Stopping by when returning from southern most point. Looking at outside, view Mississippi River, read history info. Fort was locked with water near entrance.
The fort is in disarray! The grass doesn't look like it's been cut this year. It's a shame the state of Louisiana is letting this piece of history get like this!
Big piece of history. Problem here is that it's not being maintained very well. Beautiful grounds and a good bit of the fort remains. And please REPLACE THE AMERICAN FLAG & the Louisiana Flag at the entrance. That tattered American flag is a shame.
The shell of old Fort Jackson can still be seen here. Started in 1822 it is mostly known for the Battle of Fort Jackson in 1862 where it held up the Union fleet on their advance up the river to New Orleans. It was an active military base until 1927 when it was sold off: most of the guns and other items being removed at that time.
Since then it has been closed for the most part to the public though you can freely drive around it and admire the outer walls.
The bridge to the entrance was underwater on the fort side while I was there and the locked gate had several feet of water.
With the extreme humidity and bugs, not to mention the alligators and snakes, it must not have been a very desirable duty location.
We walked the outer grounds and took some photos; admiring the work done in the 1820s which has withstood so many hurricanes and other weather events.
The fort was named after Andrew Jackson who suggested the fort be built after the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
Sadly, the Fort is deteriorating from lack of maintenance and security to wars off beer drinkers smashing their glass bottles and leaving trash all over. Not a trash can in site. Interesting place though and we made the best of it.
Really cool fort, but unfortunately, it was locked up when we went by on a sat morning. Could only look through the gate.
Was sad to see that it hasn't been maintained much, no flags flying.
It's sad to see how far gone it looks now compared to pictures of the past. It was not on our list to stop at, but we did, and I'm happy for that choice. Louisiana has such an interesting past, and this location is no slouch. I would definitely recommend stopping, and depending on the time of the year, bring bug spray.
This is an off beat path to a very cool fort. Unfortunately the fort itself is closed because of damages from storms. I bet it is beautiful inside. Hopefully they will do some restorations and get it open again.
It's sad to see this historical park being ignored. Maybe they open for large groups. Either way, we were able to walk along on the outside and saw something different from each angle. I'm always amazed at how our forts came about and the history that comes of it.
A nice little park and historic site with good scenery. The main gates were closed when I visited 12/28/22, but there were other things to enjoy besides the interior of the fort. Several historical plaques scattered throughout if you're into that kind of stuff, as well as some locals fishing in the nearby ponds. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
Really cool experience to be able to walk around the outside of the Fort. Crazy to see the damage past hurricanes have brought to the fort. Hopefully it will be restored one day so we can go inside of it.
It's sad to see how run down it is. You can't get inside the fort and based on the state of the walls, it doesn't look like the outside will survive many more hurricanes.
Sadly this place hasn’t been kept up in ages. It looks like it would have been a very interesting place to walk around and learn about at one time. Now it’s not safe to explore :(
I love history so of course I loved visiting here.. If it had been taking care of better like the grass cut so you could walk and look at things closer , and the area that has pick nick tables and grills were still where they could be used it would be absolutely awesome!!!! But it seems this amazing place full of our American History where our Ancestors fought and lost their lives so bravely, Isn't important to people now days , Fort Jackson where part of the Civil War was fought seems to be unimportant, neglected, and forgotten!!!!
It was neat to see, but I had several concerns with it. Google maps said it's open 24/7 and the grounds are, but not the actual fort. You can get right up to it, but the main gate is locked up.
If you wanted to trespass, it looks like you can just wedge yourself through the damaged gate like it looks like someone already has.
I question if anyone in a caretaker capacity has been there in a very long time. There are alcohol bottles and other trash spread all over the grounds. It looks like it's became a hangout are for local kids/young adults. There is graffiti and damage in multiple areas. There was evidence of a fire being started at a pull off area on the back side of the fort. It was kind of far away, but it even looked like someone took potshots with a gun at some kind of electrical box on site. There was a breaker box on an electrical pole at the the main gate that's been pried open and the switches are open to the elements. It's just sad to see this piece of history completely neglected. I wish I had thought to take detailed pics of everything, but I'll add some of the ones I did take.
Overall, it just feels unsafe. I skipped out on going in the ammo bunkers and the few other places someone could get to outside the gate because I was worried about what or possibly even who I might find in them.
This place is a bit out there by itself but I love that. You can't access the inside but you can still roam around the outer parts including a few old bunkers that are underground. Also gives you stunning views of the water. Since it's a bit out by itself, it's normally never busy.
Great spot to stop and view en route to Venice or surrounding areas. Gate was locked, and would have liked to have wandered around inside. The most outside was really cool. Would make for a great area to take some sunset style pictures with all of the trees. Will come back to investigate more when I have additional time.
So sad to see this national monument in such disrepair and neglect. They need to mow and artifacts are just surrounded by yellow caution tape and buried in tall grass and weeds. This place will only deteriorate more. We were very disappointed.
I loved the erie feeling. Also the personal tour we gave ourselves we moved at our own pace and there is a place to picnic. A great place to spend the day with the family fishing and exploring
I would give this 5 stars if the gates were unlocked to go explore. This is a great spot to stop and take photographs. The nature around here is surreal. I was able to see 2 alligators, an owl, a Gardner snake, a variety of birds. Watching the sunset here was incredible, with outstanding views.
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