I did not know what to expect before I visited Fort Pike, close to New Orleans. Knowing that it was built in the early 1800s, I did not expect guard towers and and high wooden walls. What I did see, however, was even better. An brick and earthen fort, with tunnels running through the exterior walls, allowing cannons or troops access to the enemy. It was very damp down there with even a few stalactites hanging from the ceiling in some spots.

 

Fort Pike is a brick and earthen fort, with tunnels running through the exterior walls, allowing cannons or troops access to the enemy. Photo by Tim Stanley Photography.