Since 2013, Beyoncé has blessed stans, young and old, with captivating visuals that unfold her musical storylines. In her most recent work, Lemonade, Beyoncé paid homage to her New Orleans roots by filming the project in the city’s famously known streets, plantations, and historic Fort Macomb. Largely known as the setting for True Detective, Fort Macomb was initially built in 1815 but was named Fort Wood. The named later changed to recognize Alexander Macomb, a War of 1812 hero. After 1812, the fort was used for stocking supplies during the Second Seminole and Mexican Wars. It’s no surprise Yoncé used the ruins of Fort Macomb as the setting of Lemonade —the location has been used to prepare for wars, protect major New Orleans’ ports and it has survived violent storms. Symbolically it is the perfect site for the singer’s rendition of Kubler-Ross’ Seven Stages Of Grief, a major theme in her latest visual album.
Learn three facts about the fort and how it can become the backdrop for your next Instagram photoshoot.
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Fort Macomb’s Purpose
The fort guarded the waters of Chef Menteur Pass in New Orleans and protected the city from British invasion during the Battle Of New Orleans.
It Was Never Used In Battle
Although it was at the center of many wars, Fort Macomb was never used as a battleground. Instead, it functioned as a training facility where freed slaves learned artillery and lived when they weren’t on the battlefield during the Civil War.
Is It Open For Tours?
If your name is Beyoncé or you are a part of the True Detective cast, yes. Otherwise, no. The fort was decommissioned in 1871 and over the years has slowly deteriorated thanks to Hurricane Katrina and other harsh weather conditions. But there’s hope, Fort Pike, located minutes away from Fort Macomb is open for tours and is just as worthy of a Lemonade-inspired photoshoot.
Fort Pike is open to the public on Fridays between 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. According to the State of Louisiana Tourism site, the entrance fee for Fort Pike is $46 for groups of up to 10 people and $4 per person after the 10-person group.
To plan your visit to these historic forts, visit the Louisiana Department Of Culture Recreative And Tourism site.
Lemonade
