New Orleans and Mississippi Delta

Last Update: 20/JULY/2025

German Coast Stockade (1)
(1729 - 1731), near Waterford ?, St. Charles Parish
The early German settlers to this region, who first came here in 1719, and with a much larger group in 1722, settled along both sides of the Mississippi River above New Orleans (but primarily on the west (or south) bank), and built a palisaded place of refuge against Indian attacks after news arrived of the Indian attacks upriver near Natchez, MS in November 1729. The first organized German village upriver was Hoffen (extending from present-day Lucy in St. John the Baptist Parish, to Killona in St. Charles Parish). The other organized German villages were Augsburg (along a bayou behind present-day Killona), Karlstein (present-day Waterford), and Marienthal (behind present-day Taft) in present-day St. Charles Parish. It is unclear in which village the place of refuge was located, or if in fact each of the four villages had its own place of refuge, but more than likely there was only a single stockade, in or near Karlstein as it was the central location. The Natchez Indians were later defeated and dispersed by the French and allied Choctaw Indians in February 1730. The "German Coast" at its height of settlement extended from about present-day Edgard and Reserve in St. John the Baptist Parish, downriver to present-day Hahnville and Norco in St. Charles Parish.

Post at Côte des Allemands
(1749/50 - 1759, 1766 - 1775 ?), near Montz, St. Charles Parish
A French stockaded military blockhouse to protect the German settlements from Choctaw Indian raids coming from across Lake Pontchartrain. Located on the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River, about halfway between the upper and lower ends of the so-called German Coast. Reported to have been located about 12.5 miles downriver from the beginning (upriver end) of the German settlement area, and 10.5 miles upriver from the lower end (downriver end) of the German settlement area. Built sometime during the last half of 1749, or the first half of 1750. Garrisoned by one company of troops, to be rotated every two months. Abandoned, but later taken over by the Spanish in 1766, to be manned by the local militia. Twelve men were reported here in 1767. Also known as Fort at German Coast (2).

Post at Bonnet Carré
(1862 - 1865), near Norco
A Union garrison post (December 1862 - May 1865) during the Civil War. A small redoubt and a military hospital were located here. The "Bonnet Carré" ("square hat") refers to the general area along the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River below the Bonnet Carré Bend between Montegut and Norco, once considered part of the "German Coast".

The Bonnet Carré Spillway, a 7000-foot long concrete flood barrier located between Montz and Sellers, was built between 1929 and 1931, obliterating all traces of the former settlements.

Camp Pane
(1862), near Hahnville
A Confederate (13th Texas Cavalry Battalion) camp (September 1862) located at Pane's Sugar Mill.

Post at Frenier Station
(1862 - 1864), Frenier, St. John the Baptist Parish
A Confederate one-gun battery (January 1862) was located here along the railroad line. There were to be five one-gun batteries placed along the railroad running up the neck of land on the western shore of Lake Pontchartrain towards Pass Manchac.

Union troops maintained a garrison post here (possibly with a redoubt or blockhouse ?) beginning in early 1863.

Fort Tigouyou
(1750 - 1778), near La Branche, St. Charles Parish
A small French earthen redoubt located at the mouth of Bayou Tigouyou (Trepagnier) on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, initially to defend against Choctaw Indian raids to the German Coast settlements on the Mississippi River. Taken over and continued by the Spanish in 1766. Garrisoned by eight men in 1778 before it was destroyed by a hurricane in October 1778, never rebuilt.

The mouth of Bayou Tigouyou was blocked by obstructions placed by the Louisiana militia in 1814-15, but no formal defense work was known to have been built here at that time.

Post at Itinueses
(1772), St. Charles Parish ?
A Spanish stockaded garrison post (five men) to protect against Indian raids, located at a small village about five (Spanish) leagues (about 13 miles) from New Orleans, "near the English posts", most likely somewhere on the western end of Lake Pontchartrain.

Post at Sand Hill
(1864), St. Charles Parish
A Union post (June 1864) at the Sand Hill Plantation, located on the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River somewhere above Kenner. Location undetermined.

Post at Boutte Station
(1863 - 1865), Boutte
A Union garrison post on the railroad line during the Civil War. Briefly captured by the Confederates in 1863.

Post at Bayou des Allemands
(1864 - 1865), Des Allemands
A small Union (8th Indiana Infantry Regiment) post (June 1864) at the railroad crossing over Bayou des Allemands.

Fort at Cannes Brûlées
(1729 - 1731), Kenner
A French settlement's stockaded "place of refuge" for protection against Indian raids. The settlement itself ("Burnt Canes"), founded in 1720 or shortly thereafter, eventually extended for about two miles, located on the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River above New Orleans.

Fort at Tchoupitoulas
(1729 - 1731), Jefferson
A French settlement's stockaded "place of refuge" for protection against Indian raids. The settlement, founded in 1720, was located on the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River near the head of Bayou Tchoupitoulas (Bayou Metairie), just above the present New Orleans city limits. Also spelled Chapitoulas in period documents and maps. Probably located near the present-day Ochsner Hospital and Medical Center complex.

Camp Gardiner
(1908 - 1926), Metairie
A Louisiana National Guard 100-acre training camp and rifle range located at "Bonnebel's Place" (undetermined location). The tract was exchanged in 1926 for additional land at Camp Beauregard (3) near Alexandria.

Fort at Bayou Choupic
(1718), New Orleans
A small French settlers' fort or stockade located at Bayou Choupic on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, today known as Bayou St. John.

Colonial Forts of New Orleans

NOTE: New Orleans, first permanently settled in 1718, became the capital of French Louisiana Province in 1722. Taken over by Spain in 1763, although the first Spanish troops didn't arrive until 1766, the city always remained French in character and custom. Louisiana Province (including New Orleans and only that part of the east bank of the Mississippi River below Bayou Manchac) secretly reverted from Spanish rule to French rule in 1800 (it became known in America only after October 1801), but Spanish troops still remained in 1803 waiting for French troops to take possession. However, by then the United States had taken control by purchasing the entire territory from France (the Louisiana Purchase). Only a handful of French officials and some few troops were on hand during the official transfer ceremonies in New Orleans (December 1803) and later in St. Louis (Missouri) (March 1804) in Upper Louisiana. There were also official transfers conducted with the Spanish authorities at five other sites in Lower Louisiana in April 1804.

On the Trail of Codman Parkerson - Exploration of New Orleans' Forts by Billy Crews

First French Regime
(1708 - 1765)
Very little formal military defenses were constructed by the French for the city proper until after 1729, when a hastily built palisade was erected around the city, with small blockhouses at each of the corners, and a shallow moat/ditch (60 feet wide but only two feet deep) was begun but not completed. A brick Powder Magazine was built in 1732 near present-day Decatur and Iberville Streets. It was rebuilt in 1736 and enclosed by a high wall mounting six-sided towers at each corner. It was later destroyed by fire in December 1794, but it had already been replaced in March 1792 by the Spanish with a new magazine across the river in Algiers. A "great battery" was located along the riverbank in 1748, opposite the Place d'Armes. More elaborate city defenses were not constructed until 1760, which consisted of a moated and palisaded earthen embankment with nine earth and log bastions encircling the city, known as Condé's, Kerlérec's, St. Louis, Choiseuel's, Orleans, the Bayou Redan, Berry's, D'Abbadie's, and Charles' Bastions, with 100 guns mounted in total. This enclosed area is known today as the "French Quarter", or the Vieux Carré.

The Ursuline Convent Hospital on Barracks Street was originally built with one story in 1734 (a second story was later added in the 1790's by the Spanish), and in 1758-60 was extended with a new block-long one story structure facing the river, with a separate powder magazine and gun house, all enclosed by a brick wall which formed a parade ground large enough for 600 men to assemble. This complex, bounded by Barracks, Royal, Ursulines, and Decatur Streets, became a military barracks for 1200-1500 men, which replaced the previous twin two-story 300-foot long brick barracks (built 1734-38) at each end of the Place d'Armes (present-day Jackson Square) that had been condemned and demolished in 1758 because they were so poorly constructed and in need of much repair. The first French barracks structure was built in 1722 on Royal Street between Toulouse and Conti Streets.

Fort St. Jean (1708 - 1765), the first fort built within the present-day modern city limits, an earthen redoubt located at the mouth of Bayou St. John at Lake Pontchartrain, just north of present-day City Park. A garrison of 10 men was posted here in 1716. Rudimentary at first, the fort was enlarged and strengthened with six guns after 1754. The site was severely damaged by a hurricane in September 1750. A blockhouse was built here probably before the Spanish took over. Later known as Spanish Fort and Fort St. John (1). The site of the fort was originally much closer to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain than it is now, by about 600 yards, due to the filling-in of large areas of shoreline for development beginning in the late 1920's.

