Prior to 1852, a colonial settlement known as Robert’s Landing was established on the shores of Bayou Bonfouca. The settlement consisted of a few scattered houses, a general store, and a boat landing. This north-shore landing became a principal supplier of food and building materials, fueling the early growth and survival of New Orleans. Over time, the area around Robert’s Landing grew to include a marine supply house, ferry service, sawmills, brickworks, tar mills, and other industries. By 1875, as many as eighteen schooners a day departed its docks laden with goods and supplies.

In 1881, the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad laid a northbound route through the site. Two years later, “Slidell Station” was officially named, and when the community incorporated in 1888, residents voted to adopt “Slidell” as the town’s name. During that era, the site served as the railroad’s construction headquarters—complete with production facilities, crew quarters, and engineering and management offices. A major plant producing cross-ties and bridge timbers operated here from 1881 until 1972, when it burned to the ground.

After the plant’s disappearance and removal of all industrial remnants, the City of Slidell dedicated the area as Heritage Park in the 1990s. The stretch of land between the National Historic Railroad Depot and Bayou Bonfouca was reserved for public enjoyment. In 2006, an amphitheater was added, and today Heritage Park hosts the Bayou Jam Concert Series, Slidell Movie Nights, and many other festivals and events.

In 2010, artist John Doherty’s 13-foot-tall “Fleur de Triomphe” sculpture was installed in the park—its side etched to mark the waterline reached during Hurricane Katrina. Heritage Park also features Slidell’s 9/11 Memorial Plaza, built to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

ABOUT THE SLIDELL HISTORY STROLL PROJECT:
The Slidell History Scroll is the Girl Scout Gold Award community service project of Sue Helen Ford. The project was inspired when her family participated in a walking history tour in Savannah, Georgia. Sue Helen is grateful for the support of her Girl Scout community, family, and friends, whose encouragement and hard work have brought this vision to life. Special thanks go to her 7th and 8th grade history teachers at Slidell Jr. High – Mr. Treadwell and Mrs. Caldwell – for igniting her passion for history.The narratives featured throughout the Slidell History Stroll were researched and written by Greg Scott, Curator of the Slidell Museum.