The Republic of West Florida

The revolt of 1810 was not tidy. Rebels under Philemon Thomas took the fort at Baton Rouge on September 23 and declared independence three days later, but support divided by place: the western Florida Parishes largely backed it, while most people in the east opposed it. Thomas's army put down opponents by force in the Tangipahoa and Tchefuncte districts, leaving a bitter memory. Planter Fulwar Skipwith was elected governor in November, and William C. C. Claiborne's force took Baton Rouge on December 10. Eight modern parishes were once part of the republic.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Tickfaw State Park — 12 mi
  A floodplain park on the Tickfaw River, with cypress-tupelo swamp, bottomland hardwoods and about 4.75 miles of trails and boardwalks, plus a nature center with an 800-gallon river aquarium.

More markers nearby

• Site of 1st Classroom Bldg. — 2.4 mi
• Friendship Circle — 2.4 mi
• City Of Hammond — 2.8 mi
• Hammond Junior College — 2.8 mi