Vernon Parish was named after George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon, and was created by an act of the Louisiana Legislature on March 30, 1871 from portions of the Natchitoches, Rapides and Sabine parishes. The parish economy was largely based on pine products since its earliest days. The logging and lumber business became a thriving business in 18987 with the coming of the Kansas City Southern Railway. The railway is still in operation today.

 

Leesville, an area known as No Man's Land of Louisiana, was designated the seat of Vernon Parish in 1871 and incorporated on February 15, 1900. The city was founded by Dr. Edmund E. Smart and named by his father, Senator R. Smart for the Confederate hero, General Robert E. Lee. The city was laid out on the plantation owned by Dr. Smart. His home still stands on the corner of 1st and Lulu Streets.