Fort Jackson

Thanks to funding from SEA’s 2019 Elsaesser Fellowship, my Expedition continues...
Fort Jackson

 Fort Jackson, a star fort also known as a bastion fort or trace italienne, is truly one of the most impressive fortifications along the U.S. Gulf Coast. It is truly sad that government financial difficulties are resulting in its lack of care and maintenance.
Fort Jackson from the River

 Fort Jackson is a brick and mortar fortification located 40 miles (64 km) upriver from the mouth of the Mississippi River in  Louisiana. It was originally constructed as part of the harbor and coastal defenses of New Orleans, following the War of 1812. Built between 1822 and 1832, it was the location of a significant naval battle during the U.S. Civil War. Following damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and due to insufficient funding by the State of Louisiana, the fortification and associated museum have been effectively abandoned and are presently being left to nature. 
Original U.S. Military Plan for Fort Jackson


The fort was occupied until after World War I, where it served as a training facility.  Fort Jackson lies directly across the river from the much older Fort St. Philip. Fort Jackson was built following the advice of Andrew Jackson, (for which it is named), to allow a decisive crossfire between it and Fort St. Phillip.

 Fort Jackson was the site of the Civil War Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, which lasted from April 16 to April 28, 1862. The Confederate-controlled fort was besieged for 12 days by the U.S. Navy under the command of  David Farragut. Fort Jackson eventually fell on April 28 after the Union fleet bombarded it and then sailed past its guns. The defeat of Confederate Forces at this battle directly resulted in the fall of New Orleans to Union forces.
Raw Overflight footage can be viewed at:


Gun ports inside the moat, along the south-east wall, facing the Mississippi River

East Wall with the moat

Damaged outer east wall remnants from the April 16th, 1862 Engagement against the US Navy
Damaged outer east wall remnants from the April 16th, 1862 Engagement against the US Navy

Looking down the moat and south wall to the furnace and forge room.



Southern Entrance


Damaged outer south wall remnants from the April 16th, 1862 Engagement against the US Navy

Endicott era battery attached to Fort Jackson

Endicott era battery attached to Fort Jackson

Southeast moat and outer wall 

Southeast moat and outer wall 


The western wall facing the Mississippi River with multiple gun ports for directional fire


Northwest Entrance

Interior access to gun ports and furnace and forge

Interior command structure

Raw Overflight footage can be viewed at:



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