Louisiana / Local History

The DeSoto Parish Library houses various artifacts and genealogical pieces within the Louisiana history rooms at all four library locations. Each collection is unique, depending on the patrons and the local history. For specific information, please visit our locations and browse the Louisiana history rooms and collections.

See below for a sampling of what is included. 

Logansport's collection contains titles by Louisiana authors, local cookbooks & gardening information, yearbooks for both Logansport and Joaquin, TX, and cemetery records. Genealogists and patrons alike are invited to browse the vertical files, highlighted by a list of Confederate soldiers, information on Mose Rose and local steamboats. Also available is a new microfilm machine, which allows for viewing & printing of past editions of the local newspaper. A special treat in Logansport's genealogy room is the Christmas closet, home to a large number of holiday titles that are available for checkout at certain times throughout the year. 

Mansfield's collection is housed in the Hartwell Smith Genealogy Room and provides a wide array of local and state historical information. Included in the collection are Louisiana non-fiction, biographies, reference and genealogy titles. Cemetery records, editions of the DeSoto Plume and local yearbooks (Mansfield High School and Mansfield Female College) are some of the most often used items. Vertical files containing old newspaper clippings and parish-specific articles are available for perusal. Microfilmed copies of past censuses and local papers may be viewed & printed on the microfilm machine. A large meeting room table in the center of the room is available for individual or group use during normal operating hours. 

Pelican's collection is located in a quaint section of the library, promoting an atmosphere of research and allowing patrons to enjoy their local history. This collection contains Bibles and Primer Readers dated during the 1800's, along with Smith family photos, books and records. Also of interest is a local book focusing on folklore and superstitions of the Sabine Parish area. 

Stonewall's collection includes Louisiana books, local authors and local yearbooks. What once was considered the "quiet room," the Louisiana room now allows for tutoring, speech therapy and homeschool group meetings.

Mansfield Female College Museum

The Mansfield Female College Museum is located within walking distance of the Mansfield Main Library. The museum is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We encourage you to peruse the historical materials cataloged in the Veach-Foshee Memorial Library Collection.

Please contact the branch manager at your preferred location for more information.