Lake Shore - Lake Vista in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Lake Pontchartrain and the Pontchartrain Basin
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 5, 2020
1. Lake Pontchartrain and the Pontchartrain Basin Marker
Named Lake Pontchartrain in 1718 by French Explorer, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, Lake Pontchartrain is not a true lake but a shallow 630 square mile estuary. Approximately 40 miles wide and 24 miles across, it is the largest of three sister lakes connected to the Gulf of Mexico through two passes. Containing brackish water, the lakes depth averages 12-15 feet and is home to many salt water and fresh water species of aquatic life. Re-opened in 2006 to recreation as the water quality improved, Lake Pontchartrain is a wonderful success story for all who helped bring it back to good health.
Photo Captions
French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.
Comte de Pontchartrain
Bienville named the lake after his friend, Louis Phιlypeaux (1643-1727), Comte de Pontchartrain, who was Secretary of the French Navy.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list.
Location. 30° 1.632′ N, 90° 6.796′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, on the Gulf Coast, 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 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Point (here, next to this marker); Southern Yacht Club (a few steps from this marker); Lakefront "Seawall" (a few steps from this marker); New Basin Canal (within shouting
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 5, 2020
2. Lake Pontchartrain and the Pontchartrain Basin Marker
More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the New Canal Lighthouse. The lighthouse grounds are free to walk and enjoy. The current 2020 Lighthouse is a museum, and a fee is charged for entry.
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 5, 2020
3. Life in Lake Pontchartrain marker
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 5, 2020
4. Life in Lake Pontchartrain marker
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 5, 2020
5. New Canal Lighthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 710 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 18, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
