Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site

Plaquemine Lock is a lock with a gravity-flow system that connects the Mississippi River to Louisiana's interior waterways. The structure uses a 51-foot freshwater lift to adjust water levels between the two water systems.

The lock was designed by Colonel George Washington Goethals and began operating in 1909 before closing in 1961. Goethals later became famous for his work on the Panama Canal.

The lockhouse inside preserves maritime objects and papers that show how this waterway mattered to Louisiana's growth. You can see how this connection shaped life for people in the region.

The site is located on Main Street in Plaquemine and operates Thursday through Saturday. Plan to spend time walking around the outdoor grounds and wear comfortable shoes for your visit.

When completed in 1909, this was the world's highest freshwater lift lock and set a new standard for waterway engineering. The achievement shows how ambitious engineering projects were during that era.

Location: Louisiana

GPS coordinates: 30.29361,-91.23222

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05