Abandoned places are always so fascinating. From amusement parks to high schools, Louisiana has a few hauntingly beautiful abandoned locations. Once a vital coastal defense fort, Fort Livingston now sits in ruins, slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature  -and these photos are a unique glimpse into Louisiana’s history. Let’s take a closer look at how this fort came to be and why it was abandoned.

Located just off the coast of Grand Isle on Grand Terre Island, Fort Livingston is a 19th-century coastal defense fort that’s one of the largest coastal forts in Louisiana.
Wikimedia Commons/Edibobb
In 1814, the government purchased the land, and construction began in 1834.
Cristen/Google
The fort was designed to control the entrance to Barataria Pass, an area that was very popular with another group of people: Jean Lafitte’s pirates.
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The pirates were forced to move when the land purchase went through.
The five-acre fort was built over a period of years, starting and stopping along the way.
Daniel Lucas/Google

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Construction halted with the start of the Civil War and was never resumed, so the fort was never fully completed, although a lighthouse was added nearby in 1856.
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Coast Guard
After a hurricane destroyed the structure in 1872, Fort Livingston was abandoned and the U.S. Government gave the island to Louisiana in 1923.
Chris Trahan/Google
In 1955, the island was designated as a state Wildlife and Fisheries reservation, and in 1974, the fort was added to the National Register of Historical Places.
Chris Trahan/Google
Today, the fort sits abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.
Wikimedia Commons/Jason Church
Hauntingly beautiful, the fort is a bit of a tourist attraction, but it is monitored by the Coast Guard.
Chad Hartsell/Google
Use extra caution when exploring unstable grounds and abandoned buildings. Better yet, it's best just to view the fort from the boat!

Have you ever seen Fort Livingston? Let us know in the comments below!

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Fort Livingston, Grand Terra Island, Grand Isle, LA 70358, USA