Fort Jesup celebrated its 200th birthday on May 13-14. Future President, Zachary Taylor Garrison Commander, officially recognized the completion of the Fort on May 13, 1822. Fort Jesup was established to bring law and order to No Man’s Land—that strip of land between Louisiana and Texas where the boundary had not been officially designated when the Louisiana Purchase took place.
The “party” began on Friday evening with educational talks by Ricky Robertson on the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 and other military “happenings” in the Fort Jesup area. Carrie McCormic, Park Manager, discussed women involved in the Fort Activities. On Saturday morning, Scott Debose, President of the Friends of Fort Jesup and author of the History of Fort Jesup, talked about the history of the area and the Fort.
Living History Stations were available for the visitors to the Fort to learn more about the area. John House, Manager of Audubon State Historic Site, presented a medical demonstration along with Kari House from Port Hudson State Historic site discussing the apothecary/herbal medicine demonstration. Christy Castille demonstrated Tatting.
The Fort Jesup Society of the C.A.R. provided two Living History Stations. “Finding Fun in the Past” allowed visitors to search for dragoon buttons in a contained area and was created by William Tarver. “Piecing Together the Past” allowed participants to find out how the archologist put together items like plates, cups, saucers, bowls, and pitchers together.
It was a great day for Fort and participate in visitors to come to the the various activities.