Spanish Regime
(1766 - 1804)
The first Spanish troops (90 men) arrived in March 1766, but the bulk of the Spanish army (about 2000 men) did not arrive until July 1769. The Spanish initially used the extant poor-condition French works, but they were soon abandoned and not maintained. The city's major defenses were not rebuilt until beginning in April 1792 (completed in early 1794), with five new earthen redoubts, five armed redans, and a grand water battery, all connected by a line of stockades within a water-filled ditch/moat 40 feet wide and seven feet deep, and each fort planned for 10-20 guns mounted and barracks for 100-150 men. The Spanish works were placed along the same lines as erected previously by the French. Two additional water batteries were placed on the opposite shore of the river from the city (present-day Algiers) to provide crossfire with the forts. The town stockade had six gates for entry into the city. The Spanish also added a second story to the original Ursuline Hospital building in the 1790's, while still using the complex as military barracks as the French had previously. The city suffered major fires in March 1788 and December 1794, damaging some of the defensive works.

Fort San Carlos (2), the reworked former French Charles' Bastion, located at Esplanade and North Peters Aves.. This was the largest of the works surrounding the old French Quarter. It was a palisaded pentagonal earthen brick-lined redoubt with a 20-foot wide ditch, with barracks for 150 men and a powder magazine. It was supposed to provide refuge for 1000 men in times of emergency. In 1803 it was listed with 30 guns. Later became the site of the U.S. Mint.
Fort San Juan, located at North Rampart and Barracks Streets. Listed with nine guns in 1803. Rampart Street received its name from the ramparts built between Forts San Juan and Borgoña.
Fort San Fernando (Ferdinand), located at present-day Beauregard Square. Listed with four guns in 1803.
Fort San Felipe de Borgoña (Bourgogne), located at North Rampart and Iberville Streets. Listed with two guns in 1803.
Fort San Luis, the reworked former French St. Louis Bastion, located at Canal and Decatur Streets. Burned in the December 1794 fire. Listed with 15 guns in 1803. Later became the site of the U.S. Customs House. When first built, the fort was much closer to the river bank than the site is today.
Battery del Parque, a riverfront battery located at the foot of Dumaine Street, near the artillery park/arsenal also on Dumaine Street.
Battery del Naranjois, a riverfront battery located between Toulouse and St. Louis Streets, where there was a small grove of orange trees.
(Spanish) Arsenal (1), built in 1769 within the square bounded by Dumaine, Condé (Chartres), St. Philip, and Levee (Decatur) Streets, which was designated as the artillery park.

A new brick Powder Magazine was built in 1792 across the river in present-day Algiers, on Powder Street, 112 feet by 33 feet with a slate roof, with a separate guardhouse, located within a large yard enclosed by a wall.

Fort San Juan del Bayou (aka Spanish Fort), the old French fort was rebuilt in 1770 (or 1779), with four to nine guns. It was not well maintained by the Spanish, and was badly deteriorated by 1792, down to only four serviceable guns. It later had eight guns by 1803, with two barracks and a powder magazine, when transferred to the Americans.

Second French Regime
(1803 - 1804)
The new French Republic Tricolor flag flew over New Orleans only from November 30 to December 20, 1803, as a civic formality, after the Louisiana Purchase treaty had been ratified by the U.S. Congress in October 1803. The few French troops present during this time were encamped at the Spanish Powder Magazine compound in Algiers, which they did not actually vacate and transfer to the Americans until July 9, 1804. The old military barracks in the city were still occupied by the Spanish garrison at the time (and also shared with American troops after December 20). There were about 500 Spanish troops still in the city in December 1803, who finally departed in April 1804 (including the troops in transit that recently departed from St. Louis). The French troops did not formally occupy any other military site in Louisiana during their approximate seven-month stay. These same French troops and officials (or a portion of them) were also later present for the one-day transfer ceremony in St. Louis (Missouri) on March 9 and 10, 1804. There were apparently no French officials on hand at any of the other five transfer ceremonies in Louisiana in April 1804.

Early American Fortifications of New Orleans
(1804 - 1823)
American troops initially used all extant Spanish works until new defenses were authorized in 1808. The stockades surrounding the city were taken down in January 1804 and the moat filled in with the levelling of the earthen redans and batteries. A hurricane in August 1812 did considerable damage to the fortifications around the city. The old French/Spanish barracks and military hospital near the Ursuline convent were retained until 1819, and later sold off by 1828. Hospital (Gov. Nicholls) Street and Conde (Chartres) Street were then extended through the complex, and the old barracks demolished in 1838.

Fort St. John (2) (San Juan) was ordered demolished in 1805.
Fort St. Ferdinand (San Fernando) was ordered demolished in 1805, but was partially rebuilt in 1806 during news of the Burr Conspiracy. Demolished sometime before 1812, the site later became Congo/Beauregard Square.
Fort Burgundy (Borgoña) was ordered demolished in 1805, but was partially rebuilt in 1806 during news of the Burr Conspiracy. Demolition was completed by 1808.
Fort St. Louis (San Luis) was initially kept, repaired in 1807, but was no longer in use after 1808 and was derelict by 1812. It was formally abandoned and demolished soon afterwards (by 1815 it was completely gone). The U.S. Customs House was built on the site in 1848.
Fort St. Charles (1) (San Carlos (2)) (1804 - 1819) was the only original fort of the old French Quarter still in use during the War of 1812, mainly only as a barracks and ordnance depot, but still listed with 14 guns in 1814. It remained garrisoned until 1819 when all troops in the city were transferred to new barracks in Baton Rouge. The fort was finally demolished in 1821-26. The site then became (the first) Jackson Square until the U.S. Mint was built here in 1835. State marker on site (400 Esplanade Ave.). FORT WIKI

New Orleans Arsenal (1) (1804 - 1824), the former Spanish arsenal and artillery park at the foot of Dumaine Street was retained and was still used by the Americans during the War of 1812. Two one-story ordnance and supply storehouses, each 250 feet by 35 feet, were built in 1808, one for the U.S. Navy and one for the U.S. Army Quartermaster. A U.S. Marine Barracks (1805 ? - 1821) was located at Levee and Dumaine Streets to guard the property and the adjacent U.S. Navy Yard (1804 - 1826) located on the riverfront (basically just a dedicated wharf and warehouse for government vessels). Damaged and repaired after a hurricane in August 1812, but after 1815 ordnance was begun to be stored in several leased buildings throughout the city. The arsenal was ordered to be closed in 1818, but remained is use for several more years. The arsenal and Marine barracks were both partially destroyed by fire in May 1820, and again in November 1821. Abandoned in 1824, when all remaining stores and ordnance in the city were removed to the new Federal arsenal in Baton Rouge. The Navy Yard was officially disestablished in September 1826.

Fort St. John (1) (aka Spanish Fort). U.S. Marines were posted here in January-April 1807 during the Burr Conspiracy crisis. The old French/Spanish fort was completely rebuilt beginning in August 1808 as an 11-gun brick work, with barracks, Officers' quarters, powder magazine, guardhouse, and kitchen. Completed in March 1810. Also known as Fort Pontchartrain. Reported damaged in the August 1812 hurricane. The fort only had two guns mounted in early 1814, but had at least 15 guns when the British invaded in December. A small supplemental shore battery (or two batteries, two guns each) was built on the opposite side of the bayou from the fort in December 1814, manned by a detachment of U.S. Navy sailors and local militia until at least January 1815. The fort was continually garrisoned until at least July 1821, and was formally abandoned in 1823. A hotel was later (1825 ?) built on the brick foundations. Confederate forces later made use of the site in 1861 - 1862. The foundations and walls were partially restored privately in 1911, and were also restored by the W.P.A. in the 1930's. Became a municipal park in 1937, located just north of City Park. FORT WIKI

Powder Magazine Barracks (January 1813 - May 1817), also known as Algiers Barracks, located in the Algiers area along Powder Street, behind the Powder Magazine, almost directly across the river from St. Peter Street. A group of 16 barracks were built on leased land to originally house 1600 American reinforcements for the defense of the city against the British. Four of the barracks were converted for use as a hospital after the Battle of New Orleans (January 1815). The lease was terminated in May 1817 and the property subsequently disposed of and returned to the owners. The adjacent Powder Magazine was still retained for military use until about 1825.

Camp Carroll (December 1814 - March 1815), a Tennessee state militia camp located on the McCarthy Plantation in the present-day Carrollton area.
Camp Coffee (December 1814 - March 1815), another Tennessee state militia camp near Camp Carroll.
Together these two camps were sometimes singularly referred to in some reports as Camp above New Orleans.

(Lt. Col. Thomas) Hinds' Cavalry Camp (2) (February-March 1815), located above (upriver from) the city.
Camp Delors (December 1814), a Louisiana state militia cavalry camp somewhere in Orleans Parish (undetermined location).
Post at Marigny's Canal (December 1814), a Louisiana state militia infantry camp located on the Mississippi River at the Marigny sawmill canal, just below Fort St. Charles (1).
Post at Faubourg St. Mary (December 1814), a Louisiana state militia cavalry camp located in what is today's central business district of downtown New Orleans, immediately upriver from the Vieux Carré.
Camp Henderson (January 1815), a Tennessee state militia camp located above the city, after the Battle of New Orleans. Possibly the same as Camp Carroll (?).
Camp at Brignier's Quarters (September 1814), a Louisiana state militia cavalry camp located in or near the city (unknown location).

