Louisiana

108 photos · 2009–2024

108 photographs tagged Louisiana, 2009–2024.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson walks off the field at Lambeau Field during a December 2024 game against the New — Christian Watson, a Green Bay Packers wide receiver since being drafted in the second round out of North Dakota State in 2022, plays home games at Lambeau Field, which opened in 1957 and holds just over 81,000 fans. The "END RACISM" message painted in the end zone has appeared at NFL stadiums since 2020, part of a league-wide initiative allowing messaging on game-day fields. Watson wore number 9 for Green Bay before later being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and offensive linemen huddle on the field during an NFL game at Lambeau Field. — Lambeau Field has hosted the Green Bay Packers since 1957, making it the oldest continually operating stadium in the NFL. Jordan Love took over as the team's starting quarterback in 2023 after four seasons as a backup to Aaron Rodgers. On December 23, 2024, Green Bay shut out the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in a game played under the stadium's outdoor lights, a rarity for the Packers' late-season home schedule. The win extended Green Bay's streak of home victories that season and kept the team in playoff contention heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

Green Bay Packers fans wearing team apparel and Jordan Love jersey gather outdoors at Lambeau Field. — Lambeau Field has served as the home of the Green Bay Packers since 1957, making it the oldest continuously operating stadium in the NFL. The venue holds roughly 81,441 fans, nearly all of whom are shareholders in the publicly owned franchise, one of the last of its kind in American professional sports. Jordan Love took over as the Packers' starting quarterback in 2023 and wears No. 10, the number visible on jerseys throughout the stands. This game, played December 23, 2024, pitted the Packers against the New Orleans Saints in a regular-season NFC matchup.

NFL unauthorized transmission warning displayed on stadium screen at Lambeau Field during Green Bay Packers game. — Lambeau Field's video board carries a standard NFL warning during Green Bay Packers home games, cautioning against unauthorized transmission of the broadcast, including play-by-play accounts of the action. The notice states that violators may be ejected from the stadium and directs questions to the league's compliance office, a standard condition tied to the NFL's media rights enforcement. The accompanying game strip shows a Packers-Saints matchup from the 2024 season.

Green Bay Packers player catches touchdown pass during NFL game against New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. — Dontayvion Wicks caught a touchdown pass for the Green Bay Packers during a 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2024. Wicks, a fifth-round pick out of Virginia in 2023, has been part of Green Bay's receiving corps alongside quarterback Jordan Love. Lambeau Field, opened in 1957, holds just over 81,000 fans and is the oldest continuously operating stadium in the NFL. The Packers have played there since the stadium's construction, making it one of the league's most enduring home venues.

Fans gather in yellow and green team colors at a nighttime tailgate outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. — Lambeau Field has hosted Green Bay Packers home games since 1957, and the parking lots surrounding it fill with tailgaters on game days regardless of the weather. The stadium seats more than 81,000 and sits at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, named for former head coach Vince Lombardi. This tailgate preceded a December 23, 2024 matchup in which the Packers shut out the New Orleans Saints 34-0. Green and gold gear, popcorn stands, and makeshift bars set up out of trailers and tents are a fixture of the pregame ritual here, drawing fans hours before kickoff.

Person in safety vest directs cars to residential driveway parking for twenty dollars near Lambeau Field in snowy Green Bay. — Homeowners near Lambeau Field rent out their driveways for gameday parking, a long-standing practice in the neighborhoods surrounding the stadium. Rates typically run $20 to $40 depending on proximity to the gates and demand for that day's matchup. The stadium, home to the Green Bay Packers since 1957, holds over 81,000 fans and sits along Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay, Wisconsin. On snowy game days, city crews and private lot owners alike depend on volunteers or paid staff to direct traffic through the narrow residential streets that ring the property.

Fan wearing Jordan Love jersey stands on snowy Lombardi Avenue outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay during December snowstorm. — Lombardi Avenue runs along the west side of Lambeau Field, connecting the stadium's main gates to the parking lots and the Don Hutson Center. Fans walking it on December 23, 2024, were heading to a game against the New Orleans Saints, which Green Bay won 34-0. The street is named for Vince Lombardi, who coached the Packers to five NFL championships between 1959 and 1967 and whose name has been attached to the Super Bowl trophy since 1970.

