Vernon Parish, Louisiana
Encyclopedia
Vernon Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state
of Louisiana
. The parish seat is Leesville
and as of 2000, the population was 52,531.
Vernon Parish is part of the Fort Polk South
Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Fort Polk South–DeRidder Combined Statistical Area
.
General Assembly
passed an act designating the creation of Vernon Parish, by taking territory from the parishes of Natchitoches
, Rapides
, and Sabine
. While there seem to be four stories surrounding the naming of the Parish, only one is affirmed officially by the State which is that it was named in honor of Mt. Vernon
, the home of George Washington
. Other stories, though folklore, are: 1) that it was named after a race horse owned by Joe Moore, one of the members of the committee chosen to name the parish, who claimed that by naming the parish after his fast horse the committee would insure the growth of the parish to be as fast as his horse: 2) that it was named after a popular teacher who had been an officer in the Royal Navy
, only mentioned as "Mr. Vernon". This was not to honor him, but to avoid disputes among the parish founders whom each wanted to name the parish after themselves. The final story is similar to the first and claims that the committee had been arguing over the name while drinking in a store, and in an attempt to preserve his precious whiskey and profits, the host suggested the committee stop a local man with a mule pulling a cart and that they should name the parish whatever the man said. The man answered them "I calls him Vernon, 'cause he's the fastes' mule in de country." Originally the area comprising Vernon was apart of a tract of land that was in dispute between the United States
and Spain
, this land was called the "Neutral Strip". As a result of this dispute the area became a haven for outlaws. Prior to the Louisiana Purchase
in 1803, the only persons who came to the area were a few French and Spanish settlers. It was also during this period that Dr. Burr established the community of Burr Ferry. This community was known as the "Gateway to Louisiana
". Also located near this community, there still stands an artillery site (now called the "Confederate Breast Works"), which was manned by the Confederacy
to guard against Union movements along the Nolan Trace during the Civil War
.
Leesville
has been the parish seat of Vernon since the parish was created, though it wasn't incorporated until February 15, 1900. The city, although founded by Dr. Edmund E. Smart, was named by Senator R. Smart, his father, in honor of General Robert E. Lee. At the time of Leesville
's founding, the site was the home of a plantation owned by Dr. Smart. The house from that plantation is still found today at the corner of Lula and First street.
In the late 1890s the timber industry, which was the dominant industry in the parish from its creation, began to boom with the arrival of the Kansas City Southern Railway
in 1897, which is still in operation today.
In the period after World War I, Vernon became the site of two socialist based communities; the Llano Del Rio Cooperative Colony (which became New Llano
) established in 1917 and the Christian Commonwealth Colony. These colonies attempted to attract economists and sociologists for the purpose of conducting an experiment in communal membership and the sharing of labor duties. Of the two colonies the Llano Del Rio was the largest with over 10,000 people and was also the longest surviving community. Both colonies failed in the 1930s when the depression hit.
In 1941, the United States Army
opened Camp Polk
, shortly after the 1939-40 maneuvers. Camp Polk
quickly surpassed the timber industry as the dominant force in the parish's economy, which became evident in the parish seat of Leesville
when its population jumped from 3,500 to 18,000 after the camp opened. The Camp receives its name from Leonidas Polk
, the first Episcopal Bishop in Louisiana
, known as the "Fighting Bishop of the Confederacy" and served as one of the major training camps during World War II
. Today, now called Fort Polk is the 5th largest military installation in the nation, containing approximately 200,000 acres (800 km²). With the constant movement of soldiers and their dependents in and out of the parish, Vernon experiences a unique blend of culture from numerous states and countries creating a true "melting pot." Hodges Gardens
???. Fullerton Sawmill ghost town???
of 2010, there were 52,334 people residing in the parish. The population density
was 39.4 people per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 75.70% White
, 14.2% Black
or African American
, 1.4% Native American
, 1.8% Asian
, 0.50% Pacific Islander
, and 4.1% from two or more races. 7.2% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
In the parish the population was spread out with 9.2% under 5 years of age, 27.7% under the age of 18, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. Vernon parish residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
There were 18,590 households with an average household size was 2.644. The median income for a household in the parish was $42,322. The per capita income
for the parish was $14,036. About 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line,
, which operates 18 public schools and one optional school.
