La Balize, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish is a historical ghost town that once stood as a crucial French settlement and port at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Plaquemines Parish
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 29.1389° N, 89.2522° W
Elevation: Sea level
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: Early 18th century (circa 1699)
Disestablished: 1860s
Comments: La Balize, also known as “The Balize,” was an important strategic location for the French during the colonial period. It served as a navigational aid and a defensive outpost. It was one of the first European settlements in the Mississippi Delta region.
Over time, the town was subjected to numerous hurricanes and flooding, which ultimately led to its abandonment.
Remains: Due to the erosive forces of the Mississippi River and repeated destruction by hurricanes, no significant remains of La Balize exist today. The area where it once stood is now submerged or heavily altered by natural and human activities.
Current Status: La Balize is classified as a ghost town, with no inhabitants or standing structures remaining.
Remarks: The history of La Balize is symbolic of the challenges faced by early settlers in the Mississippi Delta. Its repeated destruction by natural disasters highlights the resilience of early inhabitants and the eventual limits of settlement in such a volatile environment.
The location’s role in early navigation and defense remains significant in Louisiana’s colonial history.