Winn Courthouse History (1948), Winn Parish, LA
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Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483

>From the April 23, 1948 Winnfield News-American

Court House has "Hot" Past

by Betty Harrel

To say that the Winn Parish Courthouse has had a "flaming" past would be gross
understatement.  A brief glance at its "firey" history would lead one to
believe that arsonists were very active in this vicinity.

The first court held in this parish was in a saloon located on Allbright's
Prairie, through which the old Natchez-San Antonio trail passed.  A log
courthouse was later built on the square where the present building now
stands.  After a few years, this building (the old Baker residence on South
Jones Street) proved inadequate, and it was moved to the lot where it stands
today, the oldest building in town.  A new building was erected and used until
1868, when it was destroyed by fire.

The courthouse was rebuilt but 20 years later was again ravaged by fire, and
all public records and documents were destroyed.  From 1886 to 1905 court was
held  in an old store building.

A brick building was started in 1905 and was used until 1917, when another
fired occurred.  Court was thereafter held in the city hall until 1921, when
the present building was constructed.

Yes, the Winn Parish Courthouse was hot stuff!

(Submitted by Greggory Ellis Davies, Winnfield, Winn Parish, LA.)