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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.
Back to DeSoto
Main Page
|
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:
11 September 2024
|
|
DeSoto is part of the
LAGenWeb
Project, State Coordinator:Marsha Holley
|
|
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:
11 September 2024
|
|
DeSoto is part of the
LAGenWeb
Project, State Coordinator:Marsha Holley
|