Thousands of fans gather at Lambeau Field in Green Bay for a Packers game against the New Orleans Saints. — Lambeau Field has been home to the Green Bay Packers since 1957, making it the oldest continuously operating stadium in the NFL. Its official capacity is 81,441, following a series of expansions that included the 2003 addition of the Titletown atrium on the stadium's south end. The Packers hosted the New Orleans Saints here on December 23, 2024, winning 34-0. The stadium takes its name from Curly Lambeau, who co-founded the franchise in 1919 and served as its head coach for 29 seasons.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love leads offense against New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. — Lambeau Field has hosted the Green Bay Packers since 1957, making it the oldest continually operating stadium in the NFL. It sits at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, a name honoring former head coach Vince Lombardi, and holds more than 81,000 fans on game day. Jordan Love became the Packers' starting quarterback in 2023, three years after Green Bay drafted him in the first round. On December 23, 2024, the Packers hosted the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field in a late-season game.

Two vintage parking meters with green LCD displays and illuminated button panels at night. — New Orleans converted its on-street parking system to electronic single-space meters, replacing older coin-operated models across the French Quarter and downtown districts. The city's Department of Public Works oversees meter enforcement, with most units accepting both coin and credit card payment, including Visa and Mastercard. Standard posted hours in commercial zones typically run Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., matching the operating hours displayed on the units themselves. Revenue collected from parking meters funds a portion of the city's Parking Enforcement Division and infrastructure maintenance budget.

Praline Company shop interior in New Orleans displaying candies, coffee, and local specialties on wooden shelves and barrels. — Praline Company sells the classic New Orleans confection made from sugar, butter, cream, and pecans, a candy that traces its roots to French settlers who adapted a similar treat first made in the Poitou-Charentes region. Pecan pralines became a New Orleans specialty by the 19th century, sold by street vendors known as "pralinières" who often set up along the French Quarter. The shop's shelves carry the trade's usual staples alongside them — jarred candies, coffee, and hot sauces common to Louisiana specialty stores. Brick walls and barrel accents nod to the French Quarter's historic commercial buildings, many of which date to the late 1700s and early 1800s after fires destroyed earlier wooden structures.

House of Blues Gear Shop interior on Decatur Street in New Orleans French Quarter with neon signage and merchandise displays. — The House of Blues New Orleans opened in 1994 on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, one of the original locations of the chain founded by Isaac Tigrett and Dan Aykroyd. The Gear Shop sells branded merchandise, guitar picks, and memorabilia tied to the adjoining music hall and restaurant. Folk art and religious icons collected from the Mississippi Delta and greater New Orleans region fill the building's interior, assembled under the direction of art director Robert "Mudcat" Hodge. The music hall next door has booked touring blues, rock, and jazz acts since the venue's opening, part of a franchise that at its peak included clubs in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Willie's To Go Bar neon sign advertises daiquiris, cold beer, and cocktails on a New Orleans street at night. — Willie's To Go Bar advertises daiquiris, cold beer, and cocktails through a neon sign built for sidewalk and street visibility, a common fixture at walk-up daiquiri counters throughout New Orleans. To-go bars like this one operate under Louisiana's allowance for sealed to-go alcoholic drinks, a practice largely unique to the state.

Felix's Sea Foods neon sign glows green and red above the restaurant entrance in New Orleans' French Quarter. — Felix's Sea Foods sign marks the restaurant entrance in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The business, established in 1946, is a long-running seafood restaurant associated with oysters and other Gulf Coast fare. Its neon storefront sign is part of the commercial signage along the Quarter's restaurant and nightlife corridors.

Box office sign with red LED "HELLO" display on a New Orleans building at night. — A box office sign with a red LED message reading HELLO is mounted on a New Orleans building. The sign appears above a closed opening, likely associated with a theater or music venue.

Blue ATM recessed in a narrow doorway at 211 Decatur Street in New Orleans' French Quarter. — 211 Decatur Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter contains a freestanding ATM recessed in a narrow doorway. The machine is covered with graffiti and stickers. Decatur Street is a commercial corridor in the historic French Quarter.

Sun 509 Bangkok Spa neon sign on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter. — Sun 509 Bangkok Spa operates at 509 Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, offering massage and spa services in a neighborhood dense with bars, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses. The address places it within one of New Orleans' busiest commercial corridors, blocks from Jackson Square and the Mississippi River. Bourbon Street storefronts in this stretch of the Quarter often carry hand-painted or simply lettered signage rather than elaborate design, a practical choice suited to the street's high foot traffic and frequent business turnover.

OxyChem Taft Plant sign at the Occidental Chemical Corporation facility in Taft, Louisiana. — The Occidental Chemical Corporation Taft Plant sign stands at the OxyChem facility in Taft, Louisiana. The plant is part of the Mississippi River chemical corridor in St. Charles Parish, where petrochemical production is a major industry.

