Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Grand Isle

Circa 1781

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, November 25, 2016

1. Grand Isle Marker

Inscription. One of several barrier islands formed about one thousand years ago when the Mississippi River flowed through Bayou Lafourche on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Today Grand Isle is Louisiana's best known island resort. The Island was settled during the years of Spanish rule in Louisiana and from 1781-1787 four Royal Land Grants were given by Governor Galvez to Jacques Rigaud, Joseph Caillet, Francois Anfrey and Charles Dufresne. In the early 1800s, Jean Lafitte, claimed by many to be a pirate though he called himself a privateer, inhabited the area operating a fort and a slave barracoon.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 29° 14.58′ N, 89° 58.644′ W. Marker is in Grand Isle, Louisiana, in Jefferson Parish. It is on State Highway 1 east of Willow Lane, on the left when traveling east. Located in front of the Grand Isle Civic Center/Multi Purpose building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Isle LA 70358, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the River Parishes

and in Greater New Orleans.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Grand Isle American Legion Post 309 Deceased Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Is Not Free

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(within shouting distance of this marker); 32 - Pounder (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Livingston (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Isle, Louisiana (approx. 2 miles away); The Chenière Caminada Hurricane (approx. 5.6 miles away); Cheniere Caminada Cemetery (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Isle.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Grand Isle (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Grand Isle. A "barracoon" as mentioned in the marker text was a holding cell for slaves. Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 – c. 1823), as a French pirate or privateer, would hijack slave ships in the Gulf of Mexico area.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, November 25, 2016

2. Grand Isle Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2016, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 998 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2016.