New Orleans Arsenal (2)
(1839 - 1912), New Orleans FORT WIKI
A two-story city armory built beginning in July 1839, completed later that year, located on St. Peter Street, behind the Cabildo in Place d'Armes (renamed Jackson Square in 1851). The site had once been the location of a French era guardhouse and jail (corps de garde) in 1728, which remained in use as such during the Spanish era, and later suffered from the March 1788 and December 1794 fires. Rebuilt by the Spanish in 1795 as a prison (calaboose) for the Cabildo (which was also constructed at this time), and remained in this use until demolished in 1837. The Arsenal became the armory and depot for the local militia (Orleans Artillery) from 1846 to 1861, and became the headquarters of the State Adjutant General in 1860. Became part of the New Orleans Confederate States Arsenal / Ordnance Depot in early 1861 to store military supplies. After the Union took the city in April 1862, it became a military prison. After 1871 it was used by the Metropolitan City Police as a storage depot, then later reverted back to state militia use after 1877. Closed in 1912 when the Washington Artillery obtained a new armory on St. Charles Street. Now commonly known as the State Arsenal. Became part of the Louisiana State Museum in March 1914. Public access is only through the Cabildo Museum. Admission fee.

Camp Duty
(1846), New Orleans
A state militia artillery battalion muster camp (May 1846) for the Mexican-American War, located at Place d'Armes (renamed Jackson Square in 1851).

Fort Vigilance
(1858), New Orleans
The name given to the Cabildo and Arsenal and Jackson Square when an armed faction of about 1600 men under the local Vigilance Committee set up a fortified point there for several days during a political disturbance in the city (June 1858).

New Orleans Civil War Defenses
(1861 - 1866), New Orleans and vicinity
Confederate posts and defenses of the city (April 1861 - April 1862) included:
Carrollton / Victor Smith Defense Line, defensive earthworks were begun in August 1861 in the Metairie / Jefferson area along present-day Causeway Boulevard, with the Main Redoubt at the southern terminus of the line at the Mississippi River, and the north end of the line ending at the Cavalier Battery hornwork. This protected the New Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad, and the Metairie Road along Bayou Metairie. In March 1862 the main redoubt was formally named Fort John Morgan (1) by the Confederate authorities. The 1.5 mile line of works was still unfinished when the Union captured the city in late April 1862. The main redoubt was then reworked and renamed Camp Parapet and the entire defense line subsequently renamed the Parapet Line. State marker #1 located on Jefferson Highway (US 90) at Causeway Blvd., and state marker #2 located on River Road at Causeway Blvd.. Within Camp Parapet was an earth-covered brick powder magazine, which still remains in a small gated park at 2812 Arlington Street (access by permission only; free public access on "Camp Parapet Day" held annually each autumn by the Jefferson Historical Society). At the north end of the defense line the Union extended the works past the Cavalier Battery and built a ten-pointed Star Fort (1) (near West Metairie Ave. and North Causeway Blvd.), completed in November 1864. The Parapet Line was maintained by the Union until February 1866. No remains. FORT WIKI

Camp Lewis (1) (est. June 1861), along the Carrollton Railroad near the Greenville settlement, about 1.5 miles below Carrollton. Originally built to handle the overflow from Camp Walker. Site now within today's Audubon Park. Some Union troops were camped here in October 1862, which may have been Camp Kearny.
Camp Carrollton (a) (October 1861 - February 1862), also known as Camp Roman, located in the Carrollton area on the Roman Plantation. The same site, or nearby land, was later used by Union troops (Camp Carrollton (b)) after the fall of the city (May 1862).
Camp Romain (December 1861), likely a mis-spelling of Camp Roman.
Barataria / Company Canal Defense Line, defensive earthworks for artillery, with two bastions, built on the west (south) bank of the Mississippi River in the present-day Westwego area along the south bank of the Barataria (or Company) Canal to Bayou Segnette (present-day Laroussini Street / Sala Ave., past 4th Street to 5th or 6th Streets). Completed in December 1861, this protected the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad. This defense line was retained and maintained by the Union until the end of the war, and possibly later.
Camp Walker (April-May 1861), a training camp at the Metairie horse race track (present-day Metairie Cemetery) on the north side of Metairie Road. Initially named Camp Metairie and then Camp Smith (1) during its first week. It was soon replaced by Camp Moore in Tangipahoa (see page three) over health concerns due to overcrowding (with well over 3000 troops). Defensive fortifications nearby were a gun battery located along Canal Street at the New Canal Shell Road (present-day Pontchartrain Blvd.), and a two-gun battery at the Jefferson and Lake Pontchartrain Railroad (aka Carrollton Railroad) (at present-day Maryland Drive and Bordeaux or Dahlia Streets at the 17th Street Canal). The railroad battery was likely retained by the Union. Camp Farr (2) (April-May 1863) was a Union camp at the Metairie race track.
Bayou St. John Fortifications, two batteries or artillery redoubts, with supporting infantry trenchworks, one on each side of the bayou, located at a sharp bend called the "Devil's Elbow" (present-day Demourelles Island), about where present-day Harrison Ave. crosses Wisner Blvd.. The island was created in 1869 when the bayou was straightened to eliminate the sharp bend for easier navigation.
Fort St. John (1), the old fort was reoccupied by Confederate troops in 1861 for a four-gun shore battery. Two companies of Union heavy artillery troops occupied the post from June 1864 until May 1865.
Gentilly Ridge Fortifications, defensive earthworks and batteries (with at least one four-gun battery) located on the north side of the Gentilly Road along the old Pontchartrain Railroad, near the present-day intersection of Elysian Fields Ave. and Lombard and/or Carnot Streets in the Gentilly Terrace area. Probably retained by the Union.
Camp Benjamin (late 1861 - March 1862), on the Gentilly Road just east of the Pontchartrain Railroad.
Camp Caroline (March 1862), on the Hopkins Plantation east of the Pontchartrain Railroad, near Camp Benjamin, possibly on the Gentilly Road.
Annunciation Square (March 1862 - January 1863), a public square used as a Confederate troop campsite in early 1862, then later as a Union troop campsite.
Lafayette Square (1861 - 1862), a public square used as a temporary training area and campsite by both Confederate and Union troops. Also known as Camp Lafayette during the Union occupation.
Washington Square (1861 - 1862), a public square used as a Confederate troop campsite, and later also by Union troops.
Chalmette Defense Line, defensive earthworks built on the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River in the Chalmette area, about 700 yards below the old 1815 Jackson defense line, now just below the downriver brick wall of the cemetery. Some trace remnants still remain. This helped protect the Mexican Gulf Railroad. River batteries (12 guns) here briefly engaged the Union fleet in April 1862.
Camp Chalmette (2) (November 1861 - April 1862), in Chalmette at the old 1815 Battleground. Also used later by various Union troops (1862 - May 1865).
Camp Carondelet (1) (December 1861), in Chalmette at the old 1815 Battleground.
McGehee Defense Line, defensive earthworks built on the west (south) bank of the Mississippi River on the McGehee Plantation, in the present-day Aurora Gardens area of Algiers, directly across from Chalmette. The works were about three-fourths of a mile long from the levee to the swamp. River batteries (six guns) here briefly engaged the Union fleet in April 1862. Trace remnants still exist.

An unnamed Confederate battery or redoubt was apparently located on the west bank of the Mississippi River just downstream of old Fort St. Leon (near present-day Belle Chasse), as shown on an 1863 map of Louisiana.

Camp Davis (1) (April 1861), muster camp of Company A, Wheat's Battalion, somewhere in the city (undetermined location).
Camp Messier (March 1862), camp of the Orleans Guards, unknown location.
Alabama Cotton Press (March 1862), barracks on Race Street between St. Thomas and Tchoupitoulas Streets.
Louisiana Cotton Press (April 1861), located on Robin Street near St. Thomas Street.
Lower Cotton Press (April 1861), located near the levee between Montegut and St. Ferdinand Streets. Also later used as Union barracks from May 1862 to April 1866. Also used for Confederate POWs in early 1865.
Orleans Cotton Press #3 (May-July 1861), muster site for several Confederate units before transferring to Camp Moore, located at Front and Roffignac Streets. Possibly known as Camp Smith (2) in July 1861.
Camp Jackson (3) (September-October 1861), somewhere in or near the city (unknown location).
Camp Reichard (February 1862), somewhere in the city (unknown location).
Camp Soule (November 1861), a recruitment camp somewhere in or near the city (unknown location).
Camp Todd (March 1862), a camp of the New Orleans Light Artillery (unknown location).
U.S. Marine Hospital (April-December 1861), located in McDonoghville (now Gretna), built beginning in 1838, completed in 1850, seized by Confederates in April (or May ?) 1861 for use as a powder mill and magazine. Possibly became part of the C.S. Arsenal/Ordnance Depot, or the C.S. Naval Ordnance Depot. Destroyed by a powder explosion in December 1861, leaving a rubble pile until after the war. Site now in river beyond the foot of Perry and Isbell Streets. Marker located on the levee walkway (Mississippi River Trail) near the foot of Mardi Gras Blvd., directly under the westbound lanes of the Crescent City Connection Bridge (US 90 Business), about one mile south of the Gretna Ferry Landing.

Of interest is the Louisiana Civil War Museum at Confederate Memorial Hall, located at 929 Camp Street. Admission fee. An 8-inch Columbiad gun from Spanish Fort, Alabama is on display in front of the building.