Central Louisiana Technical College
The Louisiana Technical College
(LTC) system operates the Lamar Salter campus south of New Llano. The Central Louisiana Technical College Lamar Salter campus is one of 40 LTC campuses across the state.
(NSU), is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana and a part of the a part of the University of Louisiana System. The NSU
-Leesville/Fort Polk Campus is located on Highway 467 near Fort Polk
and serves the civilian communities of Vernon, Beauregard, and Sabine parishes, as well as the military community at Fort Polk. In addition to providing the first two years of preparation for almost any degree NSU offers, NSU-Leesville/Fort Polk students can earn the following complete degrees on this campus:
http://leesville.nsula.edu/
.
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University
(CMU) has been serving the educational needs of our Louisiana-based military since 1981, offering quality master’s degrees onsite and now a variety of degree options from the bachelor’s level to a doctorate through CMU Online. Just as Fort Polk serves the United States Army by training our soldiers before deploying them to theaters of operation around the world, CMU’s degree programs prepare those same soldiers for career advancement in the military and beyond.
Central Texas College
Central Texas College
(CTC) is a public, open-admission community college offering associate degrees and certificate programs in academic, professional and vocational/technical fields. Due to its proximity to Fort Hood, CTC has evolved from a small junior college into a college catering to the military. CTC also help students transition from a 2-year to a 4-year degree through numerous articulation agreements with 4-year institutions nationwide.
Upper Iowa University
The Upper Iowa University
(UIU) at Fort Polk offers classes on post to both military personnel and civilians in the area. It was opened in 1995 and offers bachelor’s of science degree in nine majors. Courses can also be blended with UIU distance learning programs (online and independent study) to complete 11 other majors. Certificate programs are also available. UIU offers courses on post during five eight-week terms during the academic year. All courses are offered during the evenings and on weekends.
Although the list is always subject to change, these majors are currently offered at the Fort Polk center: (descriptions of the majors)
Certificate programs are available in Marketing on post. Students can also combine distance learning courses to earn certificates in Human Resources Management, Organizational Communications, and Organizational Leadership.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. The parish seat is Leesville
Leesville, Louisiana
Leesville is a city in and the parish seat of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 6,753 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city is home to the Fort Polk U.S. Army installation...
and as of 2000, the population was 52,531.
Vernon Parish is part of the Fort Polk South
Fort Polk South, Louisiana
Fort Polk South is a census-designated place in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 11,000 at the 2000 census.Fort Polk South is the larger principal city of the Fort Polk South-DeRidder CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Fort Polk South and DeRidder ...
Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Fort Polk South–DeRidder Combined Statistical Area
Fort Polk South-DeRidder combined statistical area
The Fort Polk South-DeRidder Combined Statistical Area is made up of two parishes in central Louisiana. The statistical area consists of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area and the DeRidder Micropolitan Statistical Area...
.
History
On March 30, 1871, the LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
General Assembly
Louisiana State Legislature
The Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
passed an act designating the creation of Vernon Parish, by taking territory from the parishes of Natchitoches
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Natchitoches Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Natchitoches. As of 2000, the population was 39,080. This is the heart of the Cane River Louisiana Creole community...
, Rapides
Rapides Parish, Louisiana
-Military Installations:*Camp Beauregard *Esler Airfield *England Air Force Base *Camp Claiborne *Camp Livingston -Demographics:...
, and Sabine
Sabine Parish, Louisiana
Sabine Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The seat of the parish is Many. In 2010, the parish's population was 24,233....