Airline Highway overpasses in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, span an industrial roadway corridor. — Airline Highway overpasses in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, carry traffic above an industrial corridor near the city’s petrochemical facilities. The elevated roadway network is part of the transportation system that links Baton Rouge’s commercial and industrial areas.

ExxonMobil Chemical's illuminated sign at Baton Rouge Chemicals North facility on Scenic Highway at night. — ExxonMobil Chemical's Baton Rouge Chemicals North facility sits at 5955 Scenic Highway along the Mississippi River. It's part of the larger Baton Rouge complex, which ExxonMobil has operated since 1909 and which ranks among the largest integrated refining and petrochemical sites in the United States. The complex produces plastics, synthetic rubber, and other chemical intermediates used in manufacturing, and it remains one of the largest industrial employers in the Baton Rouge area.

ExxonMobil refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana illuminated at night with green and blue lights on distillation towers and storage tanks. — ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge refinery began operating in 1909 and now ranks among the largest refining complexes in the United States, with a crude capacity of roughly 520,000 barrels per day. The site spans more than 2,300 acres along the Mississippi River and includes an adjacent chemical plant and polyolefins plant, forming one of the largest integrated petrochemical complexes in the world. Distillation towers and flare stacks process crude into gasoline, diesel, and feedstocks for plastics and other chemical products. The refinery sits within Louisiana's industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, an 85-mile stretch dense with petrochemical facilities.

Shell's Convent Refinery administration sign illuminated at night in St. James Parish, Louisiana. — Shell operated the Convent Refinery along the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana, from 1967 until shutting it down in 2020. The plant sat within the string of petrochemical facilities that line the river between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, an area often called Louisiana's River Parishes. This entrance sign, marking the administration and visitor checkpoint, once directed employees and guests into the refinery complex. After the shutdown, Shell began converting portions of the site for alternative industrial use.

ExxonMobil refinery and abandoned hydraulic jacks repair shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. — The ExxonMobil refinery and an abandoned hydraulic jacks repair shop stand along the industrial corridor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The refinery is part of one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the United States and has long been a major presence in the city’s industrial landscape.

Zen-Noh Grain export facility in Convent, Louisiana, with illuminated grain-loading towers at night. — Zen-Noh Grain Corporation’s export facility in Convent, Louisiana, operates along the Mississippi River as a major grain terminal. The complex loads corn, soybeans, and other bulk commodities for transfer from inland transport to ocean-going vessels.

Zen-Noh Grain Corporation terminal in Convent, Louisiana, with illuminated grain silos at night. — Zen-Noh Grain Corporation terminal in Convent, Louisiana. The Mississippi River facility stores and transfers grain for export through the Gulf Coast, handling agricultural commodities from the U.S. interior.

Large-scale red and white graffiti mural covers the facade of an abandoned Naval Support Activity warehouse in New Orleans. — Naval Support Activity New Orleans warehouse, New Orleans. The former military logistics building on the Mississippi River front has been covered with large-scale graffiti murals and tags. The base was decommissioned and has been awaiting redevelopment.

Entergy Ninemile 6 natural gas power plant illuminated at dusk along a levee trail in Westwego, Louisiana. — Entergy Ninemile 6 Power Plant in Westwego, Louisiana, is a natural gas-fired generating unit operated by Entergy Corporation. The facility began operation in 2014 and supplies electricity to the New Orleans area.

Overgrown courtyard of the abandoned Mrs. John Dibert Administration Building at Hope Haven near New Orleans. — The Mrs. John Dibert Administration Building on the Hope Haven campus near New Orleans, LA.

Abandoned turquoise room with multiple doors and ceiling fan at Hope Haven facility near New Orleans. — Abandoned Hope Haven Facility near New Orleans, LA.

Abandoned children's room at Hope Haven near New Orleans with handmade yellow moon decoration and stuffed bear. — Inside the long abandoned Hope Haven near New Orleans, LA.

Abandoned interior room with deteriorating walls, exposed flooring, and barred doors at Hope Haven facility near New Orleans. — Inside the abandoned Hope Haven facility near New Orleans, LA.

Abandoned library interior with turquoise walls and a colorful "Library" sign in Hope Haven, New Orleans. — Inside the abandoned Hope Haven facility new New Orleans, LA.

NASA Michoud Assembly Facility at Night — The NASA logo is illuminated on the exterior of the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. Established during World War II, this vast industrial complex was later repurposed to support the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Today, the facility continues its central role in U.S. space manufacturing. Michoud currently supports the construction of major components for NASA’s Artemis missions, including the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft.

