Forts Pike, Macomb, St. John

The Battle of New Orleans in 1814-1815, which concluded the War or 1812, highlighted the weaknesses in the coastal defenses of the United States. Determined that the country would be better protected, President Monroe directed that better fortifications be built along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. Among those built were Fort Pike and Fort Macomb (originally known as Fort Wood).

Fort Pike (and a sister fort, Fort Macomb) are two of the forts designed by French engineer Simon Bernard. They both have the same plans, design, and orientation, and serve the same function of protecting Lake Pontchartrain from invasion. It was built to replace another earlier defensive fortification, Fort Petite Coquilles, built by the French. Fort Pike is located along U.S. Highway 90, at the Rigolets, which is the northern pass access to the lake, from the Gulf of Mexico, by way of Lake Borgne.

Fort Macomb overlooks Chef Pass, which is the southern access to the lake from Lake Borgne. It is in ruins, and although it is visible from Highway 90, it is fenced in and is not accessible to the public. Situated adjacent to the fort is a marina, and it is possible to view the remains from several vantage points.

Both were built to defend New Orleans, but neither saw battle, even through the Civil War. Built from 1819-1826, Fort Pike was manned sporadically in the years that followed. In the 1830's, it was used as a staging area during the Seminole Wars, and again during the Mexican War in the 1840's. By 1861, it was in the command of a solitary force of one Sergeant, who was persuaded to surrender the fort to the State of Louisiana, without firing a shot.

The Union troops re-took the fort after the capture of New Orleans, but not before the retreating Confederate soldiers destroyed the guns, and burned the wooden structures. The union forces used it as a training facility, where freed slaves were trained in heavy artillery, before moving on to battle in other areas of the country. "Colored Troops", who later saw battle at Pascagoula and Port Hudson, also staffed Fort Macomb.

The State of Louisiana has tried to preserve both forts, but has been more successful with Fort Pike, now called the Fort Pike Commemorative Area. In contrast to years past, through the 1960's, Fort Pike today is protected by a fence, and a small admission fee is charged to visitors. There is a small museum inside, with historical highlights and artifacts. For most of the 20th century it has been a favorite place to have a picnic, while children would run through the caverns of the fort.

Fort St. John, most often referred to as Spanish Fort, was built by the Colonial French to protect New Orleans and Bayou St. John (an important trade route), at Lake Pontchartrain. It was rebuilt by the Spanish in 1779, and later restored by the Americans in 1808. During the latter19th century, Spanish Fort was a gathering place for picnics, swimming and entertainment. Today, it is nothing more than a brick wall protruding from the flood protection levee of Bayou St. John, just across the street from a residential subdivision.