I found this curious coin for sale on eBay and bought it. I have it in a holder, hence the white “fingers” holding it in place. After a little research, I found that the Louisiana Numismatic Association produced different metal coins each year commemorating different Louisiana historical events and sites. They honor whatever city they had their yearly convention in. I found an article that stated only 150 of the medals were made and only given to association members. In 1970, they commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Ouachita settlement. You can see “Prairie des Canots” at the top, a drawing of Fort Miro in the middle and 1720 – Monroe – 1970 at the bottom. Here is the thing… Where are they getting that 1720 year? Maybe they are counting the Cantillon settlement which was around that time. It failed a few years after and a “settlement” wasn’t established again until Filhiol came to the area in 1783. The Fort itself wasn’t established until 1790. Still, the coin is a great curiosity piece for my collection!
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 