DeSoto Parish
Louisiana Genealogy & History Network

Welcome to DeSoto Parish LAGHN

Welcome to the DeSoto Parish Louisiana Genealogy & History Network website providing free information to genealogical and historical researchers.

To share your DeSoto Parish, Louisiana genealogy or history information, send an email to laghn@outlook.com - we will be pleased to include it here. If you have information to share for other Louisiana Parishes, visit the Louisiana Genealogy & History Network state website and choose the appropriate parish.

About DeSoto Parish, Louisiana...

It is a common misperception that the parish is named for Hernando de Soto, the Spaniard who explored the future southeastern United States and discovered and named the Mississippi River. The parish is in fact named after the unrelated Marcel DeSoto, who led the first group of European settlers there, to a settlement historically known as Bayou Pierre. The county name is also commonly misspelled following the explorer's name as "De Soto Parish," but it is properly spelled following the settler's name as "DeSoto Parish."

DeSoto Parish was created by a Legislative Act of 1843 from lands from both the present Caddo Parish and Natchitoches Parish. Spain followed trails in the area. By 1795, Pedro Dolet of Bayou Pierre established a settlement at Bayou Adayes, which was left in Natchitoches Parish according to old maps. On the Sabine River the waterloo community seems to have existed when Louisiana became a state in 1812. The site probably shifted somewhat when a Dr. Logan established a ferry crossing called Logan Port. By 1848, the post office there was named Logansport, which continued to be an important river port, even competing with Shreveport, until the railroad came in 1885. Settlers from Alabama and Mississippi   ....READ MORE

DeSoto Parish, Louisiana Records

Birth Records - The Louisiana State office maintains records for 100 years after the date of birth. Birth records are considered confidential for the first 100 years. For current information on who may obtain a birth record as well as how to submit a request visit the Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry website or write to them at PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Birth records older than 100 years are available through the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000.

Death Records - The Louisiana State office maintains records for 100 years after the date of death. Death records are considered confidential for the first 100 years. For current information on who may obtain a death record as well as how to submit a request visit the Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry website or write to them at PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Death records older than 100 years are available through the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000.

Marriage Records - For current information on how to submit a request for a certified copy of a Parish marriage record less than 50 years old, see the Louisiana Office of Public Health Director, Vital Records and Statistics website or write to PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Certified copies for the parish are issued by Clerk of Court. For the address of the parish Clerk of Court visit the DeSoto Parish Important Addresses page. Marriage records over 50 years are stored by the Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. (225) 922-1000.

Divorce Records - To obtain current information on how to submit a request for a certified copy of divorce records contact the Clerk of Court. For the address of the parish Clerk of Court visit the Important Parish Addresses page.