Gonzales in Ascension Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Mexico Will Poison Us
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 7, 2016
1. Mexico Will Poison Us Marker
One of America's most important literary figures, Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 - April 27, 1882), wrote these words that turned out to be prophetic. Before the Mexican-American War began, Emerson predicted that "the U.S. will conquer Mexico, but it will be as the man swallows the arsenic, which brings him down in turn. Mexico will poison us." Emerson turned out to be correct. The new territories gained in the Mexican war revived the slavery issue that had remained relatively dormant since the Missouri Compromise in 1820. Through the 1850s, the slavery issue would be the dominant one dividing the nation. The relationship between south and north had indeed been poisoned as Emerson predicted. Unfortunately, the antidote the nation chose to use was a miserable, ruinous civil war.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Mexican-American.
Location. 30° 13.695′ N, 90° 54.804′ W. Marker is in Gonzales, Louisiana, in Ascension Parish. It can be reached from South Irma Boulevard 0.3 miles north of East Worthey Street, on the right when traveling north.
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Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes, in Acadiana Cajun Country, and in Greater Baton Rouge. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Great River Road Region. 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 walking distance of this marker: The Mexican-American War (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Mexican-American War (here, next to this marker); Star Spangled Banner (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of New Orleans, 1815 (a few steps from this marker); The War of 1812 (a few steps from this marker); The Freedom Fountain (a few steps from this marker); Civil War (within shouting
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 6, 2016
2. Mexico Will Poison Us Marker
More about this marker. Located in the Gonzales Veterans Memorial Park
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 7,552 times since then and 447 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2018.
