Where is Leesville, Louisiana

Leesville is a city in west-central Louisiana and the parish seat of Vernon Parish. Located about 80 miles east of Shreveport, it serves as a regional center near Fort Johnson and the Kisatchie National Forest. The city is known for its military history, nearby Toledo Bend Reservoir, and access to forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation in western Louisiana.

Location Map of Leesville, Vernon Parish, Louisiana

About Map: The map shows the location of Leesville in Vernon Parish, in the U.S. state of Louisiana.

Leesville Map, Louisiana

Where is Leesville Located?

Leesville is a city located in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, the United States. It lies in west-central Louisiana near the Sabine River region, about 80 miles east of Shreveport and roughly 50 miles north of Lake Charles. The city is located at approximately 31.143° North latitude and 93.261° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,589 residents, and Leesville covers about 6.46 square miles (16.74 sq km). The community was founded in the late 19th century and named for John Murrell Lee, an early settler who helped establish the town. Leesville became the parish seat of Vernon Parish and developed as a commercial center for the surrounding timber and agricultural region. The nearby military installation, now known as Fort Johnson, has played an important role in the local economy and community life since the early 1940s. Kisatchie National Forest surrounds much of the broader area and offers hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Toledo Bend Reservoir is also within driving distance and is known for boating and fishing. A unique feature of Leesville is its close connection with Fort Johnson and the large forested landscapes of western Louisiana. U.S. Highway 171 and U.S. Highway 190 provide major road connections to Shreveport, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and communities across Louisiana and eastern Texas.

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Leesville City Facts

Distance from Leesville, LA to Nearby Cities

• New Llano, LA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Fort Johnson, LA – 10 miles (16 km)
• DeRidder, LA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Many, LA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Natchitoches, LA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Alexandria, LA – 60 miles (97 km)
• Lake Charles, LA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Jasper, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
• Newton, TX – 65 miles (105 km)
• Lufkin, TX – 85 miles (137 km)
• Shreveport, LA – 80 miles (129 km)
• Beaumont, TX – 100 miles (161 km)
• Lafayette, LA – 125 miles (201 km)
• Baton Rouge, LA – 145 miles (233 km)
• Houston, TX – 165 miles (266 km)

Top Attractions in Leesville

• Kisatchie National Forest – Louisiana's only national forest, offering hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
• Fort Johnson – A major U.S. Army installation near Leesville with a long military history and strong ties to the local community.
• Museum of West Louisiana – A local museum featuring exhibits about regional history, culture, Native American heritage, military life, and industry.
• Vernon Parish Courthouse – A prominent civic landmark in downtown Leesville and the seat of parish government.
• Vernon Parish Veterans Plaza – A community memorial honoring local military veterans and their service.
• Toledo Bend Reservoir – A large reservoir on the Louisiana-Texas border popular for fishing, boating, camping, and water recreation.
• Sabine National Wildlife Refuge – A protected wetland area farther south with marshes, birds, wildlife, and coastal habitats.

Airports Near Leesville

• DeRidder Regional Airport (DRI) – 30 miles
• Alexandria International Airport (AEX) – 65 miles
• Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) – 65 miles
• Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) – 90 miles
• Jack Brooks Regional Airport (BPT) – 105 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Leesville city website and local government records.

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