Winn Parish was created in 1852 by taking parts of Natchitoches, Rapides, and Catahoula Parishes.
It is noted that during the US Civil War, the young man selected to represent Winn Parish for the Secession Convention voted not to secede from the Union.

Winn Parish is the home of the Long family "political dynasty" of Louisiana, Huey, Earl, both former governors and Russel a long time US Senator.