Leesville in Vernon Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Vernon Parish Founders

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

1. Vernon Parish Founders Marker

Inscription.
John R. Smart "Father of Vernon Parish" introduced act to create parish. Served in Louisiana House and Senate before and after war between the states: signed 1852 Louisiana Constitution. Named Leesville for Gen. Robert E. Lee. A successful planter, his home, "The Retreat," was four miles north of Leesville. Dr. Edmund E. Smart, "The Father of Leesville" served in Louisiana House and Senate. Developed the city on his plantation and served the new city as treasurer in 1871. He donated the city block for the Vernon Parish Courthouse.

Erected 2001 by Vernon Parish Tourism Commission and the Vernon Parish Police Jury.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 31° 8.536′ 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 near the west entrance and the Vernon Parish Tourism office. 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 (here, next to this marker); Great Louisiana Maneuvers (a few steps from this

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marker); Vernon Parish Veterans' Memorial (a few steps from this marker); First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); National Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lyons Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchants & Farmers Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Nichols-Howerton Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesville.

Also see . . . Vernon Parish Tourism Commission. Website homepage (Submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.)

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010

2. Vernon Parish Founders Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 934 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.