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 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.
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