Historical Markers and War Memorials in Jefferson Parish
Gretna is the parish seat for Jefferson Parish
Adjacent to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Lafourche Parish(71) ► Orleans Parish(441) ► Plaquemines Parish(17) ► St. Charles Parish(19) ► St. John the Baptist Parish(17) ► St. Tammany Parish(51) ► Tangipahoa Parish(32) ►
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Named for George Augustus Waggaman, prominent politician, planter and War of 1812 veteran. His plantation, Avondale, was built north of here in 1839. Home consumed by Miss. River in early 1900s. — — Map (db m81061) HM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m148816) HM
Pops was a lifelong motorcyclist and champion of motorcycle education and rights. In 1981 he founded the Louisiana chapter of ABATE, American Bikers Active Toward Education, and was its state president for many years. In his interest to serve the . . . — — Map (db m148874) HM
Dedicate to the memory of Richard "Pops" Strohman Pops was born in West Texas and moved to Louisiana in the early 1950s. He had already started riding motorcycles in the 1940's and continued riding right up until he passed.In 1981 he decided . . . — — Map (db m149286) HM
This structure is a combination railroad and highway bridge. Designed by the firm of Modjeski, Masters and Chase, with foundation recommendations by Dr. Karl Terzaghi. It was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River at New Orleans. The . . . — — Map (db m125232) HM
During 1930-42 this airport operated passenger, charter, and mail service and a flying school. The company of James R. Wedell and Harry P. Williams designed, built and flew some of the fastest planes in the world. Wedell set a world speed record in . . . — — Map (db m93112) HM
Between 1805 and 1814 the privateer Jean Lafitte, led 1,000 men of dives (marker damaged) into one of the largest, although illicit, business enterprises of its day. With an alleged 99 vessels, Lafitte and his band of "Baratarians" supplied . . . — — Map (db m247069) HM
This approximately 10-foot long, 32- pounder gun was cast at the Columbia Foundry Georgetown, D.C., for the United States Navy in 1821. It was originally part of the armament of the USS Columbia, until the ship was decommissioned in 1848. . . . — — Map (db m100635) HM
Settled by Indians,"Isle of the Chitamachas" was later owned by Francisco Caminada. Known as "Chico Isle", as "Chita", as Caminadaville. It was home to pirates, fishermen and farmers. On Oct. 1, 1893, a fast moving, late season hurricane from the . . . — — Map (db m62038) HM
Two miles N.E. on Grand Terre. Land occupied by Jean Lafitte until 1814, purchased by U.S. from Etienne DeGruy in 1834. Fort constructed 1841 to defend Barataria Pass. Site never saw combat. Abandoned after the War Between the States, guns were . . . — — Map (db m100013) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m100006) HM
At Southernmost tip of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island appears in 18th century land-grants. At first part of Orleans Territory, but often administered by Lafourche Parish. Officially part of Jefferson Parish since 1825. . . . — — Map (db m100149) HM
Panel 1 Grand Isle is one of the many barrier islands formed as a result of the dynamic, everchanging Mississippi River. Grand Isle originated as a sandbar connected to the mainland marshes at its western end. When the Mississippi River changed to . . . — — Map (db m115408) HM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m100007) HM
On June, 4, 1884 members of the
police jury of Jefferson Parish
Right Bank:
F.H. Hatch, Pres.,
Geo. Bossey • H. Eloi
H. WIlkinson • L.H. Marrero
W. M. Naudain • N. Le Bouef
held their first meeting in this
William Tell . . . — — Map (db m81058) HM
Incorporated 20 August 1913. John Ehret, First Mayor. Seat of Jefferson Parish Government since 1884. German settlement laid out in 1836 by Benjamin Buisson for Nicholas Noel Destrehan as Village of Mechanikham. — — Map (db m80973) HM
This property
David Crockett
Firehall
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m81060) HM
Home of Pierre A.C.B. Derbigny, 6th Governor of La., 1828~1829, member 1st La. Legislature, La. Secretary of State, La. Supreme Court Judge, Battle of N.O. veteran. 1820 operated 1st steam ferry on Miss. River at N.O. Died 1829 from a carriage . . . — — Map (db m80975) HM
Ferry operated from 1898 to 1942 with two transfer boats. One, the Gouldsboro, named for railroad magnate Jay Gould, was built in 1863 as the Federal Monitor Chickasaw and saw action at the Battle of Mobile Bay. — — Map (db m129478) HM
In 1839, St. Mary's Market Steam Ferry Company developed 824 lots along Lafayette Avenue, naming the area Gretna and establishing commercial ferry service between the West Bank and New Orleans. — — Map (db m129780) HM
Built in 1907 as the sixth
Jefferson Parish Courthouse
Annex added 1929
Dedicated Gretna City Hall 1964
National Register of Historic Places 1983 — — Map (db m81107) HM
Founded 1815 by education philanthropist John McDonogh. Also known as Freetown where his freed slaves settled and Gouldsboro for railroad magnate Jay Gould. Incorporated 1913 into City of Gretna. — — Map (db m80976) HM
In 1813, the former Monplaisir Plantation was purchased
and subdivided by wealthy landowner John McDonogh.
