“Where are we? What are these waters in front of us?” You ask, looking at the vast body of water, the Rigolets, just off Highway 90 near Slidell. You’ve probably heard of the Rigolets, but these waters are much more than just a passageway, they’re a passage through history. This is a narrow waterway that connects Lake Pontchartrain to Lake Borgne. Before bridges, it was once the major route for travel between New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
The Rigolets have been a significant part of life in the area for centuries. It’s hard to imagine the importance of this place before the bridges were built, but it’s true, people relied on the Rigolets to get around. You may not know this, but the Rigolets are actually named for the French word “rigole,” which means “ditch” or “canal.” In 1815, the Rigolets was actually a crucial battleground, helping to make the outcome of the Battle of New Orleans. The British didn’t have the advantage after their troops were forced to march through the swampy waters, leading to a big victory for American forces.
Today, the Rigolets are a popular spot for fishing and boating, but they also hold a lot of history, history that is still present today thanks to the remnants of West Rigolets Lighthouse. It helped guide ships through the channel, avoiding the treacherous waters and sand bars of the Rigolets. The lighthouse is a reminder of a time when lighthouses were essential for navigation. Even though modern technology has overtaken lighthouses in their navigational role, the historic lighthouse helps us remember how people relied on it for guidance. While the storms have left many structures destroyed, the location of the lighthouse is still visible from Highway 90 and a reminder how the Rigolets have shaped the landscape and lives around them. The Rigolets at Highway 90 near Slidell are a beautiful and historic landmark that’s worth a visit.