Fort Livingston

Fort Livingston

Two miles N.E. on Grand Terre. Land occupied by Jean Lafitte until 1814, purchased by U.S. from Etienne DeGruy in 1834. Fort constructed 1841 to defend Barataria Pass. Site never saw combat. Abandoned after the War Between the States, guns were removed 1872. Named for Edward Livingston, U.S. Secretary of State, 1831-1833.

Significance:

The marker explains the history and purpose of Fort Livingston, a fortification located two miles northeast on Grand Terre Island. Key points of significance include:

Early Occupation: The land was occupied by the pirate Jean Lafitte until 1814.
U.S. Acquisition: The United States purchased the land from Etienne DeGruy in 1834.
Construction: Fort Livingston was constructed from 1841 to defend Barataria Pass, a strategic waterway.
Lack of Combat: Interestingly, the fort never saw combat.
Abandonment: It was abandoned after the War Between the States (Civil War), and its guns were removed in 1872.
Namesake: The fort was named in honor of Edward Livingston, who served as the U.S. Secretary of State from 1831 to 1833.

This marker serves as an informative introduction to the history of Fort Livingston, a significant though never-used military structure in the region, and its connection to notable figures and events.