. While there seem to be four stories surrounding the naming of the Parish, only one is affirmed officially by the State which is that it was named in honor of Mt. Vernon
Mount Vernon (plantation)
Mount Vernon, located near Alexandria, Virginia, was the plantation home of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The mansion is built of wood in neoclassical Georgian architectural style, and the estate is located on the banks of the Potomac River.Mount Vernon was designated...
, the home of George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
. Other stories, though folklore, are: 1) that it was named after a race horse owned by Joe Moore, one of the members of the committee chosen to name the parish, who claimed that by naming the parish after his fast horse the committee would insure the growth of the parish to be as fast as his horse: 2) that it was named after a popular teacher who had been an officer in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, only mentioned as "Mr. Vernon". This was not to honor him, but to avoid disputes among the parish founders whom each wanted to name the parish after themselves. The final story is similar to the first and claims that the committee had been arguing over the name while drinking in a store, and in an attempt to preserve his precious whiskey and profits, the host suggested the committee stop a local man with a mule pulling a cart and that they should name the parish whatever the man said. The man answered them "I calls him Vernon, 'cause he's the fastes' mule in de country." Originally the area comprising Vernon was apart of a tract of land that was in dispute between the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, this land was called the "Neutral Strip". As a result of this dispute the area became a haven for outlaws. Prior to the Louisiana Purchase
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition by the United States of America of of France's claim to the territory of Louisiana in 1803. The U.S...
in 1803, the only persons who came to the area were a few French and Spanish settlers. It was also during this period that Dr. Burr established the community of Burr Ferry. This community was known as the "Gateway to Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
". Also located near this community, there still stands an artillery site (now called the "Confederate Breast Works"), which was manned by the Confederacy
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
to guard against Union movements along the Nolan Trace during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
.
Leesville, Louisiana
Leesville is a city in and the parish seat of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 6,753 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city is home to the Fort Polk U.S. Army installation...
has been the parish seat of Vernon since the parish was created, though it wasn't incorporated until February 15, 1900. The city, although founded by Dr. Edmund E. Smart, was named by Senator R. Smart, his father, in honor of General Robert E. Lee. At the time of Leesville
Leesville, Louisiana
Leesville is a city in and the parish seat of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 6,753 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city is home to the Fort Polk U.S. Army installation...
's founding, the site was the home of a plantation owned by Dr. Smart. The house from that plantation is still found today at the corner of Lula and First street.
In the late 1890s the timber industry, which was the dominant industry in the parish from its creation, began to boom with the arrival of the Kansas City Southern Railway
Kansas City Southern Railway
The Kansas City Southern Railway , owned by Kansas City Southern Industries, is the smallest and second-oldest Class I railroad company still in operation. KCS was founded in 1887 and is currently operating in a region consisting of ten central U.S. states...
in 1897, which is still in operation today.
In the period after World War I, Vernon became the site of two socialist based communities; the Llano Del Rio Cooperative Colony (which became New Llano
New Llano, Louisiana
New Llano is a town in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 2,415 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area....
) established in 1917 and the Christian Commonwealth Colony. These colonies attempted to attract economists and sociologists for the purpose of conducting an experiment in communal membership and the sharing of labor duties. Of the two colonies the Llano Del Rio was the largest with over 10,000 people and was also the longest surviving community. Both colonies failed in the 1930s when the depression hit.
In 1941, the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
opened Camp Polk
Fort Polk
Fort Polk is a United States Army installation located in Vernon Parish, approximately 7 miles east of Leesville, Louisiana and 20 miles north of DeRidder, Louisiana....
, shortly after the 1939-40 maneuvers. Camp Polk
Fort Polk
Fort Polk is a United States Army installation located in Vernon Parish, approximately 7 miles east of Leesville, Louisiana and 20 miles north of DeRidder, Louisiana....
quickly surpassed the timber industry as the dominant force in the parish's economy, which became evident in the parish seat of Leesville
Leesville, Louisiana
Leesville is a city in and the parish seat of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 6,753 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city is home to the Fort Polk U.S. Army installation...
when its population jumped from 3,500 to 18,000 after the camp opened. The Camp receives its name from Leonidas Polk
Leonidas Polk
Leonidas Polk was a Confederate general in the American Civil War who was once a planter in Maury County, Tennessee, and a second cousin of President James K. Polk...