The Boeing Gore Weld Tool Station 8, labeled "FUTURAMIC TOOL & ENGINEERING COMPANY," is a large industrial machine at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, used for welding components for the Space Launch System. — The Boeing Gore Weld Tool Station 8, labeled "FUTURAMIC TOOL & ENGINEERING COMPANY," is a large industrial machine located at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This station is designed for precision welding of large-scale components for space exploration. This equipment is integral to the manufacturing of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage, a key element of NASA's Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon and venturing to Mars. The Michoud facility has a legacy of constructing major space hardware, including the Saturn V rocket and Space Shuttle external tanks, underscoring its critical role in America's space endeavors. Keywords: Artemis, NASA, Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space Launch System, New Orleans, Aerospace Manufacturing

Boeing Gore Weld Tool Station 8 at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, used for manufacturing the SLS core stage for the Artemis program. — The image shows the Boeing Gore Weld Tool Station 8 at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This heavy-duty industrial equipment is designed for precision welding of large-scale components. A label on the equipment reads "FUTURAMIC TOOL & ENGINEERING COMPANY." This station is part of the manufacturing process for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage, a critical component for NASA's Artemis program. The SLS is the most powerful rocket ever built and is intended to carry astronauts to the Moon and eventually to Mars. The Michoud Assembly Facility has a long history of building large structures for space exploration, including the Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle external fuel tanks.

The Boeing Gore Weld Tool at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans is used for friction-stir welding of aluminum dome sections for aerospace vehicles like NASA's SLS rocket. — Boeing Gore Weld Tool at Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans. The facility manufactures components for next-generation aerospace vehicles, including the Space Launch System (SLS) for NASA's Artemis program. The Gore Weld Tool, built by Futureamic, joins massive aluminum dome sections using friction-stir welding for rocket fuel tanks and spacecraft pressure vessels. Michoud Assembly Facility has a long history in spaceflight hardware production, having previously manufactured components for the Saturn V rockets and Space Shuttle external tanks. It continues to be a key national center for large-scale precision manufacturing and assembly of spaceflight hardware, supporting deep space exploration efforts. Keywords: Boeing, Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, Gore Weld Tool, Space Launch System, Artemis program, friction-stir welding, aerospace manufacturing

Boeing Space Launch System Operations Center at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. — Boeing operates the Space Launch System Operations Center inside NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans. Michoud is a government-owned, contractor-operated site covering 832 acres, with a main manufacturing building enclosing about 43 acres under one roof. NASA has used the facility since 1961, previously for Saturn V stages and space shuttle external tanks. Boeing builds the SLS core stage there, the structure that houses the rocket's propellant tanks and four RS-25 engines. The core stage measures 212 feet long, making it the largest rocket stage NASA has ever flown.

NASA Vertical Assembly Center at Michoud — The Vertical Assembly Center rises inside the Michoud Assembly Facility, where major sections of NASA’s Space Launch System core stage are stacked and integrated. This multi-story structure supports the alignment and joining of large rocket elements, including propellant tanks and structural segments, into a single flight article. Built at Michoud and later transported for testing and launch, each core stage reflects the continuation of large-scale rocket manufacturing at a facility that has supported U.S. human spaceflight since the Saturn V program.

NASA tooling 3 — The Vertical Weld Center (VWC) at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, which is producing components for the Space Launch System (SLS) and Artemis rockets. Shown here is the tool used to do the barrel fabrication. From NASA: The Barrel Fabrication process consists of the sequential trimming and welding of Barrel Panels on the Vertical Weld Center (VWC) to form a 8.4-meter barrel. Post-weld non-destructive evaluation is also performed while the Barrel is positioned on the VWC. Barrels will be fabricated for the LH2 Tank, LO2 Tank, Forward Skirt, and Engine Section and transported to Building 110 for weld operations on the Vertical Assembly Center. NASA says there are 40 different Barrel Panel configurations with various thicknesses and heights and the 32 barrels to be fabricated each weight between 6,600 to 9,500 pounds.

Inside the vertical weld center at NASA Michoud — The Vertical Weld Center at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana houses the friction-stir-weld tool, a critical piece of infrastructure for the Space Launch System (SLS) program. This specialized tool is designed to weld barrel panels for both wet and dry structures of the SLS core stage. It precisely joins these panels to form complete barrels for the rocket's two pressurized tanks, the intertank, the forward skirt, and the aft engine section. The SLS core stage is a fundamental component of NASA's Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars. The facility plays a vital role in the production of America's next-generation heavy-lift rocket.

