Ghost Towns in Louisiana
12 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Louisiana.
All Ghost Towns
Angola
Angola was a slave plantation named for the African homeland of many of its enslaved workers. After the Civil War, it became a prison farm. The origin...
Fort Livingston
Fort Livingston was built to defend approaches to New Orleans after the War of 1812. It never saw combat and was abandoned after the Civil War. The br...
Frenier
Frenier was a cabbage-farming community on Lake Pontchartrain. Legend says a local Voodoo priestess, Julie White, predicted the town's destruction. On...
Frenier
Frenier was a fishing village on Lake Pontchartrain destroyed by the 1915 hurricane—one of the deadliest in Louisiana history. Legend says Julia Brown...
Grand Ecore
Grand Ecore was a vital Red River port and Confederate supply point. The 1864 Red River Campaign saw fighting here. When railroads bypassed the river,...
Grand Isle
Grand Isle is Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island. Hurricanes have repeatedly devastated it - most recently Ida (2021) and Katrina (2005). Pirat...
Isle de Jean Charles
Isle de Jean Charles is a Native American (Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw) community that has lost 98% of its land to rising seas and subsidence. Residents...
Jean Lafitte
Jean Lafitte is a fishing village named for the famous pirate who operated in the nearby Barataria Bay. The town is slowly being claimed by rising sea...
Pilottown
Pilottown is one of the most remote communities in the contiguous US. It is located at the mouth of the Mississippi River and is accessible only by bo...
Richmond
Richmond was the original seat of Madison Parish—but the Mississippi River kept flooding it. Eventually the parish seat moved to drier ground at Tallu...
Ruddock
Ruddock was a cypress lumber town built on stilts in the swamp. The 1915 New Orleans Hurricane destroyed the town, killing dozens. The ruins have been...
Torras
Torras was a railroad hub at the convergence of the Mississippi, Red, and Atchafalaya rivers. Frequent flooding, especially the Great Flood of 1927, f...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Louisiana?
We have documented 12 ghost towns in Louisiana. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Louisiana safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Louisiana?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.