Louisiana Historical Forts Threatened

[Louisiana1976]

PLAQUEMINES PARISH -- More than 150 years ago, Fort St. Philip and Fort Jackson, which sit almost across from each other on the east and west banks of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, were all that stood between the Union Navy and the Confederate stronghold of New Orleans.

For seven days, the Union fleet led by Flag Officer David Farragut bombarded the two Confederate forts but failed to quiet their guns.
Finally, early on the morning of April 24, 1862, Farragut’s fleet managed to blast past the forts, break through a chain barrier stretched across the river and head to New Orleans.

Within days, Farragut accepted the city’s surrender and the lower Mississippi River Valley fell into the hands of Union soldiers. Many historians call April 24, 1862, “the night the war was lost.”

Today, the forts are facing another battle — plans to make them into a national park, the Lower Mississippi River National Park, have been stymied by logjams in Congress and questions as to whether the private owners of Fort St. Philip will cooperate.

The two forts that housed soldiers through World War I and have stood as sentinels over the mouth of the Mississippi are in danger of falling prey to the elements — battering hurricanes, choking vines, brush, weeds, tree roots and even snakes are threatening to take over.

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more... http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/62289622.html

[LouisianaLiberal]

1. If Senator Landrieu were to enter a provision

that would allow Bobby Jindal to sign his name in big, bold letters on a large cardboard check which he could then present on local TV the Repubs might go for funding the preservation/restoration. But we should make them pay for the marching band.

[Swamp Rat]

2. It's been over 20 years since I've been there.

'Bout time I headed down ol' Hwy 11 again. :)