Vertical weld center at NASA Michoud Rocket Facility — The Vertical Weld Center (VWC) operates within NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This precision friction-stir welding system is engineered to join massive aluminum alloy panels, forming the rocket fuel tanks and core stages for the Space Launch System (SLS). The facility, a key site for aerospace manufacturing since the 1940s, plays a crucial role in the production of components for America's space exploration programs. The VWC's advanced tooling, visible in bright blue and yellow structures, ensures millimeter-level accuracy during assembly, a requirement for the Artemis program's deep space missions.

Inside the massive NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — At the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, a component of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket core stage undergoes production. This vast industrial complex, historically significant for manufacturing components for the Saturn V and Space Shuttle programs, now serves as a primary site for assembling the core stages of "America's Rocket". The green-painted structure, surrounded by specialized yellow access platforms and intricate piping, represents a critical section of the massive tooling infrastructure required for precise rocket assembly and testing. These core stages, produced by Boeing, are integral to NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained lunar presence.

Interior of the SLS fuel tank at NASA Michoud Facility — The interior of a Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage fuel tank at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This massive tank is designed to hold cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants, powering the rocket's four RS-25 engines. The Core Stage is the central component of the SLS, a super heavy-lift launch vehicle developed for NASA's Artemis program. Michoud Assembly Facility serves as a primary manufacturing and assembly site for these critical components, supporting the agency's efforts to return humans to the Moon and explore deeper into space.

SLS Forward Skirt NASA Rocket — The forward skirt section of NASA’s Space Launch System is shown shortly after its final assembly at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This uppermost segment houses the rocket’s flight computers, avionics, and camera systems, serving as the control center that guides the SLS during launch and ascent. Built for the Artemis I (Exploration Mission-1) mission, this critical structure was manufactured at Michoud, a significant NASA facility with a long history of producing large-scale aerospace components. It would later be integrated into the core stage for its 2020 launch from Kennedy Space Center, marking a key step in the Artemis program's efforts to return humans to the Moon.

Manufacturing robots at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — At NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, a robotic friction stir welding cell, developed by Genesis Systems Group and Boeing, constructs components for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage. Michoud, a site with a long history of aerospace manufacturing since the 1960s, plays a crucial role in producing large-scale structures for space exploration. This advanced system precisely joins massive aluminum panels using friction stir welding, creating the rocket’s fuel tanks and structural sections. This specialized process ensures the structural integrity and reliability essential for the SLS, which powers NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

Barrel tools at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — Precision barrel tooling for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage is positioned on the production floor at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This specialized infrastructure is crucial for the assembly of the massive rocket, which supports the Artemis missions to the Moon. The fixtures precisely hold large aluminum panels during the friction stir welding process, ensuring the perfect alignment and uniform curvature required for the rocket’s cylindrical sections. NASA Michoud Assembly Facility has a long history of producing large-scale space structures, including components for the Saturn V and Space Shuttle programs. In the background, a completed barrel segment awaits further integration, highlighting the facility's ongoing contribution to space exploration.

Inside SLS Barrel at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — This photograph shows the interior of a Space Launch System (SLS) liquid hydrogen tank barrel at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This component is a critical part of the SLS core stage, designed to hold super-cold liquid hydrogen, one of the propellants for the rocket's engines. Constructed from AI 2219, a specialized aerospace aluminum alloy, the barrel's robust design ensures structural integrity under extreme conditions. The SLS rocket is central to NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars. The Michoud Assembly Facility plays a vital role in the manufacturing and assembly of large-scale space structures for American space exploration.

Missions in Hallway at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — A corridor at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, displays a collection of mission patches and crew insignias. These emblems chronicle significant milestones in American aerospace history, reflecting the facility's contributions to programs like Apollo and the Space Shuttle. Today, Michoud continues its legacy as a primary manufacturing site for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage, critical for NASA's Artemis missions. The display serves as a historical testament to the facility's ongoing role in space exploration, set against its industrial backdrop.

From the top of NASAs cleaning cell at Michoud — The Space Launch System (SLS) Fuel Tank Cleaning Cell is situated within the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana. This specialized facility is engineered to meticulously clean the interior of the massive fuel tanks destined for the Space Launch System rocket. The SLS rocket, designed to be the world’s largest, is a cornerstone of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The rigorous cleaning process is essential to maintain the structural integrity and optimal performance of these critical components for future space missions.

