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Named for the "Father of Louisiana," Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, Bienville Parish was established in 1848. Territory for this 858 square mile parish was carved out of Claiborne Parish.

Early settlers to the region originated predominantly from the South Carolina and Georgia area. The majority were Anglo-Saxons who believed that man was exclusively placed on earth to labor and suffer. With few leisure activities available, religion and politics became the only escape from the daily workload. The economy of present-day Bienville Parish is based on agriculture, forestry, oil and gas production. Chief crops include corn, sweet potatoes, and watermelons.

Driskill Mountain, the highest point in Louisiana (535 feet above sea level), is located in Bienville Parish. Bienville Parish is also famous for being the site of the notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde’s death in 1934.