What is the history of Vernon Parish, Louisiana?
On March 30, 1871, the Louisiana Louisiana LegislatureGeneral Assembly passed an act designating the creation of Vernon Parish, to be named in honor of Mount Vernon (plantation)Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington, by taking territory from the parishes of Natchitoches Parish, LouisianaNatchitoches, Rapides Parish, LouisianaRapides, and Sabine Parish, LouisianaSabine. Originally the area comprising Vernon was apart of a tract of land that was indispute between the United States and Spain, this land was called the “Neutral Strip (Louisiana)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 periood 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 W