Additional Union posts and defenses (May 1862 - 1865/66) not mentioned above included:
Fort Banks (late 1861 - 1865), located on the Mississippi River in Bridge City just downstream (about one-half mile) of the Labranche Canal outlet. It was originally a CSA six-gun earthen field work (unnamed) (with 90 men) that was abandoned and then taken over by the Union in April 1862, and named later. The fort was situated in the center of several Union cavalry camps in June 1864. No remains. FORT WIKI
Bayou Gentilly Redoubt (1862 - May 1865), on Bayou Gentilly (Sauvage) along the Old Gentilly Road, about two and one-quarter miles east of the Pontchartrain Railroad (present-day East Gentilly area).
Camp Farr (1) (February 1863) on Bayou Gentilly.
Camp Love (1863), in Greenville.
Greenville Barracks (August 1864 - winter 1874), in the Greenville area, bounded on the south by Lower Line Street. Also known as Sedgwick Barracks. The Greenville (Sedgwick) General Hospital (June 1865 - September 1868) was also here, and was also used as additional barracks after 1866. The barracks were continued in use during the Reconstruction Era.
U.S. Cavalry Camp of Instruction (June 1864), eight stables served by two railroad spurs, to train over 2600 troopers, located in Greenville.
Camp at Jefferson City (August 1863), in the Jefferson City area.
Camp Kearny (October 1862 - July 1863), in the Carrollton area, possibly the same site as CSA Camp Lewis (1). Located one-quarter mile from the levee and near the Carrollton Railroad.
Camp Mansfield (December 1862), located in the Carrollton area, a short distance from Camp Kearny.
Camp Mors (November 1862), located in the Carrollton area, "where the great levee ends in the swamp". Also known as "Camp Death" by the 6th Michigan Volunteers.
Camp Williams (1) (August 1862), between the Carrollton and Jefferson area, near the Parapet Line.
Camp at Kenner (June 1864), located in Kenner.
Camp at Kennerville (February-March 1864), located in Kenner.
U.S. Camp of Instruction (December 1864 - March 1865), located in Kenner.
Camp Weitzel (1) (July 1862), in Kenner.
Post at Whitehall Plantation (June 1864), in Kenner on the River Road at Central Ave..
Post at Lake End (June 1864), located between downtown New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
Post at Lakeport (June 1864), located at the end of the Pontchartrain Railroad line at the lakeshore, near Milneburg.
Post at Manning's Plantation (June 1864 - May 1865), on the east (north) bank of the Mississippi River above New Orleans (in St. Charles Parish ?).
Post at Algiers, a general term to designate the several Union camps in and around Algiers, especially those at the terminal of the New Orleans, Opelousas, and Great Western Railroad; and at the Bellville Iron Works.
Camp of Distribution (September 1864 - June 1866), unknown location, used for troop re-assignments.
Camp Kenyon (February-March 1864), located near English Turn at or near the site of old Fort Ste. Marie.
Post at New Orleans, a general term to designate the Union military headquarters located at various places in the city during the length of the occupation (and afterwards to 1878), which included, among other sites, the U.S. Customs House for a time after May 1862. Confederate Officer POWs were also held here, and at the U.S. Mint.

Several of the large cotton warehouses and storage yards thoughout the city were used as Union barracks or encampments.
Camp De Mars (February 1864), possibly at or near the Steam Cotton Press on Levee Street.
Camp Dudley (December 1863), at the Steam Cotton Press on Levee Street.
Factor's Press (January 1863), unknown location.
Freret's Cotton Press (May 1862), unknown location.
Mechanic's Institute (May 1862), on Dryades Street near Canal Street (present-day University Place).
Reading Cotton Press (1862), unknown location.
Union Cotton Press (May 1862), on Henderson Street between Tchoupitoulas and New Levee Streets.

Camp Warmoth
(1872), New Orleans
The name given in jest by the local newspapers to the Mechanics Institute in the city during political unrest in January 1872, when the arms and artillery of the Louisiana Legion militia were confiscated and removed from its armory and placed under guard here. Henry Warmoth was the state governor at the time, who ordered the confiscation of the arms.

Camp Gladden
(1883), New Orleans
A military camp (May 1883) established at the New Orleans Fair Grounds for competitive exercises between various State Militia/National Guard units from several southern states.

Camp Endicott
(1885), New Orleans
The guard camp for U.S. Army units appearing at the 1885 New Orleans World's Fair (Cotton Centennial Exposition), which was held from December 1884 to June 1885 at what later became Audubon Park. The Army was encamped at City Park.

Camp at New Orleans Fair Grounds
(1898), New Orleans
A Spanish-American War Regular Army mobilization camp (April-May 1898). Infantry units left for embarkation at San Francisco, California, and cavalry units left for Mobile, Alabama. Located just to the east of City Park. Sub-divisions of the encampment included Camp Foster (2), a state volunteer troops muster camp, and Camp H.C. Corbin, an assembly camp for the 1st Regiment of Immunes. Camp Riche was also here later, renamed Camp Houston.

Camp Nicholls (1)
(1884 - 1940), New Orleans
The name given to the state-owned Confederate Soldier's Home located at 1700 Moss Street, on the right bank of Bayou St. John. Built in 1884 to house over 300 Confederate veterans, closed in 1940 after the last veteran passed away. The property was taken over the Louisiana National Guard in 1942 and several new structures were built on site for use as a state armory and vehicle storage depot. The complex was turned over to the city in the 1960's for use by the city police department, until the 1990's. The complex was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and was completely razed in 2009.

Camp Nicholls (2)
(1916, 1917), New Orleans
A mobilization camp (June 1916) for state troops during the Mexican Border Crisis of 1916. Site re-occupied by state troops in 1917 (April-August) for WWI mobilization before they were transferred to Camp Beauregard (3) in Alexandria, which had just been opened. Located at the Race Track in City Park.

Also located nearby within City Park was Camp Martin (2) (1917), a specialized Army camp for communications training (Signal Corps and Coast Artillery). This camp was soon moved to Tulane University after the students there left for the summer.

New Orleans Port of Embarkation
(1919 - 1966/present), New Orleans
Originally the New Orleans Army Quartermaster Depot (1919 - 1931), with three large six-story high warehouses located on about 30 acres on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the Bywater area, between the Industrial Canal (Inner Harbor Navigation Canal) and Poland Ave., later becoming the New Orleans Port of Embarkation in 1941, then renamed New Orleans Army Terminal in 1955. It was closed and transferred to the Navy in 1966 as part of the larger Naval Support Activity New Orleans, now the F. Edward Hebert Defense Complex. The Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation now operates the Poland Street Wharf facility.

During WWII, Camp Plauche (1942 - 1946), originally named Camp Harahan, was the main troop staging area, built on 425 acres then owned by the Illinois Central Railroad, located north of the Jefferson Highway (LA 48) between Harahan and the US 90 approach to the Huey P. Long Bridge, with over 300 buildings. It was soon transformed into a training center for port service troops, railroad battalion troops, and hospital service troops. A POW camp was established in 1944. The area is now commercial and industrial properties.

Camp Leroy Johnson (1942 - 1964), located on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain between the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal and Franklin Ave., along with the adjacent New Orleans Municipal Airport (1934), was originally New Orleans Army Air Base until 1947, and also served as a Replacement Training Center for the Army Transportation Corps, as well as training for Signal Corps and Quartermaster troops. Site now University of New Orleans East Campus athletic facilities, and the headquarters of the F.B.I. New Orleans Field Office. The New Orleans Airport was renamed Lakefront Airport in 1947.

Jackson Barracks
(Louisiana National Guard History and State Weapons Museum)
(1834 - present), New Orleans FORT WIKI
Originally known as New Orleans Barracks, construction began in February 1834, completed in December 1835, and is located three miles downriver from the French Quarter, off of Delery Street at the present-day New Orleans city limits adjacent to Arabi. It originally had four blockhouses with a palisade. A 900-foot by 300-foot brick wall and four loop-holed three-story brick towers were built by 1837, enclosing about a dozen two-story brick garrison buildings around a 500-foot long parade ground. The brick Powder Magazine was built in 1837 well outside of the barracks compound, within its own walled area on the north side of present-day St. Claude Ave.. An adjacent tract of land on the west (upriver) side of the Barracks was acquired in 1848, and the Post Hospital was built there in 1849. The Barracks was occupied by Confederate troops from January 1861 until April 1862. It became a General Hospital in July 1863. The post was renamed in July 1866, and reverted back to garrison barracks at that time. The old hospital was demolished after 1870. Several buildings along the riverfront were severely damaged in a October 1912 flood and levee break, and subsequently had to be demolished with the construction of a new levee. These included the Commandant's Quarters and Sallyport, the two front towers, and two Officers' Quarters. The post served as the Headquarters of the New Orleans Coast Defenses during the Spanish-American War and World War I. Turned over (by lease) to the state National Guard in 1921, but Federalized during 1941 - 1946 as part of the New Orleans Port of Embarkation. Several new buildings were constructed during the 1930's and 1940's. The entire property reverted back to state ownership in 1955. The Jackson Barracks Museum was formerly housed in the restored Powder Magazine (1977 - 2005). The post suffered major damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, followed by a major restoration and rebuilding program. A new (renamed) museum was built off of St. Claude Ave.. Public access to the rest of the post is now restricted (since 2005).

