About an hour and a half outside New Orleans lay Fort Jackson. Fort Jackson is one of several forts that were built before the civil war to protect New Orleans from outside invasions. Due to coastal erosion, most of the forts are now sinking into the swamp so to speak. Fort Jackson lies on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Buras, Louisiana.
The fort was used during the civil war for a brief stand against the union army (New Orleans fell quickly), as a prison, and eventually in the early 1960s became a historic site run by Plaquemines Parish government.
Plaquemines Parish government opens the fort once a year to the public, to see the inside. While you cannot go inside the fort, you can walk all of the way around it on the levees that surround it. Additionally, apparently if visiting on a weekday, there is a museum dedicated to it located down the street. Unfortunately, the museum was not open when we were there, but I would definitely try to check it out when open.
Today it seems it is primarily used by teenagers as a party spot. There is broken glass in some areas, so keep your footwear in mind. There are some areas to picnic, but not in the spots that have been consumed by overgrowth and water. Here are some 1960s picnic areas that are no longer easily useable.
Getting There: Follow along LA-23 for a long way. On your left will be an archway and sign that says “Fort Jackson”. Drive up the gravel road. There are three choices, two you can just stop and park, and one to the far right takes you up on the levee. We found a shady spot to park and hiked in from there.
What to Bring:
- Sunglasses
- Hat for shade
- Bug Spray (it makes every list)
- Shoes that are not sandals as there is glass in some spots
- Water, water, water
- Picnic optional, but it is quiet out there
Time to Spend:
30 minutes to two hours
Cost: Free