His vast estate was left to the educational systems of
Baltimore and New Orleans upon his death in 1850. — — Map (db m191572) HM
Founded in 1836 by Nicholas Noel Destrehan, Mechanickham was originally part of the Spanish land grant to the Ursuline nuns in 1790. It was incorporated with the villages of Gretna and McDonoghville in 1913 into the City of Gretna, the seat of . . . — — Map (db m129684) HM
Approx. 200 feet SW of this site, cast first gun for the Confederate Navy on 4 May 1861. The gun, a Dalhgren cannon, fired an 8~inch diameter explosive shell. Sylvester Bennett was proprietor. — — Map (db m81063) HM
On February 27, 1948, Royal Brooks, a 44-year old African
American man and union member of Local 309 FTA-CIO, boarded a
bus at Ferry Landing Terminal in Gretna, Louisiana. The woman in
front of him paid her fare of one nickel and then realized . . . — — Map (db m149207) HM
Father T. Anwander, C.SS.R., with a group of laymen, organized the mother church of West Jefferson in 1857. Previously Redemptorists crossing the Mississippi from the city of Lafayette had served the German, Irish, French and . . . — — Map (db m81135) HM
Established in 1876, John Stumpf's Son Co. manufactured
insecticides which aided the successful completion of
the Panama Canal. In 1915 "Magic Hoodoo" products
received the Medal of Award at the Panama-Pacific
International Exposition. — — Map (db m129516) HM
Completed in 1849, this three story building treated sailors until abandoned after the 1858 Belle Crevasse. During the War Between the States, gunpowder was manufactured at the site and arson was suspected when the building exploded on December 18, . . . — — Map (db m205421) HM
Community est. 1914 by Illinois Central Railroad. Named for James Harahan, RR President, 1906-1911. Village incorporated 1920. City incorporated 1953. Francis William Mayo, First Mayor, 1920-1922. — — Map (db m93086) HM
Site of plantation acquired in 1808 by Joseph Soniat du Fossat. Visited by Governor William C.C. Claiborne and, legend says, privateer Jean Lafitte. "Chapitoulas" Indians, whose name means "river people," lived in this area. — — Map (db m93056) HM
In 1736, Claude Dubreuil initiated a canal
at this site, from the Mississippi River
to Bayou Barataria. One hundred years
BEFORE the Harvey Canal, it was the
FIRST man-made waterway accessing
New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico.
