By Rhett Breerwood, Louisiana National Guard Museums
NEW ORLEANS – The Jackson Barracks Military Museum hosted its inaugural Haunted History event at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Oct. 30.
Museum staff led small-group tours through the post’s Historic Garrison area. Built in the 1830s, Jackson Barracks has accumulated generations of macabre lore and ghost stories rooted in historical events and local tradition. Staff interviewed barracks residents and reviewed written accounts to develop stories designed to both frighten and entertain guests.
Guests carried lanterns through the historic grounds and occasionally encountered alleged former inhabitants of the post. Costumed employees and volunteers portrayed the “ghosts of Jackson Barracks,” including Col. Josiah H. Vose, an Army commander said to have died on the parade field while drilling troops during the Mexican-American War, and a mysterious nun reportedly seen near the site of a former military hospital.
“I love the history, and the actors were great!” said one guest.
Post-event feedback was positive, and respondents said they would recommend the tour to friends and family.
The Haunted History tours are part of a broader effort to expand museum programming and strengthen Jackson Barracks’ engagement with the surrounding community. The event also served as a fundraising opportunity for the Louisiana National Guard Foundation.
Upcoming Jackson Barracks events include Christmas at Jackson Barracks and private golf cart tours of the historic military post.