[citation needed] The area comprising Vernon was a part of a tract of land whose control was disputed in the late 18th century between the United States and Spain.

Prior to the United States acquisition of this territory through the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, the primary settlers who came to the area were ethnic French and Spanish.

For decades this area was part of the Natchitoches, Rapides, and Sabine parishes, which were established soon after the US acquired this territory in the early nineteenth century.

Now called the "Confederate Breast Works", it was manned by the Confederacy to guard against Union movements along the Nolan Trace.

The city was founded by Dr. Edmund E. Smart, who donated land from his plantation for the development of the parish seat.

It was named by Senator John Rowell Smart, his father, in honor of General Robert E. Lee.

These colonies attempted to attract economists and sociologists to conduct an experiment in communal membership and the sharing of labor duties.

[5] In 1941, the United States Army opened Camp Polk, shortly after the outbreak of war in Europe, with the German invasion of Poland and other actions.

Camp Polk quickly surpassed the timber industry as the dominant force in the parish's economy.

With the regular reassignment of soldiers, accompanied by dependents, to and from the fort, Vernon Parish has a more varied culture than might be expected from its location.

[17] Schools providing a secondary education include: The Louisiana Technical College (LTC) system operates the Lamar Salter campus south of New Llano.

http://leesville.nsula.edu/ The Fort Johnson Education Center offers self-development opportunities for Service members, military family members, Department of the Defense employees, military Retirees, Department of Defense contractors, and civilians from the local community in the classroom, distance learning, and online environments.

[23] The Upper Iowa University (UIU) at Fort Johnson offers classes on post to both military personnel and civilians in the area.

Courses can also be blended with UIU distance learning programs (online and independent study) to complete 11 other majors.

[25] The Louisiana Army National Guard maintains a maintenance facility which services its vehicles on Fort Johnson.