Fort Pike is a historic fort located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The fort was built in the early 19th century as part of a system of coastal defenses to protect the United States from foreign invasions. Its construction began in 1819 and was completed in 1826.
The fort was named in honor of General Zebulon Pike, an American general who served in the War of 1812. It was designed to protect the city of New Orleans from naval attacks, particularly from the British, who had burned the city during the War of 1812. The fort was built on the eastern side of Lake Pontchartrain, about 25 miles from New Orleans.
Fort Pike was built as a brick and masonry structure and had a five-sided star shape, with walls that were 25 feet high and 8 feet thick. It was armed with heavy guns, and had a drawbridge, a moat, and a powder magazine.
The fort was used during the Civil War as a Union Army base, and was also used to imprison Confederate soldiers. It was attacked by Confederate forces in 1862, but was successfully defended by Union troops. After the war, the fort was used as a military prison and then as a quarantine station during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878.
In the late 19th century, Fort Pike was decommissioned and its guns were removed. It was later used as a fishing camp and a summer resort, but fell into disrepair over the years. In the 1960s, the state of Louisiana acquired the fort and began restoration efforts.
Until recently, Fort Pike is a popular tourist attraction, operated by the Louisiana State Parks system. Visitors can explore the fort’s barracks, kitchen, powder magazine, and other structures, and learn about its history through exhibits and interpretive programs.
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