Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Dr. John Sibley
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017
1. Dr. John Sibley Marker
Sutton, Massachusetts
Died April 8th, 1837
Natchitoches, Louisiana
In 1776, at age 19, John Sibley served the patriot cause in the American Revolution as a surgeon’s mate with the Massachusetts Militia. In 1784, he moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina where he published the Fayetteville Gazette and was appointed Postmaster by President George Washington.
Dr. Sibley move to Natchitoches in 1802 just before the Louisiana Purchase. He became President Thomas Jefferson’s key source of information about the vast new Louisiana Territory. In 1805, soon after the purchase, President Jefferson appointed him the first Indian Agent with jurisdiction over the Orleans Territory. Dr. Sibley was appointed Army Post Physician for U.S. troops stationed at Fort Claiborne.
Dr. John Sibley was a planter, merchant, banker, diplomat, and historian. He was influential in the boundary dispute settlement between Spain and the United States as well as the development of the Northwest Louisiana frontier. He served as state senator, a judge, and a Captain of the Militia. Dr. Sibley owned several large local plantations including Grand Ecore, Bayou Amulet, and the present site of Northwestern State University.
Dr. John Sibley died in 1837. He is buried in the American Cemetery.
this page online
Esse Quam Videri
(To be, not to seem)
This park honoring Dr. John Sibley was dedicated in 2015 through the generous work and donations of the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission. Jackson Cavett Sibley, his daughter Virginia, and the descendants of Dr. Sibley dedicate this historical marker with sincere appreciation to those who made this possible.
Erected 2015 by Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 8, 1837.
Location. 31° 45.266′ N, 93° 5.227′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Jefferson Street (State Highway 6) and Keyser Avenue (State Highway 494), on the right when traveling north on Jefferson Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Natchitoches LA 71457, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Natchitoches and the Early American Period (here, next to this marker); El Camino Real de los Tejas (a few steps from this
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017
2. Dr. John Sibley Marker
Also see . . . John Sibley (doctor). (Submitted on July 26, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017
3. Dr. John Sibley
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017
4. Dr. John Sibley Grave
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 955 times since then and 105 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 26, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
