Natchitoches in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Fort St. Jean Baptiste

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017

1. Fort St. Jean Baptiste Marker

Inscription. At this site on April 26, 1804, Fort St. Jean Baptiste was one of six garrisons in Louisiana where the American Flag was raised in ceremonies commemorating the transfer of the Louisiana Purchase. On behalf of the United States, Commissioner William C.C. Claiborne ordered Capt. Edward D. Turner to Natchitoches to take command of the Natchitoches fort from Commandant Felix Trudeau and a garrison of thirty-two Spanish soldiers. The ceremony began at eleven a.m. when the Spanish flag was lowered and the French flag raised. One hour later the French flag was lowered and the American flag raised as soldiers saluted and guns fired.

Erected by Louisiana Society Daughters of the American Revolution, St. Denis Chapter NSDAR and Woodman of the World Lodge 907.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 26, 1804.

Location. 31° 45.258′ N, 93° 5.474′ W. Marker is in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. It is on 2nd Street north of Bossier

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Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2nd St #200, Natchitoches LA 71457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

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 Viceroyalty of New France,

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 walking distance of this marker: The American Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Fort Saint Jean Baptiste (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The American Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named American Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel William Houston Jack (within shouting distance of this marker); Steel Magnolias

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2017

2. Fort St. Jean Baptiste Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Susan Harling Robinson Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Judge Porter House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchitoches.

Also see . . .
1. Fort Saint Jean Baptiste. (Submitted on July 25, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
2. William Charles Cole Claiborne. (Submitted on July 25, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

William C. C. Claiborne image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse

3. William C. C. Claiborne

The Louisiana Purchase image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse

4. The Louisiana Purchase

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 601 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 25, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.