Chalmette Battlefield
(Jean Lafitte National Historic Park)
(1815, 1862), Chalmette
Several American artillery positions (Line Jackson) still remain from the January 1815 Battle of New Orleans. The defensive line was composed of eight batteries with a total of 14 guns, located on the Macarté and Rodriguez Plantations and ran alongside the upriver side of the old Rodriguez irrigation canal for 1530 yards from the river to the swamp. The river has since eroded away between 100 to 300 yards on the extreme right of the line, which included a two-gun infantry redoubt on the old river road. American militia units remained encamped here until March 1815. Camp Rodrigues (or Roderego) was an early name used in January 1815. Camp Macarty, centered around the Macarté plantation house, was the field headquarters of General Andrew Jackson and other American units. Camp Jackson (1) was to the rear of Line Jackson, established after the battle and occupied by the 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment until April 1815. Hinds' Cavalry Camp (1) (January 1815) was also likely here after the battle. Most of these American camps were also sometimes referred to in some reports (singularly or collectively) as Camp below New Orleans. The British also constructed several field batteries and three redoubts just to the east (downriver) (no remains) on the Chalmette and Bienvenue Plantations. British headquarters was located further east on the Villeré Plantation ("Pakenham Oaks" near Paris Road). About three dozen markers and plaques interpret the history here. Chalmette National Cemetery (est. May 1868) is located just downriver adjacent to the battlefield park. The Chalmette Slip ship terminal on the upriver side of the battlefield was constructed in 1910, cutting off the direct River Road access from Jackson Barracks.

In January 1847 several units of Mississippi and Pennsylvania state militia troops were encamped here (Camp at Chalmette Battleground (1)) prior to embarkation for service in the Mexican-American War.

Some trace remnants of Confederate earthworks from early 1862 also still remain nearby (Chalmette Defense Line), built about 700 yards below the 1815 Jackson defense line, now just below the downriver brick wall of the National Cemetery. These works (12 guns) briefly engaged the Union fleet in April 1862. The battleground area was used and known as Camp Chalmette (2) by both the Confederates and Union during the entire Civil War (mid 1861 through May 1865). Camp Carondelet (1) was a Confederate campsite here in December 1861.

Additional American defensive lines (1815) were located to the rear of Line Jackson, back towards the city and beyond the boundaries of the present-day battlefield park. The Line Dupré was about one and one-quarter mile west of Line Jackson, on the Dupré Plantation (approximately along present-day Center Street (?) in Arabi), which ran for several hundred yards from the levee to the swamp and included an enclosed redoubt and a circular battery. Camp Dupré was also established here for the units manning the defense line. Camp Piernas (1813, January 1815) was a Louisiana militia camp (1813) located on the Piernas Plantation nearby. Kentucky militia units were encamped there after the January 1815 battle. The Line Montreuil was located about another 1.5 miles further beyond, on the Montreuil Plantation (possibly along Kentucky Street / Poland Ave. (?), or more probably along Independence / Congress Streets, in the Bywater area of New Orleans). It too had an enclosed redoubt on the levee, and an infantry rifle bastion about 500 yards inland. These two lines were not directly involved in the January 1815 battle. Both lines also remained manned until March 1815.

American earthworks (Line Jourdan) and three naval one-gun shore batteries (aka Marine Battery) (1815) were also located on the west bank of the river on the Jourdan Plantation, directly opposite Chalmette (approximately at Chelsea Drive in Aurora Gardens). Camp Morgan (1) was the encampment of the troops manning this line. (Brig. Gen. David) Morgan's Line was an improvised trenchwork about 300 yards below (east of) the naval batteries, with three small guns. A reserve line of defense was the Bois Gervais Line along the Bois Gervais Canal on the William Flood Plantation, about one and one-half miles upriver from Line Jourdan (approximately at Kabel Drive/Nie Parkway in Aurora Gardens). This line had redoubts at each end. Camp at Flood's Plantation (January 1815) was occupied after the battle. The British advanced on and overran these lines and captured several guns, claiming victory on this side of the river, but the split forces may have cost the overall battle for the British. West Bank battle marker located on Patterson Drive, near Chelsea Drive, in the Aurora Gardens community of New Orleans (Algiers). Trace remnants of Confederate earthworks from early 1862 are also located nearby on this side of the river (McGehee Defense Line), about three-fourths of a mile long from the levee to the swamp, on what was once the McGehee Plantation. These works (six guns) briefly engaged the Union fleet in April 1862.

Camp Bertonniere
(1814), New Orleans
An American fortified camp with a redoubt and two batteries for light field guns, located about six miles east of the city on the Bertonniere Plantation on the Chef Menteur Road, along Bayou Sauvage, west of present-day Michoud. It was quicky established after British forces were landed in December 1814. Its date of abandonment is uncertain, probably by early January 1815.

Camp Claiborne (2)
(1804), New Orleans
A temporary camp (August-November 1804) for Regular Army troops, located about seven miles east of the city along the Chef Menteur Road to escape a Yellow Fever outbreak.

Fort Petite Coquilles
(1813 - 1827), Pass Rigolets
The Spanish had planned a small fort, or a four-gun battery with a blockhouse, in 1792 on a shell mound or midden at the western end of the south side of Pass Rigolets, but no work was ever done. In January 1813 the Americans built and garrisoned a nine-gun work (20 guns in December 1814), described as a parallelogram with two full bastions on the east end, a half-bastion on the southwest corner, and a semi-circular six-gun battery on the northwest corner. There were also two barracks, a magazine, and Officers' quarters. Also known as Battery at Pass Rigolets. Shown as Coquille's Fort or Fort Coquilles on some maps and reports. The fort remained garrisoned until at least March 1827, possibly later as Fort Pike was completed. Fort Pike's post hospital was later built on or near the site in the 1840's. Site is now under water, with some of the hospital foundations visible at low tide, located about three-quarters of a mile west of Fort Pike. It has been suggested by modern historians that because of the placement of this fort, the British were forced to land at Bayou Bienvenue on Lake Borgne, instead of sailing directly to New Orleans via Lake Pontchartrain. The British fleet did make a feint towards the pass, but made no serious attempt to seize the fort. The British likely thought the fort here to be much stronger than it probably was in reality, but the American garrison was never tested in battle to prove it. The fort had a garrison of 60 men in early 1814, but a company of 70 sailors and additional guns re-enforced the post in December 1814 after the destruction of the American's Lake Borgne gunboat fleet.

A battery was proposed in 1812 for the north side of the pass to provide cross-fire, but it was never built.

Fort Pike (State Historic Site)
(1819 - 1890), Pass Rigolets FORT WIKI
Construction began in 1819, completed and first garrisoned in February-March 1827, originally known as Fort at the Rigolets until officially renamed in November 1827. Designed for 64 guns, with a wartime garrison 400 men. Occupied on and off during the 1830's and 1840's. The last pre-war garrison was withdrawn in August 1849. The citadel was enlarged with a second story in 1850. Held by the CSA from January 1861 to April 1862. Re-occupied by the Union in May 1862. The fort saw little or no combat during the war. The last Federal garrison was withdrwn in May 1871 and the fort thereafter held by caretakers, with all the armament removed by 1880. The citadel/barracks burned in 1862 and again in 1887. Formally abandoned by the Army in 1890. A lighthouse was built in 1921 on part of the old reservation. Acquired by the state in 1927, some repairs to the fort were made when the state park opened in 1935. A museum and visitor center are in the former citadel/barracks. Admission fee. Damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
See also Coastal Fortifications on the Gulf of Mexico by Andy Bennett

Fort Macomb
(1822 - 1871/1896), Chef Menteur Pass FORT WIKI
Located nine miles west of Fort Pike. Construction began in 1822. The fort (identical to Fort Pike) was originally named Fort at Chef Menteur (2) until 1827 when it was completed and formally named Fort Wood, until officially renamed again in June 1851. It was regularly garrisoned from 1827 to 1850, except for the Seminole War in Florida, and the Mexican-American War. A second story was added to the citadel barracks in 1850. The fort was garrisoned by the CSA from January 1861 to April 1862. The fort never saw combat. It was then occupied by a Union garrison until August 1866, and then later abandoned after a fire destroyed the barracks in 1867. The Army disposed of the property in 1896, and it was sold off by the Federal government in 1914. The fort is owned by the state (since 1927), but is closed to the public due to its deteriorating condition. A portion of the moat is now used by the adjacent Venetian Isles Marina. Damaged further by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Previously here was American Fort Chef Menteur (1) (nine guns) (January - March 1815), a redoubt or battery built after the British left New Orleans, to guard the pass against future raids. American militia troops had been posted here in December 1814 to guard the pass, and probably built a crude two-gun fieldwork at that time (Battery at Bayou Sauvage).

