What do you call a place where you can explore the same roads and waterways as bygone bandits and pirates, peek inside Louisiana's only cave known to have sheltered indigenous people, hike miles of national forest land, and spend time strolling through small-town shops in search of an antique souvenir? You call that place “Legend Country,” and in Louisiana, that means Vernon Parish.
Once part of the infamous “No Man’s Land” that stretched along what is now the border between Louisiana and Texas, Vernon Parish has similar hard-scrabble roots as many early settlements in the United States. However, the decades of disputed ownership of the territory allowed for years of lawlessness to steep the region in lore that still packs a punch today. Self-guided tours of the Myths and Legends Byway offer a glimpse into the parish’s wild past.
For hard-nosed history buffs The Fort Polk Military Museum, newly housed in a spacious 3600-square-foot building, offers guests an introduction to Fort Polk’s crucial role in training Army recruits for deployment during World War II, as well as the noble sacrifices made by the “heritage families” of civilians displaced to accommodate the military community.
While Fort Polk represents a time in which our country was preparing for combat, The Museum of the New Llano Colony preserves the memory of an idealistic group who, in 1917 made their way to Vernon Parish from California in search of a more congenial location to pioneer their utopian ideal of peaceful, co-operative living. Though it lasted only twenty years, this group of unique thinkers contribute to the lingering spirit of curiosity that remains alive in Vernon Parish today.
A trip to the parish seat of Leesville, once a booming lumber town, offers visitors a break from the hectic pace of city life and a chance to soak in the charm of a small town. Antique shops, comfort food, and quaint lodgings await guests looking for rest and respite inspired by a simpler time.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer looking to face the next challenging outdoor activity or are more of an indoors-adventurer searching for that perfect antique piece, a visit to Vernon Parish is a guarantee of experiencing a legendary time.
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