Vernon Parish Founders
John R. Smart "Father of Vernon Parish" introduced act to create parish. Served in Louisiana House and Senate before and after war between the states: signed 1852 Louisiana Constitution. Named Leesville for Gen. Robert E. Lee. A successful planter, his home, "The Retreat," was four miles north of Leesville. Dr. Edmund E. Smart, "The Father of Leesville" served in Louisiana House and Senate. Developed the city on his plantation and served the new city as treasurer in 1871. He donated the city block for the Vernon Parish Courthouse.
Marker is on 3rd Street north of East Lula Street, on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