That canal . . . — — Map (db m205429) HM
Built in 1844, Harvey Castle was the Gothic Revival home of Marie Louise Destrehan and her husband Joseph Hale Harvey. It served as the third courthouse of Jefferson Parish, 1874-1884. Located east side of Destrehan Avenue 450 feet north of . . . — — Map (db m52725) HM
Originally Destrehan Canal, dug before 1845, connecting Mississippi River to Bayou Barataria. "Submarine Railway" lifted boats over the levee until successful completion of locks in 1907. Became part of Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in 1924. — — Map (db m80971) HM
Not far from Manila Village in Barataria Bay, another shrimping village was built by a group of Filipinos led by John (Juan Roxas) Rojas. This smaller version of Manila Village was called Clark Cheniere or Clarksville and was occupied mostly by . . . — — Map (db m109612) HM
At the turn of the 19th century, in nearby Barataria Bay, a group of Filipinos built raised structures on stilts above the water which became known as Manila Village. These shrimp drying platform structures became the forerunners of the Louisiana . . . — — Map (db m109647) HM
Named for legendary privateer Jean Lafitte, who helped the United States win the Battle of New Orleans and used area bayous for his smuggling operations. Home to a thriving seafood industry. Incorporated in 1974 as a village. Became a town in 1977. . . . — — Map (db m109936) HM
In 1862 Confederate and Louisiana authorities laid out Camp Parapet as a part of the defense lines of New Orleans. The works were designed to protect the city against an attack from the north. After the Federals, coming up from the south, captured . . . — — Map (db m92004) HM
Part of Civil War fortification which extended from the river northward about 1-3/4 miles past Metairie Rd. Construction began in 1861 by the Confederates and continued after the fall of New Orleans by Union forces which occupied the area with many . . . — — Map (db m92005) HM
In 1862 Confederate and Louisiana authorities laid out Camp Parapet as a part of the defense lines of New Orleans. The works were designed to protect the city against an attack from the north. After the Federals, coming up from the south, captured . . . — — Map (db m92006) HM
Joseph Villars Dubreuil settled here in 1719. He became a pioneer in agriculture and wealthy entrepreneur. Nearby he built the first plantation levee. It led to the creation in 1724 of the Mississippi River's original levee system. — — Map (db m86102) HM
Named for U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. Completed 4 Feb. 1926. "Pine to Palm" route, one of first intercontinental highways. Extends 2,194 miles from Winnepeg, Canada, through Jefferson, ending in New Orleans at St. Charles Ave. and Common St. . . . — — Map (db m100376) HM
Opened at 110 Shrewsbury Road in 1944 to serve African Americans during segregation. Proprietor Ellis L. Marsalis, Sr., was Jazz musician family patriarch & Civil Rights pioneer. Closed in 1986. — — Map (db m104702) HM
Built in 1857 for François Pascalis de Labarre IV. Occupied by Union Troops during the Civil War. After 1892 was a gambling casino, Jesuit retreat house and St. Agnes Church. Magnolia School since 1935. — — Map (db m125236) HM
P11 staff car was manufactured for both
the US Army and Navy a 6 cylinder
sedan the vehicle was often used to
transport VIPs or by military police. — — Map (db m236660) HM
Established by the Good Shepherd Family Burial Society of Kenner, around 1860, by a group of African-American men for religious, benevolent and literary purposes. The organization was chartered on December 14, 1898. The present site was purchased . . . — — Map (db m125334) HM
Zone between les Chapitoulas and the Demeuves Concession. 5 leagues above New Orleans along the Mississippi River. From 1708–1819, this name was in use under French, Spanish, and American rule. Site of present day Kenner. — — Map (db m86098) HM
Named for Kenner brothers George R., Minor, Duncan Farrar, & William Butler, who acquired Oakland, Pasture, & Belle Grove plantations, 1830s-40s. Area subdivided in 1855 as Kennerville with arrival of railroad. Replaced colonial name of Cannes . . . — — Map (db m94073) HM
Side 1 Dedicated to the men and women during the Vietnam War 1959-1975. Side 2 Honor Duty Country Casualties From Kenner 1st. Lt. Joseph Kopfler III U.S.M.C. Spc. 5 Carver English Jr. Army Spc. 4 Ronnie Pounds Army Cpl. William . . . — — Map (db m93586) WM
A main weapon used by the U.S. Navy and Marines during the Vietnam War. This lightweight attack plane broke the speed record at the time at 695 mph, and was in continuous production for 25 years, more than any other warplane. — — Map (db m115039) HM
A supersonic, twin engine fighter plane, was introduced in 1977 and was designed for reconnaissance and fleet defense of U.S. Navy carriers and equipped with air-to-ground ordinance and air-to-air missles — — Map (db m192502)
On this site, in the City of Kenner, the first World Championship Heavyweight Prize fight held in the United States took place.
