizens gradually left. Post office closed 1924. Wm. Bates last postmaster.

Sponsors: Bienville Parish Police Jury & Sidney Myers

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 32° 22.037′ N, 93° 4.775′ W. Marker is near Bienville, Louisiana, in Bienville Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Kepler Road (State Highway 507) and Old Sparta Road, on the right when traveling west on Kepler Road. Marker is located near the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bienville LA 71008, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker (approx. 5.2 miles away); Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow Ambush Site

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(approx. 5.2 miles away); Homeplace of Baylus Benjamin (B.B.) McKinney (approx. 11 miles away); Driskill Mountain (approx. 11.3 miles away); Driskill Mountain - 535 Feet (approx. 11.3 miles away); Ma Canfield's Cafe (approx. 12.4 miles away); W.R. Shadow Home (approx. 16.6 miles away).

Also see . . . Bienville Parish, Louisiana (Wikipedia). Bienville Parish was named in honor of the French Canadian explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, who was governor of French Louisiana for a total of thirty years. The original parish seat was Sparta, a defunct community located between Bienville and Ringgold. All that remains of Sparta are two cemeteries. Among the early settlers of Sparta were the brothers Green and James Huckaby, ancestors of later U.S. Representative Jerry Huckaby of Louisiana's 5th congressional district. The courthouse was moved to Arcadia in 1893. (Submitted on February 2, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2014

2. Sparta Marker

(looking east along State Highway 507)

Old Sparta Cemetery Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2014

3. Old Sparta Cemetery Sign

(located a few yards from marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 517 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.