Fort New Richmond

Fort New Richmond was a British defensive fortification featuring earthen walls reinforced with palisades and armed with thirteen cannons. An 18-foot-wide (5.5 m) moat encircled the entire structure, serving as its outer defensive line.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Dickson built the fortification in 1779 to secure British military control over the Mississippi River during the American Revolution. Spanish forces under Bernardo de Galvez soon captured it and renamed it Fort San Carlos.

The fort represented a meeting point where British, Spanish, and American interests collided during military operations. The siege brought together Spanish regulars and American volunteers, reflecting the region's complex cultural makeup at that time.

The archaeological remains are located near the Pentagon Barracks in downtown Baton Rouge and marked with historical plaques. Visitors should look for these markers to understand where the siege positions were located and get oriented in the area.

The siege ended British presence in the region and marked a turning point in control of the Mississippi River. This event is often overlooked despite showing how effectively Spanish forces reshaped power in North America.

Location: Baton Rouge

Inception: 1779

GPS coordinates: 30.45420,-91.18840

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45