MANY, LA —The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission in partnership with the Louisiana Office of State Parks, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, the Friends of Fort Jesup, and Cane River National Heritage Area announces the kick-off of the Bicentennial Celebration of Fort Jesup. Set for Friday, February 25th and Saturday, February 26th at Fort Jesup State Historic Site, the event will include living history demonstrations, cast-iron cooking, music, and children’s activities that celebrate the culture of Louisiana’s Final Frontier.
Fort Jesup became part of the claims of both the United States and Spain. When the Louisiana Purchase Treaty of 1803 failed to clearly define the western boundary of Louisiana, the United States and Spain claimed the area as their own. The dispute gave rise to the “Neutral Ground,” an area where the laws of neither nation were enforced. Soldiers and settlers were kept out, and rogues and outlaws ruled the region.
After the territorial boundary was finally fixed at the Sabine River by the Florida Purchase Treaty of 1819, the United States built Fort Jesup in 1822. Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor established and commanded the garrison, and Taylor’s troops managed to establish law and order in the Neutral Ground. Fort Jesup remained an important military post for nearly 25 years.
The kick-off celebration begins on Friday, February 25th with an official opening ceremony at 10:30AM featuring remarks from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. The Louisiana State Fiddle Champion, Clancey Stewart will perform, and an authentic frontier lunch will be served after the ceremony. Living historians and reenactors will be on hand to demonstrate life on the Louisiana frontier. Local schools and homeschool groups are invited to participate on this day, to reserve your group spot please contact Carrie McCormic at 318-256-4117.
The celebration continues Saturday, February 26th from 9AM to 5PM with living history demonstrations, music and children’s activities. Both event days are open to the public. Admission charged Saturday. Fort Jesup SHS is located just off Highway 6 near Many, LA at 32 Geoghagan Road. For more information, please contact Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 1-800-358-7802 or
ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/Jesup.
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