Leesville in Vernon Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Great Louisiana Maneuvers
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010
1. Great Louisiana Maneuvers Marker
The United States Army GHQ (General Headquarters) Maneuvers of 1941, were the largest training exercises ever conducted by the U.S. Army. From the maneuvers, the U.S. learned valuable lessons in military strategy which would help it succeed in W.W. II. Louisiana and North Carolina were chosen as maneuver sites. Future W.W. II Army commanders Dwight Eisenhower, George Patton, Omar Bradley, Joseph Stillwell, Mark Clark and J. Lawton Collins participated in the Louisiana operation which was conducted for two weeks in September, 1941. Two opposing armies, named "Red" and "Blue", fought one another in mock battles across most of West and North Louisiana. Vernon Parish was the setting for part of phase one (Battle for the Red River) of the maneuvers. The Louisiana Maneuvers established Camp Polk. Now Fort Polk, it continues to serve the nation as a vital military training center and emblem of the 1941 Louisiana Maneuvers.Erected 2004 by The Vernon Parish Tourism Commission and the Vernon Parish Police Jury.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military
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Location. 31° 8.544′ N, 93° 15.654′ W. Marker is in Leesville, Louisiana, in Vernon Parish. Marker is on 3rd Street north of East Lula Street, on the right when traveling north. Located on the grounds of the Vernon Parish courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leesville LA 71446, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vernon Parish Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Vernon Parish Founders (a few steps from this marker); Vernon Parish Veterans' Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); National Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lyons Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchants & Farmers Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Nichols-Howerton Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesville.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010
2. Great Louisiana Maneuvers Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 856 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
