The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1918-10-31
Letters From the Soldier Bows

named Jackson Barracks in honor of presi-
dent andrew Jackson. They are also sit
uated on one of the most beautiful places
in the vicinity of New Orleans.
For some time Jackson Barracks was
Gen. Andrew Jacksons headquarters, and
to-day some of the old antique buildings
(which are all constructed with two-foot
wallsl that were used by Gen. jackson are
still in good condition and are being used
daily by Uncle Sans fighting men. where
they are now training to help organize one
of the mightiest war machines In existence,
and with purpose in view that must be
accomplishment free the world from au-
tocraey and establish a world wide dem
Ocracy.
The white, square-shaped buildings with
the tall pillars. are very interesting to the
public, and are the attraction of thousands
of visitors from all parts of the United
States. The buildings exhibit an excellent
piece of architectural and cohstructional
work of olden days.
Up until short time ago there was
wall eighteen feet high and three feet thick
enclosing the Barracks. At each of the
four corners were stationed lookout towers.
These towers were three stories high, with
portfolios for small cannons and storage
room for ammunition on the ground floor,
the second floor being designated for rifle
men. and the third floor, or roof. for the
protection OF look-outs. Directly in front
of the Barracks and facing the Mississippi
River was Il large twostory brick building,
which WAS used as the Administration
building. The high walls that enclosed
the Barracks connected with this building
on each end. Through the center of the
building. on the ground floor, was a large
arch-like portfolio, which served as the
main entrance to the Barracks.
Two of the towers and the old Admins
tration Building were destroyed during
1908, when the levee washed away, taking
the front wall with it. The other two
towers are still standing and are in very
! good condition.
Jackson Barracks is also noted for the
| sick and wounded it has sheltered during
our wars of the past. 1t was, used rs a
| base hospital during the Civil War, first by
! the Confederates. and then by the Federals.
| During our war with Mexico it was also
| used as base hospital.
/ Up until 1898 Jackson Barracks was an
| infantry post and at that time the Gov
| ernmcnt saw the need of having, heavy ar
| tillcry stationed at the mouth of the only
| waterway that leads to the interior of the
| United States-the Mississippi River--con-
| sceucntly, since then 1t has been exclusively
| Il coast artillery post.
| The men stationed Mt this post are as
| signed to batteries at Fort ST.. Philip and
| Fort Jackson, which places are near the
| mouth of the Mississippi River and protect
| New Orleans. as well as various other cities
| in the interior of the United States, from
invasion ny watercraft. These forts are
conceded to be almost invineible, and have
| quite history attached to them. They
have been attacked during two wars-the
| Mexican War and the Civil War. Some OF
the hardest fighting that occurred during
| the Civil War between land and water
| forces took place at these forts when Far
ragut's fleet passed up the Mississippi. The
cannons, carriages and much Of the ammu-
milton that was used in this attack are
| still there The old forts to-day are in ex-
cellent condition.
| At Fort jackson is one of the first rifled
cannons used in the United States.
There still stands the old Spanish style
| Notifications that were used even back in
| our War of 1912.
| One of the most beautiful and historical
points about New Orleans is the chalmette
| National Cemetery. which lies about a mile
| and IA half below the Barracks. There are
| various ways of getting there. One may
take the Rampant and Dauphine cars to
| the terminus, and then take an automobile
and drive down along the riverfront. On
pleasant days the walk is exceedingly en-
jOyable.
Along the route the visitor passes beauti
! full gardens and fine old plantation homes
of the colonial type. Notably, the ancient
home of the Beauregard family. where tht
distinguished Confederate General first saw
the light. The place is easily recognized
by it's broad galleries, great white columns
and beautiful grounds.
Enjoying the gentle Southern breeze thai
| crceps slowly from the Gulf of Mexico uI
the. Mississippi being located in such beau
tiful locality, and. last but not least, beins
mingled with people. as are found in thu
| city of New Orleans, who seem to fully I'm
derstand and appreciate soldier, and show
their appreciation in every instance, it /:
an honor to any soldier to have had tn,
pleasure and opportunity of being stationed
at Jackson Barracks.
Extracts from "a Souvenir OF JACK
son BARRACKS"