Verda, formerly known as College Hill, was named for the daughter of the town's first postmaster, Uriah E. DeWitt. Its 19th century origins centered on the efforts of area farmers to establish a school for their families. Beginning as a local home school, Verda grew into a parish high school that served as a center for community and educational events in Grant Parish. The school hosted annual regional basketball tournaments and, from the 1930s to 1966, served as the site of the parish fair. In 1879, the first school met in the J.M. Wilson home with Pleasant McManus as teacher; in 1882, the first log house school was built; in 1891, the first schoolhouse was constructed and named Farmer's Union College; in 1893, Farmer's Union College was bought by Verda College Stock Co.; in 1906, the school was placed under the Grant Parish School Board; in 1910, the first accredited high school class graduated; in 1914, the first schoolhouse was replaced with a two-story brick building; in 1957, the 1914 schoolhouse was replaced; and in 1971, Verda High School became Verda Elementary.