Look from the top of a NASA vertical assembly center — The towering interior of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, is dedicated to the fabrication and assembly of major components for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This massive Vertical Assembly Area, characterized by its multilevel platforms, access walkways, and heavy structural supports, is engineered for the precision alignment of rocket stages. The facility's specialized environment is crucial for preparing the core stages that power the Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon and advance deep space exploration. Michoud has a significant history in American space endeavors, contributing to programs from Apollo to the Space Shuttle, and continues its legacy with the next generation of human spaceflight.

Tooling Platform at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — This specialized tooling platform, built by Ascent Aerospace’s Global Tooling Systems division, is located within NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. The heavy-duty steel structure is a critical piece of infrastructure designed for the precision assembly of components for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It supports and aligns massive cylindrical sections of the rocket during welding and other manufacturing processes, ensuring the structural integrity required for spaceflight. This manufacturing ecosystem at Michoud is vital for the production of the SLS core stage and other elements, directly enabling NASA's Artemis missions to return humans to the Moon and eventually journey to Mars.

Liquid oxygen tank being worked on at NASA Michoud — The Liquid Oxygen tank for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage is processed within Cell A at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This critical component is engineered to contain 195,000 gallons of liquid oxygen, maintained at a temperature of -297 degrees Fahrenheit, serving as a primary propellant for the rocket. The Michoud Assembly Facility, a significant NASA manufacturing site since the 1960s, specializes in producing large-scale structures for space exploration. This work supports the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and advance future missions to Mars.

Largest welding tool in the world at NASA — The Vertical Weld Center (VWC) at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans is a critical piece of infrastructure for American space exploration. This massive blue structure, completed in 2014, is specifically designed to fabricate the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It employs advanced friction-stir welding and precision robotics to join large aluminum panels into cylindrical sections, forming the rocket’s fuel tanks. As one of the tallest weld centers globally, the VWC plays a central role in preparing hardware for the Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon and eventually journey to Mars.

Cleaning and welding cells inside NASA vertical assembly — Inside NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Vertical Assembly Bay is where the core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket are constructed. This immense industrial space houses the Vertical Weld Center, utilizing advanced friction-stir welding techniques to precisely join cylindrical segments of the world's most powerful launch vehicle. Established during World War II, the Michoud facility has a long history of producing large-scale aerospace structures, including components for the Saturn V rocket and Space Shuttle external tanks. Today, it plays a critical role in the Artemis program, manufacturing the hardware essential for returning humans to the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars.

Overhead Gantry Cranes at NASA Michoud — An elevated platform provides a perspective of the overhead gantry crane system within NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. These massive yellow steel cranes are essential for lifting and maneuvering large rocket sections, including the core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS), within the vast production hall. Michoud has served as a primary manufacturing site for American space programs since the Apollo and Space Shuttle eras, demonstrating its long-standing role in spacecraft production. Today, the facility continues to be critical for the Artemis program, where these industrial cranes facilitate the assembly of components vital for future lunar and deep-space missions.

View Down the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA Michoud — The Vertical Assembly Center at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a critical component in the production of space launch vehicles. This towering blue and yellow structure precisely aligns and friction-stir welds massive aluminum sections, forming the core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS core stage is a foundational element of NASA’s Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon and support future deep-space exploration. Michoud Assembly Facility has a rich history in aerospace manufacturing, having produced components for the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs before its current role in the Artemis missions.

Stairwell Inside NASA’s Vertical Assembly Center — A stairwell provides access within NASA’s Vertical Assembly Center at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This industrial structure, characterized by its orange and blue framework, serves the 170-foot-tall welding system critical for assembling core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS). The facility is a cornerstone for precision manufacturing, directly supporting the Artemis program's development of heavy-lift rockets for deep space exploration.

Top down view of the Vertical Assembly Facility — The Vertical Assembly Center at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a critical piece of infrastructure for space exploration. This 170-foot-tall blue structure is engineered to precisely align and weld large sections of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage. The SLS core stage serves as the primary rocket for NASA's Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon and prepare for future deep space travel. The facility plays a central role in the production of these powerful launch vehicles, supporting the nation's ongoing space endeavors.

Artemis 1 Adaptor Cone at Michoud Assembly Facility — The Spacecraft Adapter Cone for NASA’s Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) undergoes assembly at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana. This conical structure is engineered to connect the Orion crew and service modules to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, housing essential components like separation hardware and wiring harnesses. Constructed from reinforced aluminum, it features thermal protection areas, structural attachment brackets, and integrated circuitry for communication and control. EM-1, later designated Artemis I, served as a crucial uncrewed test flight to assess Orion’s deep-space capabilities, paving the way for future crewed lunar missions.