Battery Bienvenue
(1815, 1826 - 1877/1919), Villeré
A 20-gun moated open masonry work 600 feet long, with barracks, magazine, Officers' quarters, and guardhouse. Located on Bayou Bienvenue at its confluence with Bayou Maxent (Mazant), on private property, access by boat only. Occupied by Confederates from January 1861 to April 1862, then garrisoned by Union troops until the end of the war. The post saw no combat. Only six guns were left mounted by 1866, and these six still remain today on the parapet ruins. Also known as Battery Maxent (3) on some early engineer plans.

The American three-gun star redoubt Battery Mazant (Maxent) (2) (January - March 1815) was earlier located here at the confluence of Bayou Bienvenue (Catalan) and Bayou Maxent (Mazant), built and armed after the British withdrew from New Orleans. Also known as Fort Villeré. Some accounts suggest this star fort was actually begun by the British in December 1814 in order to protect their route of advance to the Chalmette battlefield from any American force coming from Bayou Bienvenue, and then later taken over and completed by the Americans.

A crude breastwork had been erected by the British in January 1815 on the left bank of Bayou Bienvenue, opposite the star fort, to cover their route of withdrawal after the battle.

Before and during the War of 1812, the common spelling was "Bienvenu", for the family, plantation, and the waterway.

Bayou Mazant Redoubt (1)
(1814 - 1815), near Villeré
A strong enclosed work (or two works) built by the British, located across both sides of Bayou Mazant/Maxent (Villeré) at its junction with the Villeré Canal, to protect a reserve powder magazine, and to command the entrance to the canal and the road built by the British alongside the canal towards the Chalmette battlefield (the British headquarters camp area). This post remained under a strong guard throughout the campaign.

Bayou Jumonville Redoubt
(1815), near Villeré
A crude breastwork built by the British to defend their route of withdrawal from New Orleans after the battle. Located on the right bank of Bayou Jumonville (Ducros) at its confluence with Bayou Mazant (Villeré).

Fishermen's Village Redoubt
(1814 - 1815), Bayou Bienvenue
A strong British enclosed fieldwork built to defend the troop landing area on Bayou Bienvenue (Catalan) in preparation for the attack on New Orleans (December 1814). Earthen breastworks were erected to contain an area for 1000 men and supplies. It was never completed before the British withdrew. Located just inland of the Fishermen's Village, which was then located about one-half mile from the mouth of the bayou on Lake Borgne. At the time, the village was composed of 12 large make-shift cabins occupied by about 30-40 Spanish Creole and Portuguese fishermen. Traces of the irregular line of earthworks still remain at the present mouth of the bayou.

Tower Dupré
(1827 - 1865/1874/1919), Bayou Dupré
A three-story hexagonal Martello-type brick tower with an external six-gun water battery, located eight miles east of Chalmette at the mouth of Bayou Dupré (Philippon). Also known as Philippon Tower. Completed in July 1830, but rebuilt in 1832 after a severe storm hit in August 1831. Armed in 1833 with the arrival of the first garrison. Designed for 24 guns with a garrison of 50 men, it was never fully armed or manned. The third level was removed in 1843 and the tower re-roofed because of excessive weight concerns. Repaired again in 1848, 1852, and 1855. With only five guns (24-pounders) then mounted, it was briefly garrisoned by the Confederates in the spring of 1861. It then remained unguarded until March 1862. A few Union troops later briefly garrisoned the tower in March 1863. Abandoned after the war, some maintenance continued until 1874. The last armament report was issued in 1892, although all guns had long since been removed and the tower was in ruins due to storms and vandals. Ownership of the land came into dispute beginning in 1883. Eventually sold off by the government. On private property, now completely surrounded by water. A new roof and a pier had been added by the last owners, somewhat preserving the structure, for use as a fishing camp. It was completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, only brick rubble now remains at the site. See also Flying Cypress-Adventures of a Biologist

Bayou Dupré Redoubt
(1814 - 1815), near Violet
This American work was located further inland on Bayou Dupré (du Preé), at the back of the Philippon Plantation, about one and one-half to two miles from the Mississippi River, built after the British had already landed their forces on Lake Borgne at Bayou Bienvenue. It was not completed when ordered abandoned in March 1815. Its armament was unreported. Referred to in error as Phillip's Fort in one contemporary journal.

Fort Proctor
(1856 - 1860/1872/1919, 1944), Old Shell Beach
Known officially as Tower at Proctor's Landing, or Tower at Proctorsville, and also known locally as Fort Beauregard (1), or Beauregard's Castle. It was a square castle-like three-story brick tower within a square double moat, with an exterior water battery, located ten miles southeast of Tower Dupré, and about 350 yards west of the mouth of Bayou Yscloskey. It was to protect the terminus of the Mexican Gulf Railroad at old Proctorsville. It was planned to have eight guns mounted on top of the structure, the lower floors only loop-holed for muskets. Construction began in March 1856, but worked stopped in September 1858 due to lack of funds. It was then abandoned before it was completed due to storm damage in August 1860 (the third story was never built), and was never officially garrisoned nor armed, although Confederate troops posted at Proctorsville in 1861, and Union troops after 1862, may have used the site as a lookout post. After the war a caretaker managed the fort until 1872. By 1915 the exterior battery had completely washed away. The U.S. Army finally disposed of the fort and 100-acre reservation in 1919 and it was sold off in 1922. It has suffered additional storm damage over the years. Completely surrounded by water, access is by boat only. The outer wall of the moat was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The U.S. Army emplaced an anti-aircraft gun battery in the vicinity in 1944.

Proctorsville Battery
(1861 - 1865), near Yscloskey
A CSA four-gun earthen battery, with 100 men, at the old town of Proctorsville. Located across the Mexican Gulf Railroad tracks about one mile from the wharf on Lake Borgne. Built in December 1861. Confederate troops had been posted here (closer to the wharf) as early as June 1861.

Union troops were later posted here after 1862 during the occupation of New Orleans, and were withdrawn in May 1865.

Fort Darby
(1815), near Delacroix, St. Bernard Parish
An American two-gun earthen redoubt located on Bayou Terre aux Boeufs at the outlet of Lake Lery, opposite the north end of Delacroix Island (possibly closer to Wood Lake). It was built in February 1815 to prevent any further British raids up this water route. It was dismantled soon after peace was officially declared in Louisiana and martial law was lifted in New Orleans (March 1815). Also referred to as Battery at Lake Lery.

Kenilworth Blockhouse
(1759), near Kenilworth, St. Bernard Parish
An unnamed French era blockhouse was supposedly once located on the Kenilworth Plantation property on Bayou Terre aux Boeufs. The plantation was named "Kenilworth" in 1880. The present house on the site was built circa 1820, located at 2931 Bayou Road (private property).

Post at San Bernardo
(1793), near Poydras ?
A Spanish garrison post (five men) was reported to be located five leagues (13 miles) from New Orleans in March 1793. Before 1817 the St. Bernard community was primarily only the area along Bayou Terre aux Boeufs.

Camp Terre aux Boeufs
(1809), near Poydras, St. Bernard Parish
A temporary Federal tent encampment (June - October 1809) for units posted in New Orleans, located about 12 miles downriver from New Orleans on the John de Lasize plantation, situated on the east side of the river, on the east side of the river road at its junction with the road to the Terre aux Boeufs settlement (present-day St. Bernard) on Bayou Terre aux Boeufs, which was then a small settled area of farms and orchards extending eastward from the Mississippi River.

Fortifications at the English Turn
(1722 - 1817, 1862), near English Turn FORT WIKI
Known as "English Turn" since 1699 when British ships were turned away. The French first built Fort Détour à l'Anglais sometime after December 1722, originally as three earthwork batteries. Substantially rebuilt in 1748 as two nearly identical 30-gun stockaded earthworks (each a 10-gun crescent battery with five four-gun redans) located across the river from each other, one at the river bend just north of Belle Chasse (Batterie de l'Anse) and the other opposite on Shingle Point at present-day English Turn (Batterie de la Pointe). Each were later rebuilt again in 1754 as four-bastioned squares, renamed Fort St. Leon (19 guns, 70 men) and Fort Ste. Marie (21 guns) respectively. By the mid 1750's these two forts were considered the strongest and most important forts for the downriver defense of New Orleans.

Occupied by the Spanish in 1766 but apparently not improved or maintained, both Fort San Leon and Fort Santa Maria were in ruins by 1780, and were officialy abandoned in 1792. Both forts were ordered to be re-occupied in 1794, but were apparently left abandoned.

American Fort St. Leon (1808 - 1817) was a ditched earthwork faced with brick, built on (or very close to) the site of the former French Fort St. Leon. Construction began in November 1808, and was completed in March 1810. Garrisoned by only four men in 1811. Built for nine guns, only four were emplaced by December 1814. Its guns could effectively cover the river for about two miles in either direction. Also built were a magazine, two barracks, Officers' quarters, kitchen, and guardhouse. The fort was strengthened in December 1814, which was completed in January 1815, but it was not attacked by the British as they failed to get past Fort St. Philip. An organized encampment with a dozen barracks and six Officers' quarters to house up to 3000 troops was built in December-January 1812-13 across the river at Wood's Ville, immediately upriver from the site of the old French Fort Ste. Marie (the ruins of which were noted at the southwest corner of the encampment area). The barracks were vacated later in 1813, but were re-occupied in September 1814 and fortified with defensive embankments. Both sites were ordered abandoned in 1817. The site of the American Fort St. Leon was found and excavated in 1963 but is now mostly eroded away on the river side of the present-day levee. Approximate site located on Main Street near F. Edward Hebert Blvd.. State marker on the levee just east from Hebert Blvd..