, the first Episcopal Bishop in Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, known as the "Fighting Bishop of the Confederacy" and served as one of the major training camps during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Today, now called Fort Polk is the 5th largest military installation in the nation, containing approximately 200,000 acres (800 km²). With the constant movement of soldiers and their dependents in and out of the parish, Vernon experiences a unique blend of culture from numerous states and countries creating a true "melting pot." Hodges Gardens
Hodges Gardens State Park
Hodges Gardens State Park, previously known as Hodges Gardens, Park and Wilderness Area, is located on between Florien and Hornbeck, near the Toledo Bend Reservoir of the Sabine River in Sabine Parish, in west central Louisiana. The park is located on U.S. Highway 171 some fifteen miles south of...
???. Fullerton Sawmill ghost town???
Geography
The parish has a total area of 1,342 square miles (3,474 km²), of which, 1,328 square miles (3,441 km²) of it is land and 13 square miles (34 km²) of it (0.98%) is water.Major highways
U.S. Highway 171
Louisiana Highway 8Louisiana Highway 8Louisiana Highway 8 is a state highway in Louisiana. It spans beginning at the Louisiana/Texas state line and ending at an intersection with LA 15.-Route description:...
Louisiana Highway 10Louisiana Highway 10Louisiana Highway 10 is a state highway in south-central Louisiana. It runs from west to east for . The western terminus is at the intersection of U.S. Route 171 in Pickering, Louisiana in Vernon Parish near Fort Polk and the eastern terminus is in Bogalusa at Pearl River and the Louisiana line...
Louisiana Highway 28Louisiana Highway 28Louisiana Highway 28 is a state highway in Louisiana. It spans and runs from west to east. From the west beginning in Leesville to Alexandria LA 28 is almost completed as a 4 lane divided highway with a 65 miles per hour speed limit. The highway has a bottle neck and is two lane through an area...
Adjacent parishes and counties
- Sabine ParishSabine Parish, LouisianaSabine Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The seat of the parish is Many. In 2010, the parish's population was 24,233....
(northwest) - Natchitoches ParishNatchitoches Parish, LouisianaNatchitoches Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Natchitoches. As of 2000, the population was 39,080. This is the heart of the Cane River Louisiana Creole community...
(north) - Rapides ParishRapides Parish, Louisiana-Military Installations:*Camp Beauregard *Esler Airfield *England Air Force Base *Camp Claiborne *Camp Livingston -Demographics:...
(east) - Allen ParishAllen Parish, LouisianaAllen Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Oberlin. As of the 2000 census, the population was 25,440. Allen Parish is in southwestern Louisiana, southwest of Alexandria....
(southeast) - Beauregard ParishBeauregard Parish, LouisianaBeauregard Parish [p] is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Beauregard Parish was formed on 1 January 1913. The parish seat is DeRidder. As of 2000, the population was 32,986. Beauregard Parish is part of the DeRidder Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Fort Polk...
(south) - Newton CountyNewton County, TexasNewton County is the easternmost county in the U.S. state of Texas. In of 2000, its population was 15,072. Its county seat is Newton. Newton county is named for John Newton, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War...
, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
(west)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 52,334 people residing in the parish. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 39.4 people per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was 75.70% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 14.2% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.4% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.8% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.50% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.1% from two or more races. 7.2% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
In the parish the population was spread out with 9.2% under 5 years of age, 27.7% under the age of 18, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. Vernon parish residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
There were 18,590 households with an average household size was 2.644. The median income for a household in the parish was $42,322. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the parish was $14,036. About 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line,
Towns
|
Rosepine, Louisiana Rosepine is a town in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,390 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Rosepine is located at .... |
Villages
|
Census Designated Areas
|
Unincorporated Areas
|
Fullerton, Louisiana Fullerton is an unincorporated community in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. Fullerton was once an industrial community based around a large lumber mill... |
|
|
|
|
Notable natives and residents
- Walter O. BigbyWalter O. BigbyWalter Oliver Bigby, Sr. , was a Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Bossier Parish, having served from 1968 until 1979. Often called the "Dean of the House" because of his reputation for integrity, fairness, and hard work, Bigby was a son-in-law of banker and former...
