Slidell

Slidell is a town in St. Tammany Parish in southeastern Louisiana, lying along the northeastern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Residential areas alternate with commercial streets, while natural waterways and canals thread through the built environment.

Founded in 1888 during railroad construction linking New Orleans to Meridian, the settlement attracted workers and commerce along the tracks. In the 1960s, aerospace facilities brought new residents and industries to the area.

The name honors a Louisiana political figure from the 19th century, and today the town serves as a gateway to the swamps and bayous north of the big lake. Visitors often see fishing boats and small yachts in the canals that have shaped local life for generations.

Two interstate highways allow easy approach from different directions, and the train station offers regular connections to New Orleans. Exploring beyond the main roads leads to waterways and small parks scattered around the area.

The museum holds early steam locomotives and artifacts from when the station formed the heart of the settlement. Few visitors know that parts of the Apollo missions were tested here before heading to the moon.

Location: St. Tammany Parish

Inception: 1882

Elevation above the sea: 1 m

Website: https://myslidell.com

GPS coordinates: 30.27519,-89.78117

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:06