In the predawn hours on May 10, 1870, a crowd of about 1,000 people left the New Orleans Jackson Street Railroad . . . — — Map (db m86104) HM
The 1990-91 Gulf War, known as "Operation Desert Storm" is considered one of the greatest military deployments and victories since World War II. Over 680,000 coalition troops fought in this operation of which the United States Air Force played a . . . — — Map (db m94517) HM WM
First black City Councilman (1979), first black Assistant to the Mayor (1982), educator religious leader, civil rights activist, a great humanitarian. — — Map (db m96470) HM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m185107) HM
Kenner Community Band was organized in 1944 by Henry "Teddy" Stewart and Rodney Jones. Band was under the direction of Maestro Wilson. In 1960, renowned drummer and singer Joseph Williams organized his band, Big Joe Williams & The Rhythm Play . . . — — Map (db m96037) HM
Designed by William T. Nolan, Kenner High School was the first school to be located in the City of Kenner. Originally opened for grades K-12, the school was transformed into a junior high school in 1955. The school also served as a cultural . . . — — Map (db m86099) HM
The hub of Kenner city government was built in 1926 to house the Town Hall, jail, and courthouse. In 1956, City Hall moved. The jail and courthouse relocated in 1970. Today it houses the Kenner Office of Tourism. — — Map (db m86096) HM
The Kenner White Sox baseball team was organized in 1932 by Henry "Teddy" Stewart. Many of the players subsequently played in the Negro American League.
A resolution adopted by the city of Kenner on January 17, 2002 recognizing the Kenner . . . — — Map (db m86153) HM
Organized in 1957 as the YWCA Kennerettes by a group of young
ladies and women from the Kenner / Metairie area.
The organization promotes spiritual, educational, recreational,
and social opportunities to many young ladies in the community.
The . . . — — Map (db m236664) HM
Sponsored by Kenner State Naval Museum Commission Commission Members Pan Chism Burnsed · LTC (R) Theodore R. Dunigan · Denver Mulligan · Dominick L. Seandurro · Joseph P. Sunseri · Claude Todaro · Ryan F. Uhlich Dedicated May 24, 1996 The . . . — — Map (db m94575) HM WM
In 1682 the French explorer, Robert Cavalier de la Salle, landed in an Indian village later to be known as the city of Kenner. Proclaiming ownership in the name of Louis XIV, King of France, he erected a cypress cross to commemorate the historic . . . — — Map (db m96428) HM
Lake Pontchartrain began forming about 5,000 years ago when North America glacier melts caused the Mississippi River to swell and shift to the east. The river deposited sediments into the Gulf of Mexico, creating a broad delta, which would later . . . — — Map (db m99364) HM
Established by the Love and Charity Benevolent Society in 1837, by a group of African-American men and women, for religious, benevolent and literary purposes. The organization was chartered on June 13, 1903. The present site was purchased on . . . — — Map (db m125302) HM
Awarded to combat wounded veterans by the United States government, and founded by General George Washington on August 1, 1782. There is no exclusion by war or branch of service. The common bond is that they have given their own blood for . . . — — Map (db m115038) HM WM
The Kenner Naval Museum Commission acquired the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk aircraft and commissioned its total external restoration. The 122nd Bomb Squadron Restoration Unit of the Louisiana National Guard Jackson Barracks Museum, led by the late Clarence . . . — — Map (db m93579) HM WM
Known as the PBR was introduced in 1965
in Vietnam to patrol inland waterways,
this 31 foot fiberglass boat could reach
speeds of 32 mph. — — Map (db m236661) HM
Established by the Fratellanza Italiana di Mutua Beneficenza Di Santa Rosalia in 1915. The organization, during a special meeting held on October 17, 1915, authorized the purchase of arpent lots 138 and 139 from Michele Centanni and his children. . . . — — Map (db m125261) HM
Organized in October of 1952 by a group of educators who
worked at Washington Elementary School. The mission of the
organization is to provide humanitarian services to enhance
community life. The biennial debutante ball is a social . . . — — Map (db m236663) HM
The Infantry, the largest combat branch of the Army, represented the greatest American fighting force ever to enter the field of battle. Six million infantrymen, or foot soldiers, fought the complexities of the war on many battle fronts including . . . — — Map (db m94605) HM WM
The U.S. Forces commenced combat operations in Vietnam on 4 Aug 1965. By the time the 27 Jan 1973 cease fire ended the war, 8,744,000 U.S. Military personnel had been called upon to serve in the armed forces, including 794,000 Marines. Military . . . — — Map (db m94516) HM WM
The United States had a regular Army of only 200,000 men when it declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917.