Union Camp Kenyon (February-March 1864) was located on the east bank at or near the ruins of Fort Ste. Marie.

An unnamed Confederate battery or redoubt was apparently located on the west bank of the Mississippi River just downstream of old Fort St. Leon, north of Belle Chasse, as shown on an 1863 map of Louisiana.

Camp at Power's Point
(1814), near Barataria ?, Jefferson Parish
A state militia encampment (December 1814) prior to the Battle of New Orleans (January 1815). Exact location undetermined, said to have been "near Barataria Bay", it was possibly on or near the Mavis Grove Plantation on the east side of Bayou Barataria between Bayou Villars and Bayou des Oies, which was then owned by Thomas Power after 1812. The extant pre-historic Indian shell-midden that forms the base of the present-day Berthoud (Fleming) Cemetery, directly across from the community of Jean Lafitte, was located on this plantation. The main plantation house, built in 1825 after the Power family sold the land, still exists just south of the cemetery.

Camp at Barataria
(1814), near Lafitte, Jefferson Parish
An encampment (December 1814) of Baratarians (Jean Lafitte's pirate gang) drafted into American military service for the defense of New Orleans. Located at or near what was known as "The Temple" (or otherwise "Little Temple"), a pre-historic Indian shell-midden deep in the swamps used as one of Lafitte's hideouts and depots before and during the war. Little Temple was located on the southern tip of what was then known as Barataria Island, formed by the channels of Bayou Villars, Bayou Rigollets, and Bayou Perot, south of Lake Salvador and north of Little Lake. The remnants of the mound disappeared in the early 20th-century due to the mining of the shells for various industrial uses. Modern oil storage tanks were later built on the site.

A larger shell-midden or mound, known as "Big Temple", was once located along the southwestern shore of Lake Salvador, near Temple Bay, in present Lafourche Parish. This mound also no longer exists due to the shell mining.

Redoubt at (Little) Temple (1)
(1814 - 1815), near Lafitte, Jefferson Parish
An American three-gun battery (December 1814 - April 1815) with 50 men located in the swamps near Lafitte's Baratarian camp, probably at the point where Bayou Perot and Bayou Rigoletts join just north of Little Lake.

Fort at Little Temple (2)
(1861 - 1862), near Lafitte, Jefferson Parish
A CSA palisaded two-gun water battery (December 1861 - April 1862), with barracks and a magazine, located at the junction of Bayou Perot and Bayou Rigoletts, near the outlet at Little Lake. Very likely at or near the same location as the 1814 American battery.

Fort Iberville (1)
(1700 - 1707/1711), Phoenix
First French fort in present-day Louisiana, built in February 1700. It was a 28-foot square two-story cypress log blockhouse, with an eight-foot square log powder magazine covered with one-foot thick mud plaster. Surrounded by a moat 12-feet across, with six guns placed by the river. Garrisoned by 15 men, who were housed in log huts outside the moat. Abandoned militarily in February 1707, but likely still used as a trading post until 1711. Also known as Fort de la Boulaye, Fort du Mississippi, or Fort Louisiana. The abandoned post was most likely destroyed by a 1719 flood. Site found in 1936, located about one mile north of town. No remains, site now marsh wetlands. State marker (1950) on LA 39 at the Joe Gravolet Canal. The marker was lost in the 1980's, but was found in 2016 and re-erected at the site. Two recovered timbers and an iron cannonball from the site are on display at the Cabildo Museum in New Orleans.

Fort of the Bayougoulas
(c. 1700), near Phoenix
An Indian palisaded settlement located some distance into the woods near Fort Iberville (1), as noted and visited by the French.

Quatre Bayou Pass Military Reservation
(1844 - 1886), Plaquemines Parish
An area along the Gulf Coast southwest of Port Sulphur, at the entrance to Bay Ronquille, east of Grande Terre Island, reserved for coastal defense. Composed of two separate tracts of land, 347 acres on the east side of the pass at Chéniere Ronquille, and 324 acres on the western side of the pass at Bay Dispute, which was then still considered part of Grande Terre Island (now Melville Island). Disposed of by the Federal government prior to 1920. Nothing was ever built. There is very little land left here above the water today due to severe erosion and extensive shifting of the sand bars over time.

Bastian Bay Military Reservation
(1844 - 1886), Plaquemines Parish
An area along the Gulf Coast south of Empire, including Bastian and Shell Islands on either side of Bastian Pass, reserved for coastal defense. Composed of four separate tracts of land and mud flats (393, 1217, 1602, and 330 acres respectively). Disposed of by the Federal government prior to 1920. Nothing was ever built.

Camp at Quarantine Station
(1862), near Ostrica
A small CSA garrison occupied the Quarantine Station in April 1862 on the north bank of the Mississippi River, about five miles above Fort St. Philip. High water forced the men to relocate across the river to a new site (Camp Lovell (2)), where they were fired upon and captured by the Union fleet in April 1862 after passing Forts St. Philip and Jackson.

Fort Bourbon
(1756 ?, 1793 - 1803 ?, 1814 - 1815), near Triumph
A Spanish five-gun earthen redoubt located about one mile or less upstream from where American Fort Jackson was later built, and almost directly across the river from Fort St. Philip to provide cross-fire. Also spelled Borbon. First built in mid or late 1793, it was severely damaged by a hurricane in July 1795. It was rebuilt on a new site about 575 feet above the old site. The second fort was hit by another hurricane in 1796, with the parapets afterwards raised nine feet and the parade ground raised three feet, with a battery of three guns. Apparently abandoned in 1803, as it was not listed to be transferred to the Americans in 1804. No trace remains. The Spanish first planned a fort or battery here in 1787, but nothing was built.

A French earthen shore battery was planned here in 1756, unknown if actually built. A French plan for two forts in 1747 was never carried through.

A temporary American five-gun battery was located here in December 1814, in case the British fleet ran past Fort St. Philip. It was not completed and was abandoned in January 1815 as the British fleet bombarded Fort St. Philip. A battery was first proposed for this site as early as September 1812, but the plans were never carried out.

¤ COAST DEFENSES of NEW ORLEANS
Harbor Defense of the Mississippi - FORT WIKI

¤ Fort Jackson (park)
(1824 - 1922), near Triumph
Clearing of the site began in 1822, actual construction began in 1824, and was mostly completed by 1832 (minus armament). The first garrison reported in December 1830. The first armaments were installed in 1834. Designed for 156 guns, but only 69 were mounted by 1862. The fort was originally built similar to Fort Morgan in Alabama, with an interior ten-sided citadel/barracks. A second story to the citadel was added in 1855, but was badly damaged in the April 1862 naval bombardment and was then demolished. In 1858 the exterior Lower and Upper Water Batteries were built to either flank of the fort, but only six guns had been emplaced by 1862. The Confederates gained control of the fort in January 1861, but was surrendered to the Union in April 1862 only after the fall of New Orleans to the Union fleet. The fort was used as a political prison during the war, but was also kept armed in case of any possible British or French naval threats. The fort remained garrisoned until June 1871. The Lower Battery was rebuilt in 1872-76 for ten guns and five magazines, and was armed with at least two mounted 15-inch Rodman guns in 1898. It still exists, now separated from the fort by a modern levee. Several cannon fragments still remain. The two coverface batteries on the fort's outerworks were also rebuilt for four guns each. The lower coverface battery still exists. The upper coverface battery was later removed to built Battery Millar. Two new gun platforms and two magazines were built in the north bastion of the fort in 1874. Endicott batteries here are Battery Ransom (1899 - 1918), which is inside the old fort and is now used for park offices; and Battery Millar (1901 - 1920). The fort was officially abandoned in 1922, and was sold off in 1927. Restored in 1962 as a parish historical park. A museum is now inside the fort. Completely flooded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with extensive damage. Reopened to the public in January 2011.

