Ruddock

Swallowed by the Swamp

State: Louisiana County: St. John the Baptist Parish Founded: 1890s Abandoned: 1915 (hurricane) Peak Population: 700

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 reclaimed by the swamp, visible only as pilings along the I-55 elevated highway.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round (highway view)

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 10 mins

Quick Facts

  • Built on stilts
  • Destroyed by 1915 Hurricane
  • Pilings visible from I-55

Location

Address: I-55, Manchac Swamp, LA

Coordinates: 30.1333, -90.4167