Artemis II Orion Spacecraft at NASA Assembly Facility — The Orion spacecraft's crew module, painted in primer yellow, rests on a transport platform at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This Lockheed Martin-built pressure vessel serves as the primary structure designed to house astronauts during the Artemis missions to the Moon. Its robust aluminum-lithium frame is engineered to withstand the intense forces of launch and the harsh conditions of deep space. Michoud, a site with a significant history in aerospace manufacturing, conducts precision assembly and testing of each module before its shipment to Kennedy Space Center for outfitting and integration with the Space Launch System rocket.

Artemis II crew module being built at NASA Michoud — The Orion crew module is shown during its assembly at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This critical pressure vessel, constructed by Lockheed Martin, serves as the core structure for the spacecraft that will transport astronauts on future Artemis missions to the Moon and deep space. Its robust aluminum-lithium frame is precision-welded to withstand the extreme forces of launch and space travel, while the distinct black sections mark the locations for crew window openings. Following assembly and rigorous testing at Michoud, each unit is shipped to the Kennedy Space Center for integration with the European Service Module and the powerful Space Launch System rocket.

Inside look at NASA’s Pegasus Barge at Michoud Assembly — The cavernous cargo bay of NASA’s Pegasus barge is designed to transport Space Launch System (SLS) rocket stages from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its reinforced hull and climate-controlled enclosure protect sensitive rocket components from Gulf Coast humidity and salt exposure during the 900-mile transit. Originally constructed in 1999 for Space Shuttle external tanks, the Pegasus was lengthened and upgraded in 2014 to accommodate the larger core stages for the Artemis program. This specialized vessel remains a critical part of NASA’s logistics infrastructure, facilitating the movement of vital spaceflight hardware.

Exterior photo of NASAs Pegasus Barge at Michoud — The NASA transport barge Pegasus is moored at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, a critical site for space vehicle manufacturing. This specialized vessel is engineered to transport the massive 212-foot-long core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS), featuring a climate-controlled cargo hold and a retractable bow door. Originally used for Space Shuttle external tanks, the Pegasus was extensively refitted and lengthened in 2014 to support NASA’s Artemis program. It now serves as a vital logistical link, moving rocket components from the Gulf Coast manufacturing site to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA Barge Pegasus on the Intracoastal Waterway — The NASA barge Pegasus is moored on the Intracoastal Waterway near New Orleans, Louisiana. Constructed in 1999, the vessel initially transported Space Shuttle external tanks from NASA Michoud Assembly Facility to Kennedy Space Center. It was later extended and modernized to accommodate the massive core stages of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Operated by the U.S. Maritime Administration and NASA’s logistics teams, Pegasus serves as a vital link for Artemis missions, connecting Gulf Coast manufacturing with Florida launch operations.

Inside the NASA Pegasus Barge in Lousiana — The interior of NASA's Pegasus barge, located at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, reveals its industrial design. This specialized vessel is engineered to transport the massive core stage and Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System (SLS). It moves these critical components from the Michoud Assembly Facility to other NASA centers, such as Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for testing and launch preparations. The barge's operation is fundamental to the Artemis program, supporting NASA's ongoing efforts to return humans to the Moon and advance deep space exploration.

Caveman building in New Orleans with large-scale graffiti text on facade behind wooden construction barrier at night. — READ UP CAVEMAN building in New Orleans. The graffiti on the former Holiday Inn was removed in 2022 when the building was renovated to housing.

Boeing Dome Section on ISTIR Welder NASA Michoud — At NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, Boeing engineers operate a PAR Systems I-STIR Friction-Stir Welder. This specialized equipment is used to join massive aluminum dome sections, which are critical components for next-generation aerospace vehicles such as the Space Launch System (SLS) for the Artemis program. The friction-stir welding process forges metal under intense pressure and heat without melting it, producing welds with exceptional structural integrity for rocket fuel tanks and spacecraft pressure vessels. Michoud has a significant history in spaceflight hardware production, having previously manufactured components for the Saturn V rockets and Space Shuttle external tanks. The facility continues its role as a key national center for large-scale precision manufacturing and assembly of spaceflight hardware, supporting ongoing deep space exploration.

