The historic West Bank of St. John Parish is one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2023 America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. This "place" is 45 miles up the Mississippi River from New Orleans, and the field study will immerse participants in the ongoing effort to save it. The West Bank of St. John Parish tells the nation’s story of agriculture along the Lower Mississippi River and now, its buildings, archaeology, people and culture are under threat of being erased.

Since World War II, industrial plants have saturated the eastern side of the parish, resulting in a loss of historic sites and serious health issues for those who live in what is known as Cancer Alley. Understand the legal tools being used to help protect historic sites and descendant communities from proposed industrial development.

Travel upriver, along the Great River Road, to experience the two sides of St. John the Baptist Parish and see why the West Bank was selected for the 2023 America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list.

Very little legislation exists to protect people's lives from annihilation by industrial development. This fact makes the Historic Preservation Act and ensuing Corps of Engineers 106 Review one of the few protections. The National Trust sits as a Consulting Party for the Corps 106 Review for the Greenfield Grain Elevator in Wallace Louisiana, permitting process.

Members of this Consulting Party team are presenting this field study. They will either be on the bus or at the sites along the way.

Participants travel by bus for a portion of the Field Study; however some brief walking will be required. Please dress appropriately with comfortable shoes and rain gear as appropriate. Water will be provided if you forget your water bottle.

Pre-Registration is required to attend this session.

Forum Member Rate: $65.00

Non Forum Member Rate: $75.00