The Versailles Oaks -- Chalmette LA
N 29° 56.229 W 089° 58.068
16R E 213517 N 3315525
Local planter Pierre De La Ronde's planted these oaks to give a dramatic entrance to his home. De la Ronde served on General Jackson's staff during the War of 1812. His men camped under these oaks in 1814.
Waymark Code: WMNCJB
Location: Louisiana, United States
Date Posted: 02/14/2015
Views: 7
A stone state historic marker monument installed by the state of Louisiana on the 150th anniversary of the decisive battle of New Orleans relates the history and significance of these magnificent oak trees, which formerly comprised a famed double alley of oak trees leading to Pierre De La Ronde's magnificent plantation, Versailles.
Wikipedia claims that this is the first double Oak alley in the world, but Blasterz have no evidence to substantiate that from the site.
Today the Versailles Oaks are maintained and managed by the St. Bernard Parish Sherriff's Department, with inmate labor provided from the jail next door.
The state historic marker reads as follows:
These Versailles Oaks
were planted in 1783 by
Pierre Denis De la Ronde
Born New Orleans, April 20, 1762
Died December 2, 1824
Here, he also built a French colonial residence.
He was a lieutenant at conquest of West Florida.
Military commandant St. Bernard, LA.
Member Cabildo City Council 1778 – 1803.
Member state constitutional convention from Parish of Orleans.
Colonel on Gen. Jackson's staff.
Maj. Gen., Louisiana militia.
Under these oaks his men camped on December 23, 1814.
The Battle of New Orleans was won near here, over the English, by GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON on January 8, 1815.
Erected by the State of Louisiana
January 8, 1952"
Website: [Web Link]
Historic Event:
Camp for men during the War of 1812 engagements around the Battle of New Orleans
Year: 1783
Species: Live Oak
Approximate Age: 230
Location: Chalmette LA
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Visit Instructions:
To log this waymark you must visit the site and post an original photo of the tree. Photos taken off the web, or from other sources are not acceptable.