Bonnet Carré Spillway

Bonnet Carré Spillway Construction

The Bonnet Carré Spillway is just one element of a comprehensive U.S. Corps of Engineers flood control plan in the Lower Mississippi Valley. The construction of the Bonnet Carré Spillway not only provided employment to thousands of workers but ultimately “put Norco on the map.” Unfortunately, Delhomme, Roseland, Hermitage, and Myrtle Land plantations, as well as many residences and family cemeteries, fell victim to the construction of the spillway. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt paid a visit to the site in April 1937, following an earlier dedication in December of 1935. The design and construction of the spillway was completed in just two and a half years.

Today, the spillway, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers– New Orleans District, remains as it was originally constructed; no significant modifications to the structure have been needed. In addition to its primary purpose, the spillway area is a popular recreation destination for locals and visitors from around the state and nation. Park rangers are on the scene in both a supervisory capacity as well as to provide educational services. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spillway Construction

Spillway Construction

A view from the levee shows completed piers and the upper part of the Bonnet Carré Spillway weir section, which was taken on March 19, 1930. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Yoes)

Spillway Construction

Spillway Construction

A photo taken on March 19, 1930, near the center line of the spillway weir section shows the Stephens Brothers and Miller Hutchinson Construction Company at work. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Yoes)

Sellers Neighborhood

Sellers Neighborhood

A view from the levee shows the Sellers neighborhood affected by spillway construction. The upper end of the weir section is seen in the extreme left over the housetops. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Yoes)

Spillway Operation

Spillway Operation

It works! The spillway opens in 1937.

Spillway Opening

Spillway Opening

Hundreds turned out for the spillway opening in 1937.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt

In April 1937 President Franklin D. Roosevelt, accompanied by the mayor of New Orleans and Governor Richard Laiche, rode through the streets of Norco on his way to visit the newly dedicated Bonnet Carré Spillway. His open-air vehicle gave all those along the way a chance to see his characteristic broad smile.

The Shell Bulletin reported in its May 3 issue that his route was lined with waving schoolchildren and Norco and vicinity residents.

He kept his hand raised high in greeting. He inspected the spillway project thoroughly, spending fully forty minutes on his tour. He then retraced his route back to New Orleans where thousands waited for him in City Park.

This text is copyright © material by Marilyn Richoux, Joan Becnel and Suzanne Friloux, from St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: A Pictorial History, 2010.