¤ Fort St. Philip
(1761 - 1765, 1792 - 1922), near Triumph
Directly across the Mississippi River from Fort Jackson, on the west side of Bayou Mardi Gras. A small French earthwork known as Fort St. Philippe (1761 - 1765), or Fort Plaquemines, was first located here, but was abandoned. In May 1792, the Spanish began construction on Fort San Felipe de Placaminas (1792 - 1803) (18 guns), an earthwork faced with brick, with a commandant's house, two barracks for 300 men, and a powder magazine. Ten guns had been mounted by April 1793, with a garrison of 50 men. Suffered severe hurricane damage both in August 1793 and August 1794. By 1796 there were 24 guns and a garrison of 100 men who were rotated monthly. About 100 convicts from New Orleans were employed year-round to repair the ramparts. Transferred to the Americans in December 1803, with 18 guns listed. Also then known as Fort at Plaquemines Bend. Improvements by the Americans were not begun until February 1808, with the shipment of two million bricks intended for a substantial rebuild of the works. The new American fort was built around and over the old Spanish fort, and was basically completed by June 1810. Much of the older Spanish work was incorporated into the American plan, and it retained the Spanish barracks and other buildings. Suffered hurricane damage again in August 1812. In 1813 it was reported with a garrison of 66 men, and armed with 34 guns. It was strengthened in December 1814 after a minor British naval bombardment was successfully repulsed. The old Spanish barracks were taken down at that time to prevent fires. The garrison in January 1815 was reported as 366 men total, with 34 guns. A two-gun water battery (two 32-pounders) was built on Bayou Mardi Gras and manned by the crew of a naval gunboat to cover the rear of the fort. The British fleet bombarded the fort for about one week in January 1815, immediately after the "Battle of New Orleans" at Chalmette, but were finally repulsed. A new brick barracks was constructed after the war, but nothing else seems to have been done to the post, although it remained garrisoned until April 1831. Rebuilt and repaired constantly from 1841 to 1858. Suffered hurricane damage in 1854. Two Water Batteries were located on either flank of the fort just before the Civil War, the Upper Battery with 16 guns, and the Lower Battery with 21 guns, which comprised the majority of the fort's 45 guns then listed at the time. Controlled by Confederates after January 1861, the fort was surrendered to the Union in April 1862 along with Fort Jackson only after the fall of New Orleans. Abandoned in 1871, but briefly regarrisoned after smuggled liquor was found here. In 1872 the water batteries were reworked and joined together with a new section along the front of the fort to form a continuous 25-gun battery. At least ten rifled guns were mounted by the 1890's. An unnamed battery of two M1888 8-inch BL guns on modified 15-inch Rodman iron carriages was located here in 1899. The old water battery was largely built over and/or destroyed by the later concrete batteries, although several platforms and magazines are still extant. The moat and parade of the old fort was mostly filled-in after 1900, and about 40 acres around the concrete batteries were raised and leveled to help prevent constant flooding. The Endicott batteries here are Battery Pike (1898 - 1919), Battery Forse (1899 - 1918), Battery Merrill (1907 - 1920), Battery Ridgely (1899 - 1913), Battery Scott (1901 - 1920), and Battery Brooke (1904 - 1920). Several new barracks and Officers' quarters were built between 1900 to 1908, and additional barracks, a mess hall, and a hospital were built during World War I, almost all on the upriver side of the old fort. Some Louisiana National Guard units from Jackson Barracks trained here before WWI ended. Officially abandoned in 1922, and sold off by the government in 1929. During Prohibition the fort was again used as a base for smuggling illegal liquor until shut down and confiscated by the Feds in 1935. In October 1963 the area around Battery Merrill became the site of an elaborate electric barbed-wire fenced enclosure erected by the Plaquemines Parish Commission Council and Judge Leander Perez, to hold any outsider "racial agitators" (white or black) that he thought wanted to integrate the parish or otherwise cause trouble during the Civil Rights protests. After national media attention spotlighted the parish's preparations, the compound was not needed as no outsider activists came to the parish (apparently well intimidated), and it was soon taken down. High tides and heavy rains usually flood the lower levels of the heavily overgrown batteries and magazines. A section of the original 1790's Spanish brick walls still remains in the old fort. Several of the 1900's quarters and barracks still remained standing on the reservation until the 1980's. Access is by boat only. Private property.

A five-gun shore battery was planned about one mile upstream in December 1814, opposite a similar battery near the former Fort Bourbon (see above), but was not completed before the British advanced up the Mississippi River, although it may have been completed after the battle in January 1815.

Head of Passes Fort
(1861 - 1865 ?), near Pilot Town
A Union Navy five-gun battery and blockhouse was built at or near the present-day river outpost in September 1861. Destroyed by Confederates in October 1861 before it was fully completed. Rebuilt later as a lookout/signal post.

Fortifications at the Balize
(1722 - 1750, 1767 - 1778, 1778 - 1792, 1794 - 1815), near Pilot Town
French Fort de la Balise, a six-gun irregular earthen redoubt with two detached water batteries, was built at the mouth of the then Southeast Pass (now known as Old Balize Pass/Bayou) on Balize (Toulouse) Island. Possibly also known as Fort Toulouse. The first garrison of soldiers was posted here in June 1722. They were to be rotated after one year, and the garrison varied from 25 to 50 men. Construction was delayed many times by hurricanes, lack of supplies, and the harsh conditions. By 1734 two barracks (one for about 50 soldiers and the other for the laborers), an Officers' quarters, a chapel, a brick cistern, and a brick powder magazine were built, along with several other crude wooden buildings used as quarters for river pilots and transient sailors. A semi-circular supporting battery was erected on Southeast Island in October 1724, about 1200 yards from Balize Island. Extensively repaired in 1741 and 1742 after hurricanes. The garrison was reduced to 15 men in 1747. The island was completely flooded over by three feet of water in 1749, and was destroyed by a hurricane in September 1750. It was never rebuilt. The powder magazine, although sunk in the marsh, was still visible as late as the Civil War years. This site was later referred to as French or Old Balize.

In March 1767 the Spanish decided to build a new post on Isla Real Católica de San Carlos Island (aka New or Spanish Balize) at the mouth of Northeast Pass (about one and one-half leagues northeast of Old French Balize), named Fort San Carlos (1) (1766 - 1769), armed with four guns, with barracks for 20 men, a brick and wood governor's house, a hospital, and a chaplain's house. They soon abandoned this post due to constant flooding and erosion, and after another storm, moved to the old French site in March 1770, renaming it Fort la Baliza (four guns). A new governor's house was built, along with barracks (20 men), hospital, church, and 10 other structures (the Spanish Governor and his entourage were apparently not popular with the French citizens in the city). The post at Old Balize was destroyed by a hurricane in October 1778, but its ruins still remained visible for many decades thereafter.

A new post was then built on Pass a l'Outre (alt. La Lutra) after 1778, just below its junction with Southeast Pass. It was abandoned in April 1792 due to periodic flooding, and also because it could not control ships which entered Southwest Pass, which was also now being used in addition to Southeast Pass; and that ships entering Southeast Pass had to turn right into Pass a l'Outre to report and then turn back upriver to New Orleans. The government facilities were then transferred to Plaquemine Bend at Fort St. Philip which was then under construction.

The Spanish then built a square two-story two-gun log blockhouse and barracks (for 24 men) at the junction of Southeast Pass and Old Balize Bayou in 1794, just upstream from the Old French Balize site. It was briefly captured by French raiders in October 1795, who took away the cannon but did not destroy the blockhouse, which was soon regarrisoned by 20 Spanish soldiers. Taken over by the Americans in December 1803 and possibly repaired, which then became known as Post at Balize. Little was done by the Americans until August 1812, when the British raided the Balize and captured several pilots. A 50-man garrison was then sent, provided with 14 guns of various calibers (six 24-pounders, four 9-pounders, four 6-pounders). The Americans were situated on the north side of Old Balize Bayou slightly east of the last Spanish site, with a new blockhouse, barracks, light tower, and several workshops and pilots' houses. In April 1813 a circular five-gun battery (five 24-pounders) was built at the mouth of Old Balize Bayou, one 24-pounder was placed on a carriage at the blockhouse, and three additional 24-pounders remained unmounted. A new earthen fort (Fort Wilkinson) for 200 men was also begun near the battery. Another battery and light tower were planned upstream for the Head of Passes, but these were never built. The British raided Balize again in December 1813, destroying the new battery, and forcing the Americans to evacuate the men and supplies to Fort St. Philip. The new fort was never completed. Balize was re-occupied by the British in December 1814 until after their defeat and withdrawal in January 1815. The old log blockhouse on Old Balize Bayou was later used as the base for a navigational light tower from 1817 through the 1850's. The site was abandoned in September 1860 after a hurricane, and was completely destroyed by another hurricane in September 1865. No known surface traces remain at any of the six Balize sites. A cemetery near Old Balize has headstones with dates in the 1840's, presumably non-military burials. Old Balize Bayou (long since closed) now extends about two miles further into the Gulf of Mexico than it did in 1721. A new Southeast Pass exists about two miles northeastward. A bar had formed at the junction of Southeast Pass and Old Balize Bayou in 1853, where Southeast Pass eventually moved north and eastward, leaving Old Balize Bayou cutoff.

¤¤ TEMPORARY HARBOR DEFENSES of the MOUTH of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER

¤¤ Port Eads Military Reservation
(1898, 1942 - 1944), Port Eads
A two-gun 155mm battery on Panama mounts was located here. No trace remains. Located at the entrance to the South Pass, the principal entry into the Mississippi River. A field artillery battery was temporarily set up upriver at Boothville before the defenses here were completed. The present South Pass Lighthouse was built in 1881.

A military post was reported here in May 1898, possibly to protect the lighthouse or at least to act as an advance sentry post for enemy (Spanish) vessels.

¤¤ Burrwood Military Reservation
(1942 - 1944), Burrwood
A two-gun 155mm battery on Panama mounts was located here to defend the river approach to New Orleans. It is not likely that any trace remains due to severe erosion of the area. Located near the entrance to the Southwest Pass. The U.S. Navy had earlier established a small Naval Section Base here in late December 1941. A U.S. Weather Bureau station was later here during the 1950's. The former settlement is no longer inhabited after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

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Florida Parishes - page 5

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