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For more than seven decades, the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge has stood as a striking architectural landmark in Southwest Louisiana. Beyond its primary function of carrying traffic across the water, the structure is deeply connected to the area’s cultural identity. The decorative crossed pistols lining the railings are an iconic design choice that has welcomed locals and visitors since the bridge opened in 1952.
These cast-iron flintlock derringers were originally installed as a tribute to the area's rich maritime history and the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte. With more than 5,000 pairs of crossed pistols integrated into the bridge's framework, the unique embellishments have long captured the imagination of the community. Over the years, they have become highly recognizable symbols of Southwest Louisiana, serving as a reminder of the region's swashbuckling past and colorful heritage.
Once the old bridge is safely decommissioned and demolished, the cast-iron pistols will be carefully removed and salvaged from the structure. As construction on the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge advances toward delivering a modern, safer interstate corridor, people are naturally wondering about the final disposition of these beloved historical markers.
Following their removal, the salvaged pistols will be officially turned over to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD).
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development says any pistols salvaged when the bridge is demolished will officially become state property, but what happens after that is still undecided.
“Any pistols that are salvaged from the demolition of the bridge are going to become property of the state of Louisiana,” said LA DOTD spokesperson John Guidroz. “As far as any plans to distribute them, that hasn’t been determined yet. That’s going to be several years down the road.”
The artifacts will be managed according to the state’s established procedures for the disposition of salvaged public property. Guidroz said a more concrete plan will likely be formulated when the project gets closer to demolition of the current bridge. While the ultimate final destination of each original pistol will be determined by LA DOTD, these historic pieces will be handled with the appropriate administrative oversight and care.
Even as the original bridge is retired, the iconic legacy of the crossed pistols will remain part of the skyline, as the new bridge's design will pay homage to the original pistols. This thoughtful aesthetic integration will ensure the region's unique historical narrative will continue to be celebrated by generations of future motorists crossing the Calcasieu River.
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