Fort Pike – New Orleans, Louisiana - Atlas Obscura
What's near me? Random Place Icon Random Place

Fort Pike

New Orleans, Louisiana

Once defending the city of New Orleans from invasion by sea, this fort faces an uncertain future. 

View all photos
330
1311
Top Places in New Orleans
The Rosegate House
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ruins of Fort Macomb
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Conti Wax Museum
New Orleans, Louisiana
 See All

Named for the explorer soldier Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Fort Pike was built to defend the city of New Orleans from invasion by sea.

Like nearby Fort Macomb, Fort Pike was built as part of the country’s “Third System” of seacoast defenses built in the years following the War of 1812.

Fort Pike was the third building constructed of the 42 eventually completed. Originally home to mighty sea-facing cannons, the impressive structure was abandoned in 1890 without ever firing her cannons in battle, and now stands empty and unarmed as a state historic site.

Badly damaged in Hurricane Katrina, the site had been reopened to the public – but due to further damage incurred during Tropical Storm Isaac in 2012, the site is currently off limits.

Know Before You Go

The site is located off US 90, approximately 23 miles east of downtown New Orleans. It is also accessible from I-10 via LA 11 South, and turning left on US 90. Permanently closed due to funding. At the boat ramp there is an area you can gain access.

natural wonders nature
Community Contributors
Annetta Black
Added by
Annetta Black
Mark Casey
r
Rachel
Edited by
Mark Casey, rebeccaduenas12, Rachel
Published
January 29, 2012
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Honey Island Swamp
6.29 miles
Fisherman's Castle on the Irish Bayou
7.94 miles
Abandoned Jazzland
14.13 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Pearl River, Louisiana

Honey Island Swamp

Legend says a primate-like cryptid prowls this otherworldy sliver of the Louisiana bayou.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Fisherman's Castle on the Irish Bayou

This strange, small castle on the bayou has withstood the test of time and weather.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Abandoned Jazzland

A theme park that suffered massive flooding during Katrina was abandoned, and now proves irresistible to trespassing explorers.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Lakefront Airport

This Art Deco airport was once deemed “the air hub of the Americas.”
Related Places
Winona, Missouri

Rocky Falls

A 40-foot waterfall flows into this unique natural swimming hole.
Port Arthur, Australia

Remarkable Cave

It's said that visitors can "see" Tasmania inside this cave.
Barstow, California

Rainbow Basin

Colorful sedimentary rock layers provide opportunities both for hiking and photography.
Neah Bay, Washington

Cape Flattery

At the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States lies a trail leading through an ancient forest to stunning cliff-side vistas and massive oceanside caves.
Appears in 1 List
List

The Most Wondrous State Parks to Visit During the Government Shutdown

Check out these state-run alternatives to the United States' national parks.
Kerry Wolfe January 9, 2019
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
From Around the Web