, Louisiana state representativeLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
from Bossier Parish from 1968–1979, known as "Dean of the House". - Frank A. HowardFrank A. HowardFrank A. Howard, also known as Frankie Howard , is a former sheriff of Vernon Parish in western Louisiana, who has been since 2008 a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 24, which includes De Soto, Red River, Sabine, and Vernon parishes.Howard studied in the...
, former Vernon Parish sheriff and RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
member of the Louisiana House of RepresentativesLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
] from Vernon, Sabine, Red River, and De Soto parishes. - James Otis "Jim" McCrery, IIIJim McCreryJames Otis "Jim" McCrery, III , is an American lawyer who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1988 to 2009; he represented the 4th District of Louisiana, based in the northwestern quadrant of the state.McCrery was a ranking member on the House Ways and...
, Republican U.S. Representative from 1988–2009, was born in ShreveportShreveport, LouisianaShreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
, but grew up in Leesville, where he graduated from Leesville High SchoolLeesville High SchoolLeesville High School is a school located in Leesville, Louisiana, United States. The 9-12 school is a part of the Vernon Parish School Board....
in 1967. - Bryan A. PostonBryan A. PostonBryan Anthony Poston, Sr. was a businessman in Hornbeck, Louisiana, who served as a Democrat in the Louisiana State Senate from 1964 to 1992. He succeeded his father, Charles M. Poston, Sr., a one-term senator from 1960 to 1964.Poston was born in rural Benson in southern De Soto Parish to Charles...
, member of the Louisiana State SenateLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
from 1964–1992, was a HornbeckHornbeck, LouisianaHornbeck is a town in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 435 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Fort Polk South Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
businessman. - Frank A. HowardFrank A. HowardFrank A. Howard, also known as Frankie Howard , is a former sheriff of Vernon Parish in western Louisiana, who has been since 2008 a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 24, which includes De Soto, Red River, Sabine, and Vernon parishes.Howard studied in the...
, a Hornbeck visionary and former Vernon Parish Sheriff, has been representing the 24th district in the Louisiana House of RepresentativesLouisiana House of RepresentativesThe Louisiana House of Representatives is the lower house in the Louisiana State Legislature, the state legislature of the US state of Louisiana. The House is composed of 105 Representatives, each of whom represents approximately 42,500 people . Members serve four-year terms with a term limit of...
since his election in 2007. - Elizabeth "Beth" Carr, J.D. (1982) Former co-editor of Louisiana College Wildcat (2001-2004). Practicing attorney at The Smith Law Firm, L.L.P., Leesville, LA. One of only two female attorneys in the 30th JDC.
- Charles M. Poston, Sr.Charles M. PostonCharles M. Poston, Sr. , was a railroad employee from Hornbeck, a small town in Vernon Parish in western Louisiana, who served a single term from 1960 to 1964 as a Democratic state senator from what is now District 30...
, of Hornbeck, was a Louisiana state senator, 1960–1964; father of Bryan A. Poston. - Eddie FullerEddie Fuller (American football)Eddie Jerome Fuller is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He played for the Buffalo Bills from 1991 until 1993. He played college football at LSU, where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.Fuller is best known for catching the winning touchdown pass...
- National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
player, running back with the Buffalo Bills, also played for Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLouisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
and was part of the play which became known as the "Earthquake game". - Demond MalletDemond MalletDayon Demond Mallet is an American professional basketball player that played the 2009-10 season professionally with Türk Telekom B.K. in Ankara, Turkey and currently the 2010-11 season in Belgium with Spirou Charleroi. Before that he played for ACB club Joventut Badalona. He is a 6'2" guard...
