
Sometimes referred to as the “Diamond in the Forest,” DeSoto Parish is located in Northwestern Louisiana. Some of it’s first inhabitants were the Caddo Indians and over time the area became a neutral ground between Spain and the United States.

Following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 the land also became a haven for those fleeing from the law.
Visit the No Man’s Land website.

Mansfield was established in 1847 and the battle for the Parish Governmental seat began. Citizens were divided between the northern area of Screamerville and the southeast area of Augusta to be the government seat. In the end, Screamerville claimed the victory among voters and the first parish courthouse and college building were erected in the early 1850’s. Eventually the Parish seat was selected by the Louisiana Legislature and established in Mansfield.

We have some of the top-rated and most sought after schools in the state of Louisiana. From our educators to cooks, doctors, law-enforcers, bankers and our oil field workers, DeSoto is a close-knit family of amazing, hard-working people. If you find yourself in the area, much has changed, but you will still likely be greeted with a handshake and a smile.
For more history on our individual towns, check out our Gallery page.