Cities and Towns in Vernon Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1871, Vernon Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Vernon Parish was formed from parts of Natchitoches Parish, Rapides Parish and Sabine Parish. The city of Leesville is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 115, Vernon Parish has a population of 48,027 and area of 1,341 square miles (3,473 km²).
List of all cities in Vernon Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Anacoco, LA | 71403 | 337 |
| Coopers, LA | 71446 | 337 |
| Dogwood Terrace, LA | 71459 | 337 |
| Evans, LA | 70639 | 337 |
| Fort Polk, LA | 71459 | 337 |
| Fullerton, LA | 70656 | 318 |
| Hawthorne, LA | 71446 | 337 |
| Hicks, LA | 71446 | 337 |
| Hornbeck, LA | 71439 | 337 |
| Kurthwood, LA | 71443 | 337 |
| Leesville, LA | 71446 | 337 |
| 71459 | 337 | |
| 71496 | 337 | |
| Newllano, LA | 71461 | 337 |
| Pickering, LA | 71446 | 337 |
| Pitkin, LA | 70656 | 318 |
| Rosepine, LA | 70659 | 337 |
| Sandy Hill, LA | 71446 | 337 |
| Simpson, LA | 71474 | 337 |
| Slagle, LA | 71475 | 337 |
| Temple, LA | 71474 | 337 |
Major Cities and Towns in Vernon Parish, Louisiana
Leesville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,649 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71446, 71459
- Latitude: 31.1388° N
- Longitude: 93.2615° W
Location and History
Leesville is the parish seat of Vernon Parish, located in west-central Louisiana, near the Texas border. It was founded in the late 19th century and developed as a regional hub due to its proximity to Fort Polk, a major U.S. Army installation established in 1941. The fort has significantly influenced the town’s growth, bringing economic prosperity through military presence and civilian jobs. Leesville’s economy also historically included timber and agriculture, but its connection to Fort Polk has remained the cornerstone of its development. Over the years, Leesville has grown into a diverse community with a rich cultural history, combining its small-town roots with the vibrancy of a military town.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Leesville High School and Vernon Middle School are part of the Vernon Parish School District, offering quality education to local students. Major landmarks include the Museum of West Louisiana, which houses artifacts and exhibits about the region’s history, including its Native American heritage and military significance. Another important site is the Fort Polk Military Museum, which provides insight into the history of Fort Polk and its role in U.S. military operations. Leesville also hosts events such as the Mayfest Art Festival, attracting visitors for music, food, and local arts and crafts. Vernon Lake and nearby Kisatchie National Forest offer recreational activities for residents and tourists alike.
New Llano
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,213 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71461
- Latitude: 31.1108° N
- Longitude: 93.2733° W
Location and History
New Llano is a small town located just south of Leesville, known for its unique history as the site of the New Llano Cooperative Colony, one of the most successful socialist cooperative communities in the United States. Founded in 1917, the colony was established by Job Harriman and a group of idealists seeking to create a self-sustaining, egalitarian society. The colony operated for nearly two decades, producing goods such as fruit, vegetables, and crafts, but it dissolved in the late 1930s due to financial difficulties. Today, New Llano is a quiet residential town that preserves the legacy of this utopian experiment, with historical markers and remnants of colony buildings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Llano is served by schools in nearby Leesville, including Leesville High School and Vernon Middle School. The most prominent landmark in New Llano is the New Llano Colony Historic District, which features several original buildings from the cooperative colony, including the old hotel and community center. The town also celebrates its heritage with historical tours and exhibits that highlight the ideals and challenges of the early 20th-century cooperative movement. New Llano is close to the recreational areas of Vernon Parish, including the scenic landscapes of Kisatchie National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and birdwatching opportunities.
Rosepine
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,692 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70659
- Latitude: 30.9193° N
- Longitude: 93.2814° W
Location and History
Rosepine is a small town located in the southern part of Vernon Parish, along U.S. Highway 171. The town was established in the early 20th century, originally as a logging town. Its development was closely tied to the timber industry, which played a key role in the economy of the region. Rosepine grew steadily through the early 1900s as lumber companies operated in the nearby forests. Today, Rosepine retains its small-town charm, with a focus on residential living and agriculture, though it remains connected to the larger regional economy through its proximity to Leesville and Fort Polk.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rosepine High School serves the educational needs of the community, providing classes from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. The town’s main landmarks include the historic downtown area and several old churches that reflect its early 20th-century origins. Rosepine is also close to recreational sites like Anacoco Lake and Vernon Lake, where residents enjoy fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. The town hosts local events such as community fairs and holiday celebrations, bringing together residents in this tight-knit rural community.
Pitkin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 576 (2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 70656
- Latitude: 30.9411° N
- Longitude: 92.9479° W
Location and History
Pitkin is an unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Vernon Parish, near the border with Rapides Parish. The community was founded in the early 20th century, primarily as a railroad and timber town. It grew rapidly with the expansion of the lumber industry, which utilized the vast forests of central Louisiana. Pitkin’s location along key railroad lines contributed to its early growth, but as the timber industry declined, the town became more focused on agriculture and small-scale farming. Today, Pitkin is a quiet rural community with deep ties to the land and the logging history of Vernon Parish.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pitkin is served by Pitkin High School, a K-12 school that provides education to the children of the surrounding rural area. The town is close to several natural landmarks, including the Kisatchie National Forest, which offers numerous outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Additionally, the nearby Fullerton Lake, located within the forest, is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. Pitkin’s annual events, such as local fairs and agricultural showcases, reflect its rural heritage and community spirit. Historic churches and cemeteries in the area also offer insight into the early settlers and the town’s logging past.
Anacoco
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 869 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 71403
- Latitude: 31.2564° N
- Longitude: 93.3429° W
Location and History
Anacoco is a small village located in northern Vernon Parish, near the shores of Anacoco Lake. The town was founded in the early 1900s and developed as a rural farming community, named after the nearby Anacoco Creek. Its location near the lake and surrounding forests has made it a quiet, scenic spot for residents and visitors. While agriculture remains a key part of the local economy, Anacoco also benefits from its proximity to recreational areas like Vernon Lake and the Toledo Bend Reservoir, which provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Anacoco High School serves the village and surrounding rural areas, offering education for grades K-12. The town’s primary landmarks include Anacoco Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and camping, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. The nearby Vernon Lake, another significant recreational area, offers similar opportunities for water-based activities. Anacoco’s close-knit community celebrates its rural heritage with events such as local fairs and fishing tournaments. The town’s churches and historic buildings provide a glimpse into its early days as a rural settlement, and the scenic beauty of the area continues to draw visitors who appreciate the natural surroundings.
