National Register Listing

Smart, Edmond Ellison, House

301 S. 1st. St., Leesville, LA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture exploration settlementT houses residential buildings
Louisiana was briefly an independent republic. After declaring independence from Spain in 1810, a group of Louisianans established the Republic of West Florida, which included parts of what is now Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. However, the republic was short-lived, as it was quickly annexed by the United States.
Louisiana random facts
Vernon Parish is located in central Louisiana and has a rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Coushatta and Choctaw, who utilized the abundant natural resources for hunting and fishing.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily of French and Spanish descent. The land was purchased from the Choctaw tribe in the 1805 Treaty of Fort Adams, which opened up the region for settlement. The parish itself was established in 1871 and named after Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.

Vernon Parish played a significant role during the Civil War as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Pleasant Hill, one of the largest battles fought in Louisiana, took place in 1864, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape and local communities.

Over the years, the economy of Vernon Parish has evolved. Timber became a prominent industry, with numerous sawmills operating in the area. The establishment of the Fort Polk military base in 1941 brought economic growth to the region and transformed Vernon Parish into a bustling community.

Today, Vernon Parish is a vibrant and diverse area that celebrates its history while looking towards the future. The parish boasts a strong sense of community and offers various recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the Kisatchie National Forest. With a rich historical background and thriving present, Vernon Parish continues to be a place of significance in Louisiana.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Vernon Parish, Louisiana.

  • Prehistoric times - Native American tribes, including the Attakapas, Coahuiltecans, and Caddo, inhabit the area that will later become Vernon Parish
  • 1804 - The United States acquires the territory of Louisiana through the Louisiana Purchase
  • 1818 - Santa Ana, later the president of Mexico, is captured in Vernon Parish during the Sabine Expedition
  • 1843 - The region becomes part of the newly established Calcasieu Parish
  • 1871 - Vernon Parish is created from portions of Calcasieu, Rapides, and Sabine Parishes
  • 1902 - Leesville becomes the parish seat of Vernon Parish
  • 1908 - Construction of the Kansas City Southern Railway through Vernon Parish boosts trade and population growth
  • 1939-1945 - Fort Polk is established as a training camp during World War II, bringing economic development and population growth to the area
  • 1962 - The United States Army declares Fort Polk as a permanent military installation
  • 1993 - The JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center) is established at Fort Polk, further solidifying its military importance