Jackson Barracks – A Great Lodging Option in New Orleans! Submitted by Don Mattingly, LTC USA, Ret
Over the years my family and I have enjoyed spending the night on military posts across the nation as a way to break up a long car trip. As a matter of habit, I consult Military Living’s Temporary Military Lodging (TML) publication as soon as I know my destination. This trip was no exception.
Our road trip this April was from Indiana to Lake Charles, Louisiana to attend the annual reunion of the 97th Signal Battalion with a continuation to New Orleans. Unfortunately, I found no convenient military facilities driving directly from Southern Indiana to Lake Charles. On the bright side, however, we were delighted to learn from Trenna Nees at Military Living that Jackson Barracks Army National Guard Base in New Orleans might be a viable overnight option for us.
Photo courtesy of Don and Nancy Mattingly
Historic Jackson Barracks is currently operated by the Louisiana National Guard. It is conveniently located close to the French Quarter. The post is actually in several parts divided by St. Claude Avenue. All sides are beautifully fenced and secure. One side has the headquarters, a very small PX, and billeting. The other side has training areas and a massive museum called the Ansel M. Stroud Jr. Military History & Weapons Museum.
Hurricane Katrina caused major damage to the post, and most of it has been renovated. The two-story brick housing unit had a beautiful historic appearance. The room was clean and comfortable with a queen-size bed, couch, desk and chair, TV, coffeemaker, and microwave. Our room was on the second floor and there was no elevator. We enjoyed two nights there. The best part was the $48 per night space available rate. Too good to believe!
Photo courtesy of the Louisiana National Guard.
First Lieutenant Levi Schutz and his staff in the Billeting Department were most helpful. The Billeting office can be reached for reservations at (504) 278-8224. You can be sure the next time I am in the New Orleans area, you will find me at Jackson Barracks!
Don Mattingly, LTC USA, Ret
