DeSoto Parish Louisiana

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and to the motto for which it stands:
A state, under God, united in purpose and ideals,
confident that justice shall prevail for all of those abiding here."

 

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The Old Log Courthouse in Mansfield.
The only one of its type & the second oldest courthouse in Louisiana.
The bell was used by the police jury to summon court.

By Act 88 of 1843 DeSoto Parish was created out of Natchitoches and Caddo.  The first meeting of parish officers was at Screamerville.  Debate over the location of the permanent parish seat was settled by purchase of a quarter-section of land at the present site of Mansfield.  Two lots were dedicated for a courthouse and a jail.  The price of the two buildings was $900.00.Upon completion the log courthouse was accepted by the Police Jury, August 7, 1843 and first term of court was August 5, 1843.  The old log courthouse was lost sometime after it was replaced by a new building, and was "rediscovered" over 100 years later within the walls of the old General Ross Hewitt home as it was being demolished.  Realizing the significance of such a find, the DESOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. endeavored to preserve the historical structure. A committee spearheaded by the late Eileen Nabors set about the task of raising the necessary funds for the restorations and preservation of the old courthouse. Through their efforts, over $30,000 was raised.  Contractor Dennis Manthei reconstructed the old structure under the supervision of local historian Raymond Powell.  It is now a museum operated by the DHS located on Polk Street at the courthouse square mini park. Recently a period stair rail has been added courtesy of Charles and Louise Odum.  Hours are 8:00-4:30 Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. , 8:00-4:00 Wed.  Visitors are encouraged to stop, take a step back in DeSoto Parish history, and view the artifacts displayed in the historic structure.
 

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Copyright © 1997-present by Jane Keppler This information may be used by individuals for their own personal use, libraries and genealogical societies. Commercial use of this information is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Jane Keppler. If material is copied, this copyright notice must appear with the information and please email me and let me know. Neither the Site Coordinators nor the volunteers assume any responsibility for the information or material given by the contributors or for errors of fact or judgment in material that is published at this website.


Page Modified: 06 October 2022                           
 

DeSoto is part of the LAGenWeb Project, State Coordinator:Marsha Bryant

 

 


Copyright © 1997-2009 by Jane Keppler This information may be used by individuals for their own personal use, libraries and genealogical societies. Commercial use of this information is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Jane Keppler. If material is copied, this copyright notice must appear with the information and please email me and let me know. Neither the Site Coordinators nor the volunteers assume any responsibility for the information or material given by the contributors or for errors of fact or judgment in material that is published at this website.


Page Modified: 06 October 2022
 

DeSoto is part of the LAGenWeb Project, State Coordinator:Marsha Bryant