FORT ST. JOHN - an ANCIENT settlement HIDDEN in NEW ORLEANS
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
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Host: Kyle Crosby (@crosby50)
Camera/Edit: Michael Malley (@malleyinc)
“One of the oldest sites in the state is just sitting in a residential neighborhood. A small fort was erected at Bayou St. John where it flowed into Lake Pontchartrain all the way in 1701. That predates the founding of New Orleans by 17-years. In fact, underneath the ruins of this Colonial fort, is archaeological proof of a settlement from the Marksville Culture. This means the site was used way before Europeans arrived, with an estimate that the Marksville Culture developed a settlement here as early as the year 300!
When the early French settlers arrived, they built a fort for the protection of the colonists and their trade partners. It was rebuilt by the Spanish in 1779 and later restored by the United States in 1808.
The fort remained in active service until after the Louisiana Purchase after which the Congress authorized the disposition of obsolete military sites. In 1823, it was decommissioned and the property was purchased to develop an amusement park. Creatively called “Old Spanish Fort”, the new amusement park had all kinds of attractions and live performances. It even had a steam locomotive and streetcar lines connecting it to the city center.
In the 1920s, the city reclaimed land from Lake Pontchartrain to create Pontchartrain Park. This cut off lake access to Spanish Fort and attendance immediately declined. In the 1930s, it was converted into a public park and common residential area. The ruins of the fort now sit hidden next to Bayou St. John in the Lake Vista neighborhood.
Maybe one day the state will fund a renovation of the fort or designate it as a historical site. Until that time though, you can come visit a site that has more history than the vast majority of this great country. “
Thank You. I grew up here in the New Orleans area, i am a History buff about New Orleans. I am a descendant of some of the 1st Families that discovered New Orleans with Bienville & Bonneville . Some of my 5 and 6 x's Great Grandparents are buried in St. Louis Cathedral. I wish something can be done to restore it.
Fantastic! Always love connecting with fellow students of history.
As always. You do a great job!!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Should have had some tipis out there and enjoy the sun with food (picnic). lol
Most likely remnants of Tartaria
Is that the same place Hades banished the Titans?
Wasn't there a large oak tree in vicinity of this fort where some people claim they'd see an image of a man hanging by rope around his neck?
I haven’t heard of that ghost but I’d like to know more about it.
Keep up the content
Thank you my friend!
Where is this? Can’t find it.
If you’re looking at a map of City Park it’s in the upper right corner along Bayou St. John near the Hellenic Cultural Center.