Marland's Bridge - Sunset, LA (The Battle of Bayou Bourbeau)

Photo courtesy of www.haunteddeepsouth.blogspot.com

Chretien Point Rd.

Sunset, LA 70584

30.392404,-92.097573

            Following our visit to Chretien Point Plantation, my friend proceeded to tell me of another reportedly haunted location only a stone’s throw away. The site was known as Marland’s Bridge and had long been a local hangout for teenagers and ghost enthusiasts, as haunted stories had heavily enveloped the bridge for years. As with many haunted bridges, railroad tracks and bayous, the familiar story of a “woman in white” was predominant here. I never could quite understand the popularity of this woman in white legend. Every now and then, someone may mix it up with an occasional woman in black or even pink. If I were to start up an urban legend, I would like to be a little more original. Why can’t we have a woman in skin tight spandex with eight inch stilettos?  Fortunately, Marland’s Bridge incorporates much more than the stale and drab tales of women in white.  
            If you happen to visit Marland’s Bridge, don’t let the looks fool you. Not sure why, but after I heard the history of the site, I was expecting a large wooden bridge spanning across a large bayou. Such was not the case, as the bridge is simply a modern rebuilt concrete structure that crosses over a small overgrown bayou. Not sure what was lurking in those waters, but during my visit, it smelled like an ogre took a crap on a burning tire! Despite the size, modern looks and horrible smell emanating from the darkness, going back in time tells an incredible story of courage and valor.

Fort Pike - New Orleans, LA (Well Armed and Never Harmed)

27100 Chef Menteur Highway

New Orleans, LA 70129

30.166251,-89.737122 

            One thing that we have learned so far is that the waters surrounding New Orleans have been the target of many military attacks throughout the years. After the United States barely survived the Battle of 1812 against the British, President James Monroe ordered that a massive fortification of the southern waterways and coasts be erected. Construction of what would be known as the Third System fortifications began in 1816 and was officially complete in 1867. These forts consisted of several brick and masonry structures built along the coastal region and were able to protect New Orleans and the Mississippi River from any potential air or sea attacks.

Fort Derussy Battlefield - Marksville, LA (Home of the Headless Soldier)

31.176164,-92.060612

www.fortderussy.org  

            Adjacent to my hometown, lays the small city of Marksville. During my teenage years I would hear of numerous haunted stories coming from a small nook of Marksville known as the Fort Derussy Battlefield and Cemetery. The informative antique 1945 book, Gumbo Ya-Ya, vaguely refers to the area as, “the haunted woods near Marksville where the local people refuse to go after dark.” Normally, I would lump the two locations into one story but the cemetery holds such a special place in my heart that I must differentiate it from the historic battlefield. For now though, we will focus on what the area is primarily known for; a Civil War fort.
            The fort received its name from Colonel Louis G. Derussy, commander of the 2^nd Louisiana Regiment of volunteers during the Civil War. As we have learned with our other locations, the Red River Campaign was becoming a large military movement. As this was beginning to form, Union troops began to establish their positions by moving up from Simmesport via the Atchafalaya River. Colonel Derussey was aware of this and he knew that his primary goal was to build a defense along this anticipated path.
            The presumptions were correct, as Union troops approached Fort Derusssy in May of 1863. As they approached, they immediately began attacking several Confederate gunboats; the Cotton and the Grand Duke. Despite the Confederate losses, the Union retreated down the river, only after destroying part of the fort. The Confederacy rebuilt and, a year later on March 14, 1864, led by Colonel William F. Lynch and Colonel William T. Shaw, the Union troops returned, this time, with a fight on their minds.

Chalmette Battlefield - Chalmette, LA (The Battle of New Orleans)

8606 West St Bernard Hwy.
Chalmette, LA 70043

29.945081,-89.986053

            Many military historians will tell you that there is no battle in Louisiana more crucial than the Battle of New Orleans. Taking place on January 8, 1815, this was the final battle of the War of 1812, as United States troops, led by General Andrew Jackson, fought off the British Army, led by General Edward Pakenham. The battle was critical, as it prevented the British from seizing New Orleans as well as the vast amount of land we know as the Louisiana Purchase. One can only imagine how history would have been re-written if we would have lost this intense battle. Let’s face it; we could all be eating tea and crumpets right now, instead of beer and boudin!
           What is believed to be the most ironic part of the battle is that it could have actually been prevented, saving hundreds of lives. On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent had been signed, placing a truce between both sides. In the days before e-mail and text messages, news took a bit longer to reach its desired source, so while news of the peace treaty was on its way, thousands were still battling for their lives.