When Vernon Parish was first created in 1871, Dr. Edmund E. Smart donated a block of land for the first courthouse and other city structures. Early leaders built a simple wood-frame structure which served the new community well until the 1880’s when citizens were able to finance a more substantial building. Architectural problems, created by artesian wells on the site, caused the tower on this building to pull away from the main building, and in 1910 this one was also replaced. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, the third and now historic Vernon Parish Courthouse is the only Beaux-Arts building in the parish. It has two full stories and a third story cupola, which once housed the large bronze bell that now hangs in the gazebo located on the northwest corner of the lawn. The cupola also has four clocks, one on each side, and all are controlled by one small electric motor. Much of the interior has been modernized over the years, but some original elements remain, like the staircase withits paneled newel posts and decorative iron balustrades; the blue and brown tiled floor and the paneled wainscoting in the main hall downstairs; and the decorative balustrades and other woodwork encompassing the legal bench. On July 4, 1976, a time capsule was buried on the courthouse lawn which is meant to be opened on July 4, 2076. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
201 South 3rd Street
Leesville, LA 71446