- Professional basketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player, guard. Played in the German LeagueBasketball BundesligaThe Basketball Bundesliga — commonly abbreviated BBL — is the highest level league of club basketball in Germany. The league comprises 18 teams. A BBL season is split into a league stage and a playoff stage...
and currently with SpanishSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
Joventut BadalonaJoventut BadalonaClub Joventut Badalona, S.A.D. is a Spanish professional basketball club based in Badalona, Catalonia, playing in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto . Known to their fans as La Penya , it is one of only three teams that have never been relegated from the top division of the Spanish League...
. - Claude Anthony "Buddy" Leach, Jr. - PoliticianPoliticianA politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, former member of the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, Louisiana House of RepresentativesLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
, and Louisiana DemocraticDemocratic Party (United States)The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
state chairman; unsuccessful candidate for governorGovernorA governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
in 2003 and for the Louisiana State SenateLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
in 2007 - Tommy W Jinks Jr - Professional in the Financial industry and author
- Kevin MawaeKevin MawaeKevin James Mawae is a former American National Football League center. During a 16-year football career, he played for the Seattle Seahawks , New York Jets , and the Tennessee Titans . Mawae was a four-year starter for LSU and was selected second-team All-SEC by Associated Press and SEC coaches...
- National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
All-Pro Center for the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... - Keith MunyanKeith MunyanKeith Owen Munyan, Jr. , is a commercial photographer based in North Hollywood, California, whose client list includes, among others, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, and Cindy Crawford. His work has appeared in magazines, album packaging, books, billboards, and calendars...
- Born in Leesville in 1961 but moved away as a toddler, he is a Los AngelesLos Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
photographer known for his multiple celebrity clients. - Kresskala R. Stewart became the first African American to become a member of the Golden Cavalier Danceline in 1986.
- D'Anthony SmithD'Anthony SmithD'Anthony Smith is an American football defensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana Tech....
- National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
Born in Berlin, Germany, but spent his teen years in Leesville while family was stationed at Fort Polk. Attended Pickering High School in Leesville and Louisiana Tech. Currently plays for the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Education
Primary and Secondary Education
All public schools in Vernon Parish are operated by the Vernon Parish School BoardVernon Parish School Board
Vernon Parish School Board is a school district headquartered in Leesville, Louisiana, United States.The district serves all of Vernon Parish.-PK-12 schools:* Evans High School * Hicks High School...
, which operates 18 public schools and one optional school.
Pre-Kindergarten - Twelth Grade Schools
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Pre-Kindergarten - Sixth Grade Schools
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Pre-Kindergarten - First Grade Schools
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Second - Fourth Grades
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Fifth - Sixth Grades
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Secondary Schools
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Junior High Schools
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Alternative School
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Central Louisiana Technical CollegeLouisiana Technical CollegeLouisiana Technical College is an institute for professional technical education in the state of Louisiana, with campuses across the state. Louisiana Technical College has no affiliation to Louisiana Tech University.-History:...
The Louisiana Technical CollegeLouisiana Technical College
Louisiana Technical College is an institute for professional technical education in the state of Louisiana, with campuses across the state. Louisiana Technical College has no affiliation to Louisiana Tech University.-History:...
(LTC) system operates the Lamar Salter campus south of New Llano. The Central Louisiana Technical College Lamar Salter campus is one of 40 LTC campuses across the state.
- Adult Education/WorkReady U/GED
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Automotive Technology
- Building Technology Specialist
- Business Office Technology
- Care & Development of Young Children
- Carpentry
- Industrial Electronics Technology
- Outdoor Power Equipment Technology
- Practical Nursing
- Welding
NSU Leesville/Fort Polk Campus
Northwestern State UniversityNorthwestern State University
Northwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as...
(NSU), is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana and a part of the a part of the University of Louisiana System. The NSU
Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as...
