Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site

I really enjoyed the friendly staff who not only knew a lot about the history of the Fort, but also reenacted life in the fort during the early 1700s. Even though the original fort no longer exists (this replica fort was built in the 1970s after the original blueprint of the fort was found and was built approximately where the original fort was located), I was able to experience the harsh life and conditions during that era.
5 8 years ago (05-06-2018)

This is a highly detailed full scale replica of the original 1713 Fort built by St. Denis and his party of Royal French Marines and settler's that came to inhabit this part of French Louisiana. Originally intended as an outpost to guard against Spanish incursion from Texas it also served as a trading post for local Native Americans to bring furs and exchange for European made goods. This trading post/outpost would draw new colonists to the area from France and become the "oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase"... Natchitoches. The fort has doubled thick post walls to guard against attack by small arms & cannon. It faces the Cane River (Old Red River Channel) because that was the main highway of the time. Inside the stockade is barracks for troops, a jail, a church, the Trading Post/store, the store owners house, the Royal Governor's house, a kitchen, storage building and the baker's oven. Much of the wall material is of bousillage, mud & Spanish moss. Many of the Park Staff are in period costume carrying weapons & accoutrements of the period. As you take an interpretive tour with them they will take you through the entire fort, explain the details and fire their weapons so you will experience some sight, sound and smell of this Colonial outpost. When this fort was built in 1713 the Spanish felt this to be too close to their Eastern border. As a result they sent soldiers, priests and Lipon Apache slaves from Mexico City to build their own fort of Presidio Los Adaes just a few miles west on the El Camino Real (LA Hwy 6) at Robeline, LA. The Office of Louisiana State Parks has another park & active archaeological site there. Both Ft. St Jean Baptiste & Presidio Los Adaes should be visited during your stay in the area. These two opposing forts and their Garrison's had to be both vigilant and cooperative to survive in the wilds of frontier Louisiana.
5 8 years ago (20-04-2018)

This is a replica of the original fort that once stood in downtown Natchitoches. If you're interested in learning about the local history, this is the spot. The exhibits in the museum as well as the fort itself are in pristine shape. The reenactor on site was also very informative.
5 9 years ago (18-01-2018)

Nice little stop to learn the history of the area. Note that you should stop at the visitors center first and not directly to the fort location
5 9 years ago (08-10-2017)

Excellent tour with knowledgeable and friendly guide!
5 9 years ago (20-10-2017)