One of the most interesting sites in Vernon Parish includes the Talbert-Pierson Cemetery, which is found on Talbert Cemetery Road between Sugartown and Pitkin. At this unique site, visitors can explore the unique grave shelters that were built in the 1860s and 1870s by the first pioneers to settle this area.

Citizens of Vernon Parish were delighted when this little known site was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
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As the sign explains, the origin of these unique grave houses is still unknown.
The the area where the cemetery is found was known as "No Man's Land" in the 19th-century.
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Its proximity to the border between the then Spanish territory of Texas and the Louisiana territory recently purchased by the Americans made the area disputed and attractive to runaway slaves, military deserters, and criminals.
Nestled in this area is where you'll discover these unique grave houses.
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The houses are generally the size of a child's playhouse and were built from hand-cut pickets.
They were built between 1889 and 1948, and still seem to be standing nice and tall.
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They just don't build things like they used to!

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There are a few different theories as to why they built grave houses like this.
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One suggests that they simply kept the graves from being attacked by the elements or animals in the area.
Others suggest that these were built to create a shrine/altar like area to maintain reverence for the dead.
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There is evidence that these grave houses have roots in Native American and European culture. Some even report seeing cowrie shells left here, a common token left at graves in West African tribes.
The mystery of these grave houses is alive today, but growing knowledge of this unique spot is encouraging visitors.
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Why do you think they built graves like these?
So consider a trip to the Talbert-Pierson cemetery while you are exploring Vernon Parish.
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You'll get a sense of the culture that dominated this area for many decades.

Have you ever visited this unique cemetery? What was your favorite aspect of this place? Do you know any more details about the origin of these grave sites? Let us know. We love to hear from you!

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