By Jennifer Hanvy, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office and LANG Museums
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s Jackson Barracks Military Museum successfully launched its first-ever Haunted History Lantern Tour on Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, March 28.
Blending social and architectural history with chilling accounts of tragic deaths and unexplained experiences, the tour offered visitors a lantern-lit journey through the historic 1835 garrison at Jackson Barracks that highlighted firsthand stories shared by Soldiers and residents over generations.
Led by LANG museum staff, the tour encompassed extensive archival research, including memoirs, newspaper clippings, and letters, along with interviews conducted with the post historian and longtime residents. The result was a compelling mix of verified historical facts and documented accounts of unusual occurrences.
The experience began at dusk as participants selected lanterns and traveled to the oldest section of the garrison near the Mississippi River levee, the former site of the original 1835 headquarters building. There, guests received a historical overview and an introduction to the spirits whose stories would unfold along the route. Historical estimates indicate 271 people died at Jackson Barracks between 1837 and 1853, contributing to its enduring reputation for paranormal activity.
Participants then walked through the post, stopping at some of its oldest structures while guides shared stories of mystery and their lasting imprint. As darkness fell midway through the tour, the lantern-lit setting created what one guest described as “the perfect atmosphere for a ghost tour.”
The evening concluded at the 1837 Powder Magazine with discussion and refreshments. The guide closed the tour by recounting a personal unexplained experience inside the historic structure.
“It was an interesting challenge to include ghost stories in our history tour, but it really turned out great,” said Beverly Boyko, LANG military museums director. “We had a lot of interest from all sorts of people and were disappointed we had to turn some away this time. We are looking forward to adding more stories and doing it again in the fall.”
Guests departed with glowing reviews, praising the event as a memorable and unique way to experience the history of Jackson Barracks.