-Leesville/Fort Polk Campus is located on Highway 467 near Fort Polk
Fort Polk
Fort Polk is a United States Army installation located in Vernon Parish, approximately 7 miles east of Leesville, Louisiana and 20 miles north of DeRidder, Louisiana....
and serves the civilian communities of Vernon, Beauregard, and Sabine parishes, as well as the military community at Fort Polk. In addition to providing the first two years of preparation for almost any degree NSU offers, NSU-Leesville/Fort Polk students can earn the following complete degrees on this campus:
http://leesville.nsula.edu/
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Fort Polk Education Center
The Fort Polk Education Center offers self-development opportunities for Service members, military family members, Department of the Defense employees, military Retirees, Department of Defense contractors, and civilians from the local community in the classroom, distance learning, and online environments. Civilian students coming to the post for classes are required to use the main entrance located off U.S. Highway 171U.S. Route 171
U.S. Highway 171 is a north–south United States highway. This short-route 179-mile highway, entirely within western Louisiana, has remained largely unchanged from its original 1926 route....
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Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan...
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan...
(CMU) has been serving the educational needs of our Louisiana-based military since 1981, offering quality master’s degrees onsite and now a variety of degree options from the bachelor’s level to a doctorate through CMU Online. Just as Fort Polk serves the United States Army by training our soldiers before deploying them to theaters of operation around the world, CMU’s degree programs prepare those same soldiers for career advancement in the military and beyond.
Programs Offered at This Location
- Master of Science in Administration
- General Administration
- Human Resources Administration
- Leadership
Central Texas CollegeCentral Texas CollegeCentral Texas College is a community college located in Killeen, Texas, which was founded in 1965.As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of CTC comprises the following:...
(CTC)
Central Texas College
Central Texas College
Central Texas College is a community college located in Killeen, Texas, which was founded in 1965.As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of CTC comprises the following:...
(CTC) is a public, open-admission community college offering associate degrees and certificate programs in academic, professional and vocational/technical fields. Due to its proximity to Fort Hood, CTC has evolved from a small junior college into a college catering to the military. CTC also help students transition from a 2-year to a 4-year degree through numerous articulation agreements with 4-year institutions nationwide.
Associate degrees offered at the Fort Polk campus of CTC
- Applied Management
- Applied Management w/Computer Applications
- Business Management
- Business Programmer Analyst
- Core Curriculum
- Criminal Justice
- Hotel Management Specialization
- Information Technology
- General Studies
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Restaurant and Culinary Management
- Social/Behavioral Science
Upper Iowa UniversityUpper Iowa UniversityEstablished in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private institution of higher education with its residential campus located in northeast Iowa near the Volga River in the rural community of Fayette, where around 900 students are enrolled....
(UIU)
The Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University
Established in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private institution of higher education with its residential campus located in northeast Iowa near the Volga River in the rural community of Fayette, where around 900 students are enrolled....
(UIU) at Fort Polk offers classes on post to both military personnel and civilians in the area. It was opened in 1995 and offers bachelor’s of science degree in nine majors. Courses can also be blended with UIU distance learning programs (online and independent study) to complete 11 other majors. Certificate programs are also available. UIU offers courses on post during five eight-week terms during the academic year. All courses are offered during the evenings and on weekends.
Although the list is always subject to change, these majors are currently offered at the Fort Polk center: (descriptions of the majors)
- Business Administration
- Human Resources Management
- Human Services
- Management
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Public Administration (with optional certification in Law Enforcement)
- Social Science
Certificate programs are available in Marketing on post. Students can also combine distance learning courses to earn certificates in Human Resources Management, Organizational Communications, and Organizational Leadership.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Vernon Parish, LouisianaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Vernon Parish, LouisianaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Vernon Parish, Louisiana.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States...
External links
- Snead, J., P. V. Heinrich, and R. P. McCulloh, 2002a, De Ridder 30 x 60 minute geologic quadrangle. Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Snead, J., P. V. Heinrich, and R. P. McCulloh, 2002b, Ville Platte 30 x 60 minute geologic quadrangle. Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.