by Alana A. Carmon

Located in the valley of the Sabine River, the parish that bears the stream's name was carved from Natchitoches Parish and established on March 27, 1843. Aside from the Indians and Jesuit missionaries who traveled to the region periodically, only traders and trappers knew the area for the entire eighteenth century.

The area’s first permanent settlers did not arrive until the 1810s. By 1822, however, Sabine Parish had become an important post as United States soldiers cleared land for Fort Jessup cantonment.Sabine Parish witnessed a large influx in their population after 1831 when the federal government made thousands of acres available for settlement. Eventually communities were formed and instituted crop gatherings, at which neighbors assisted each other in harvesting their fields. Present-day Sabine Parish, with over 22,600 residents, does not rely heavily on agriculture revenues; instead, their economy is based on cattle, poultry, and the manufacture of wood products.

Sabine Parish is popularly referred to as Toledo Bend Country, for its 186,000-acre man-made reservoir filled with bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Family recreation is available at forty marinas and campgrounds as well as Hodges Gardens, a magnificent "Garden in the Forest," filled with flowers, waterfalls, wildlife, hiking/biking trails and scenic picnic areas. History lovers will be transported back in time as they visit the villages of Fisher, Fort Jesup, and "No Man's Land." Additionally, golf fanatics will enjoy the challenging, yet scenic courses at Beachtree Bluff Golf and Convention Complex and Toro Hill.

FORESTS, PARKS, AND PRESERVES

Hodges Gardens State Park

North Toledo Bend State Park

South Toledo Bend State Park

Peason Ridge WMA

Sabine WMA