Baton Rouge
Historical Markers (Images are large and may take some time
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Historical Markers (Images are large and may take some time
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Text reads: SPANISH TOWN -- East of this point was Spanish Town, laid out in 1805 by Carlos de GrandPre, Governor of Spanish West Florida for the Canary Islanders from Galvez Town that they might continue to live on Spanish soil and help to defend the fort. Spanish Town Road is now Boyd Avenue.
Text reads: The first cemetery in Baton Rouge was the Cemetery of La Yglesia de los Dolores de la Virgin, Our Lady of Sorrows. Established in 1792 by order of King Carlos IV of Spain. This present cemetery was established in 1824 and the remains of Baton Rouge's first settlers were moved here from the original Spanish cemetery. (This monument is erected in their memory by grateful citizens and parishioners in 1991.)
Text reads: SITE OF SPANISH BATTERY 1779 -- Behind an orchard on a mound near this site artillerymen under Spanish Governor Bernardo Galvez placed a batter of six cannon and on September 21, 1779 after a three-hour bombardment forced the surrender of the British fort located about one thousand yards north on the bank of the river.
Text reads: PIŇO HOUSE -- Little cottage typical of the wood frame residences of early Spanish Town. Originally the house was one room deep with galleries, front and rear. The original lot 160 feet wide and extending from North Street to Spanish Town Road was purchased by Antonio Pino in 1825 from Etienne, son of Don Carlos de Grand Pre, Spanish commandant at Baton Rouge.
Text reads: FORT SAN CARLOS -- Here on a bluff of the river stood the old star-shaped Spanish fort from which the West Florida parishes were governed in Spanish colonial days 1779-1810. It was captured by the forces of the West Florida Republic led by Philemon Thomas, Sept. 23, 1810.
Text reads: SITE OF BRITISH FORT OF BATON ROUGE -- Large earthen fort built 1779, mounting thirteen cannon commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Dickson. Manned by about four hundred British soldiers, German mercenaries, and one hundred civilians. Surrendered to Spanish forces of Governor Bernardo Galvez, September 21, 1779. Terms included surrender of the British fort at Natchez and ended British control of the lower Mississippi River.
©2005 Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana