Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, French colonial fort reconstruction in Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States.
The reconstructed fort features wooden walls, guard towers, and buildings that replicate the original 1732 military installation along Cane River Lake.
Louis Juchereau de St. Denis established the fort in 1714 during a trade mission to Mexico, marking the first permanent European settlement in Louisiana Territory.
The fort demonstrates French colonial military architecture and serves as a center for historical interpretation of 18th-century frontier life in Louisiana.
Visitors can explore the fort grounds daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with guided tours available hourly and special demonstrations of colonial crafts.
The fort reconstruction used period-accurate building techniques and local materials, including treated pine logs sourced from the surrounding region.
Location: Louisiana
GPS coordinates: 31.75220,-93.08780
Latest update: March 16, 2025 20:32
Louisiana preserves a diverse heritage through its plantations, museums, and natural areas. This collection includes sites where French colonial architecture can be seen along the Cane River, plantation buildings like Melrose and Frogmore that reflect cotton farming and African-American history, and the archaeological site of Poverty Point with its mounds dating to 1700 BC. Museums record the settlement of German communities in Germantown, Acadian culture, and the political history of the state at the old Capitol in Baton Rouge. Gardens and parks provide access to the region's characteristic landscapes. Avery Island Botanical Garden features 70 hectares of vegetation on a natural salt dome, while the bayou wetlands host a variety of wildlife. Places like the Chauvin Art Garden add a modern aspect with sculptures along a waterway. This route allows exploration of different periods in Louisiana's history, from pre-Columbian cultures to developments in the 20th century.
Louisiana offers historical neighborhoods, plantations, and nature areas for visitors. The French Quarter in New Orleans displays colonial architecture, while multiple museums present war history, Southern art, and rural heritage. Natural sites include beaches, wildlife refuges, and state parks. Plantations tell the history of the American South. Cultural centers highlight Acadian traditions, while festivals celebrate local food and music.
Melrose Plantation
20.5 km
Magnolia Plantation
26.5 km
Los Adaes
20.1 km
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
12.6 km
Oaklawn Plantation
11.7 km
Fort Jesup
33.5 km
Oakland Plantation
12.6 km
Black Lake
23.2 km
Harry Turpin Stadium
963 m
Kate Chopin House
28.6 km
Cherokee Plantation
8.6 km
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
992 m
Rebel State Historic Site
323 m
Natchitoches Historic District
469 m
Narcisse Prudhomme Plantation
11.7 km
Badin-Roque House
19.9 km
Caspiana Plantation Store
2.2 km
Church of St. Anne
19.1 km
Robeline Methodist Church
21.6 km
City Hotel
29.1 km
Old Courthouse Museum
1 km
Jones House
22.3 km
Fort St. Jean Baptiste
36 m
Port of Natchitoches
8.9 km
Natchitoches Parish Library
15.7 km
Davis Springs Methodist Church
23.9 km
Bank of Montgomery Washington Street Branch
1.3 km
Church Street Bridge
984 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes