Ruddock, Louisiana, St. John the Baptist Parish is a ghost town with a haunting past. Once a thriving community, it now stands as a symbol of the unstoppable force of nature. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: St. John the Baptist Parish
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 30.1515° N, 90.4369° W
Elevation: Approximately 3 feet above sea level
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: Late 1800s
Disestablished: 1915
Comments: Ruddock was a prosperous town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily known for its involvement in the timber and cypress industry. The community thrived due to its strategic location along the Illinois Central Railroad, which facilitated the transport of lumber and other goods.
However, the devastating hurricane of 1915 abruptly halted the town’s prosperity, which brought massive flooding and destruction, leading to its eventual abandonment.
Remains: Very few remains of Ruddock exist today, as the hurricane and subsequent fires destroyed most structures. What is left are primarily overgrown foundations and some remnants of the railroad tracks that once brought life to this bustling town. Nature has largely reclaimed the area, with dense vegetation and swampy conditions prevailing.
Current Status: Ruddock is a ghost town, with no permanent residents. It lies within the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, a protected region, and is accessible via Interstate 55, which passes nearby.
Remarks: Ruddock’s story powerfully reminds us of human settlements’ vulnerability to natural disasters. Today, it is a place of solitude, attracting history enthusiasts and adventurers seeking to explore its past remnants.
The surrounding swamp area provides a rich habitat for wildlife, making it a point of interest for nature lovers.
