Did you know that during the early 20th-century in Vernon Parish Louisiana there was a unique colony of residents attempting to create a self-sustaining community? While few know the story about the New Llano community, it’s a completely fascinating chapter of Louisiana history. Here’s what you need to know.

In 1914, a group of Californians seeking a new, more cooperative way of life, formed the New Llano Colony in Llano, CA.
facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
By 1918, though, because of difficult environmental conditions and criticism from the surrounding communities, the colony broke apart—and 60 of the families decided to make a "New Llano" in the middle of Vernon Parish Louisiana.
The Vernon parish location turned out to be much more habitable than the first colony, and it lasted for a few decades there.
Tripadvisor.com / NewLlanoColony
The colonist set up a cooperative community, where each member paid into the group, sharing the profits from all the industries and businesses they attempted to start there.
One of the hopes of the colonists was that they would discover oil reserves on the land they were on.
facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
This wish never came to fruition, but they tried for many years. This map also illustrates the location where the colony was found.
The New Llano colonists at one point had more than 60 industries and businesses that they marketed throughout the region to help sustain life for the colonists.
facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
This is just one example of those businesses, selling products like bed bug spray and mouthwash.

Related Stories

10 Very Rare Photos Taken During WWII In Louisiana

10 Very Rare Photos Taken During WWII In Louisiana

 These 10 Photos Of Louisiana In The 1970s Are Mesmerizing

These 10 Photos Of Louisiana In The 1970s Are Mesmerizing

 The Oldest Streetcar Line In America Is Right Here In Louisiana And It’s Amazing

The Oldest Streetcar Line In America Is Right Here In Louisiana And It’s Amazing
Life on the colony had ups and downs as they weathered the storms of the Great Depression that took place during their time at New Llano.
.facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
Eventually there was a sense of stability, however, and the colony had its own general store and post office as pictured here.
That same building is still standing today, owned by a private historic collector. Individuals are welcome to visit the New Llano Museum and explore the history found here.
facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
The extensive museum allows visitors to explore daily life on the colony from the point of view of colonists themselves, through first person accounts.
Taking a look at the buildings today, it is fascinating to look at the architectural clues that make this colony unique.
facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
In this picture, you can see the thin shingles that were used to build this house originally.
So if you want to get a glimpse of this fascinating and little-known chapter of Louisiana history, pay a visit to the Museum of the New Llano Colony.
.facebook.com/MuseumOfTheNewLlanoColony
You can find it at 211 Stanton St., New Llano, LA.

Did you realize that such a fascinating group of individuals called Louisiana home for that stretch of time? What do you think of this? Let us know your thoughts about New Llano. We love to hear your feedback.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Louisiana