Franklin in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

The Gunboat Diana

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, November 21, 2009

1. The Gunboat Diana Marker

Inscription. Embedded in the banks of Bayou Teche to the east of this site and visible from here are the boilers of the gunboat Diana. Originally a Federal vessel operating on the lower Teche, it was captured by the Confederates. During the Bisland campaign, under the command of Oliver J. Semmes, son of the Confederate raider, Admiral Raphael Semmes, the Diana effectively harassed the attacking Federals. Damaged in the fighting, the ship was fired by her crew to prevent capture.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 29° 47.489′ N, 91° 30.007′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Louisiana, in St. Mary Parish. It is at the intersection of Willow Street (State Highway 3069) and Main Street (State Highway 182), on the left when traveling west on Willow Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin LA 70538, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s River Parishes,

in Acadiana — Cajun Country,

and specifically in Bayou Country. 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,

Acadia,

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: Battle Of Irish Bend (here, next to this marker); Jared Young Sanders (a few steps from this marker); Franklin (a few steps from this marker); Charles Austin O'Niell (a few steps from this marker); St. Mary Parish Confederate Soldiers Monument (within

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shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary Parish Courthouse War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Bayou Teche (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Franklin (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Regarding The Gunboat Diana. The gunboats' boilers, mentioned on the marker, are no longer in Bayou Teche.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 3, 2017

2. The Gunboat Diana Marker

Second from right, or second from tree in photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015. This page has been viewed 1,427 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2015. 2. submitted on September 8, 2017. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.