[citation needed] During the Civil War, the area around Winnfield was the site of some minor skirmishes.

Confederate forces defeated a Union detachment near Salsbury Bridge sent to destroy the Drake's Salt Works in the area.

Earl Long, "the Louisiana Longshot," served in a variety of state positions, said to be more than other Louisianan, including elective office.

One still exists today in front of the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame, turned into a fountain.

Between December 1959 and March 1960 a series of high explosives were set off inside the Carry Salt Works in an unused portion of the mine.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.3 square miles (8.6 km2), all land.