Burrwood, Louisiana facts for kids
Burrwood was a small community located at the very end of the Mississippi River delta in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Once, about 1,000 people lived there. Today, no one lives in Burrwood. Much of the land is now underwater due to coastal erosion.
You can find the former community at these map coordinates: 28°58′05″N 89°22′39″W / 28.96806°N 89.37750°W
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History of Burrwood
Burrwood was created and managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This group is in charge of rivers and waterways. Burrwood served as a base for their work on the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River. They did things like dredging and building jetties. This helped keep the channel open for ships.
Burrwood During World War II
During World War II, the United States built a naval base here. It was called "Section Burrwood Naval Base." Its job was to watch for enemy ships and submarines in the Gulf of Mexico. It also checked ships entering the river.
Construction of the base began in 1941. It officially opened on December 15, 1941. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built a tall tower, about 120 feet (37 meters) high. This tower helped them watch the area. Ships coming from New Orleans and Baton Rouge were inspected here.
In 1942, the U.S. Army placed heavy artillery guns on both sides of the river at Burrwood. These guns could shoot about 9 miles (14.5 kilometers). The Army also set up another watchtower in South Pass, near Port Eads. The base was important for many types of boats. This included pilot boats, tugs, dredgers, and patrol boats. It could also support submarine hunters, ships that laid mines, PT boats, and even large destroyers.
Weather Station and Community Life
Between 1942 and 1965, Burrwood was home to a United States Weather Bureau and Hurricane Warning Office. This office helped track storms. The community had houses for officers and their families. There were also barracks for unmarried men. A two-room school house served the children of the station workers and local fishermen.
See also
In Spanish: Burrwood para niños