With a need for a larger army, Congress passed a Selective Service Act that made all able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 30 . . . — — Map (db m94616) HM WM
In World War II, U.S. Navy Seamen were members of the most powerful fleet ever established to maintain control of the seas. These courageous fighting men participated in the most important U.S. victories at sea including those fought in the Pacific. . . . — — Map (db m94574) HM WM
Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve with 23,000 acres of wetlands. Park was created in 1978 due to persistence of educator and environmentalist Frank John Ehret, Jr. — — Map (db m109427) HM
To guard New Orleans, Spain in 1779 settled 56 families from the Canary Islands on lands starting at Crown Point. Flooding by the Mississippi River forced most of the settlers to relocate in 1782. Efforts to resettle failed and finally ceased in . . . — — Map (db m81095) HM
This is the Barataria Basin, built of soil washed to this area by the Mississippi River. This soil is still compacting and sinking, a process called subsidence. Most of the Barataria Preserve is less than two feet above sea level, and its . . . — — Map (db m109928) HM
A 12-square-mile area incorporated as a village in June 1927 and as a city one month later. Charles P. Aicklen, Sr., mayor, introduced natural gas service, July 1928. Gambling was flourishing, but was outlawed within the city limits. Incorporation . . . — — Map (db m93550) HM
Lafreniere orated before the Louisiana Superior Council "The Manifeste" a document expressing the political philosophy on the natural rights of man and freedom of determination by the people. A firing squad executed him with 4 compatriots in . . . — — Map (db m112793) HM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m193381) HM
Named for the de La Barre family. François Pascalis de La Barre I, a noted colonial official, owned a river-to-lake tract in 1750. Further family holdings, by 1800's, made Metairie called popularly "La Plaine Labarre." — — Map (db m93111) HM
Part of the concession in 1720 by Governor Bienville to father of Nicholas Chauvin LaFreniere, Attorney-General of Louisiana for the years 1763 until 1769. Leader of the revolt against Spanish rulers of Louisiana, and executed October 25, 1769. — — Map (db m93902) HM
On this site in April 1909, the first public school in Metairie opened and Metairie Ridge School. Land donated by Alfred E. Bonnabel who is often referred to as "The Father of Education" in Jefferson Parish. — — Map (db m85945) HM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m112786) HM
The site of this park once belonged to the River-to-Lake Sainte-Reyne Concession granted to Jean-Daniel Kolly, c. 1720. A series of purchases subdivided the original property except for this 155-acre park. Nicolas Chauvin de Lafreniere, the . . . — — Map (db m112787) HM
A submarine built by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co. of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Funds for this boat were raised by the citizens of Caddo Parish Louisiana. Launched One August, 1943. On her second patrol under command of LCDR. James S. Clark, was sunk by . . . — — Map (db m133997) HM WM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m170474) HM
Concession 1720's-1730's On the old Chemin de la Metairie Birthplace Jacques Phillipe Roi de Villeré 1761-1830 First native born Governor of Louisiana 1816-1820 — — Map (db m93237) HM
Concession 1720's-1730's. On the old Chemin de la Metairie Concession, later became Sauvé Plantation, site of Mississippi River crevassé which flooded New Orleans in 1849. — — Map (db m93322) HM
On Feb. 11, 1825, Governor Henry S. Johnson signed legislation creating the Parish of Jefferson out of the Third Senatorial District. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who died the following year, July 4. — — Map (db m81065) HM
1960 Paul Kapelow prefab diamond-shaped development with alphabetical street plan named for daughter Terry. Area's "first completely winter~summer air conditioned neighborhood." — — Map (db m80979) HM
Area known as Nine Mile Point; Site of Fortier Plantation and one of area's first schools, churches and later site of WW I commissary. Once the home of Francois Quinet, Sr., statesman & developer of early New Orleans; nearby was site of Fort Banks . . . — — Map (db m86597) HM
Formerly Petit Desert, a 1719 concession. Among first parish settlements, it was a trading post and major entry port of the Louisiana colony. 1794 Michael Zeringue established Seven Oaks Plantation. His son, Camille, built Greek Revival style main . . . — — Map (db m81062) HM
Founded in 1870 and named 1873 by Texas-Pacific RR. Developer Pablo Sala subdivided adjacent land along banks of Company Canal in 1892 to create Salaville, where Cheniere Caminada survivors fled after 1893 Hurricane. Incorporated as village and as . . . — — Map (db m116879) HM