Inside the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility — The Vertical Weld Center (VWC) at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, which is producing components for the Space Launch System (SLS) and Artemis rockets. Shown here is the tool used to do the barrel fabrication. From NASA: The Barrel Fabrication process consists of the sequential trimming and welding of Barrel Panels on the Vertical Weld Center (VWC) to form a 8.4-meter barrel. Post-weld non-destructive evaluation is also performed while the Barrel is positioned on the VWC. Barrels will be fabricated for the LH2 Tank, LO2 Tank, Forward Skirt, and Engine Section and transported to Building 110 for weld operations on the Vertical Assembly Center. NASA says there are 40 different Barrel Panel configurations with various thicknesses and heights and the 32 barrels to be fabricated each weight between 6,600 to 9,500 pounds. Established in 1961, Michoud has been a critical manufacturing hub for American space programs, notably producing the Saturn V first stages for the Apollo missions and external tanks for the Space Shuttle program. Today, the facility is central to NASA's Artemis program, fabricating the core stage of the SLS rocket, which is designed to return humans to the Moon and eventually journey to Mars. This vast complex houses specialized tooling and assembly jigs, underscoring the precision engineering required for deep-space exploration.

NASA Michoud Vehicle Assembly Building Exterior — The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a central hub for the U.S. space program. Originally constructed during World War II for manufacturing Liberty ships, the facility later produced components for the Saturn V rocket and Space Shuttle external tanks. Currently, Boeing and NASA engineers utilize this massive structure to fabricate and assemble the core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS) for Artemis missions, supporting future human exploration of the Moon and deep space.

Boeing Dome Section Outside Michoud Assembly Facility — A completed dome section for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage is staged outside the Boeing production area at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This massive component, designed to cap propellant tanks, is crucial for the SLS rocket, which supports NASA's Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon. The Michoud Assembly Facility has a long history of aerospace manufacturing, producing components for programs from Apollo to the Space Shuttle, and now continues its legacy with the SLS. Resting on a mobile transport frame, the advanced aerospace structure stands against the weathered facade of an assembly hangar, highlighting the facility's enduring role in space exploration.

SLS Rocket Model at Michoud Facility — A full-scale model of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's core stage is positioned outside the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana. This model was specifically constructed to conduct critical tests for transporting the massive rocket components via the NASA barge. Such tests are vital to ensure the safe and efficient movement of flight hardware from the manufacturing site to launch facilities. The Michoud Assembly Facility plays a key role in the production of the SLS rocket, which is central to NASA's Artemis program for human lunar exploration.

Friction Stir Dome Assembly at NASA Michoud — At NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, a large aluminum dome section for the Space Launch System (SLS) undergoes friction-stir welding. This advanced technique, performed by a PAR Systems I-Stir Friction Welder, joins thick aerospace materials by using frictional heat and mechanical pressure to create strong, defect-free joints without melting the metal. Boeing engineers utilize this precision process for critical rocket and space vehicle components, supporting the Artemis program's deep space exploration missions. The Michoud facility has a long history of large-scale fabrication for space programs, including the Saturn V and Space Shuttle, continuing its legacy as a vital center for American spaceflight infrastructure.

Basketball court outside Michoud Assembly Facility — A basketball court featuring the NASA insignia at center court and solar-powered lighting is located at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. This expansive campus holds a significant history in aerospace manufacturing, having produced components for the Saturn V rockets and Space Shuttle external tanks. Today, Michoud remains a vital center for engineering and production, fabricating large-scale aerospace hardware, including rocket stages for programs like the Space Launch System (SLS) and Artemis missions.

Storm-damaged service building at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans with Mega Zeph roller coaster structure behind. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002. Hurricane Katrina's storm surge flooded the eastern New Orleans park with several feet of saltwater in August 2005, damaging structures like this one beyond repair. The park never reopened, and ownership reverted to the city of New Orleans, which has weighed demolition and redevelopment proposals for the 227-acre site for years. The Mega Zeph, the wooden coaster visible behind the building, operated at the park from 2000 until the storm.

Abandoned Six Flags New Orleans midway with mermaid-themed facade and Mega Zeph roller coaster structure. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2003, adding coasters and reworking the park's themed sections. The Mega Zeph, a wooden roller coaster visible looping through this plaza, was named for the Zephyr, a wood-framed coaster that ran at the city's old Pontchartrain Beach amusement park from 1939 until that park's closure in 1983. Hurricane Katrina's storm surge submerged the park under several feet of saltwater in August 2005, destroying rides and structures beyond repair. The park never reopened, and ownership disputes between Six Flags and the city of New Orleans over the leased land kept the site in legal limbo for years afterward.

The Jester roller coaster entrance sign at the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — The Jester was a steel roller coaster manufactured by Vekoma, featuring a signature "cobra roll" inversion element. It operated at the park—then known as Jazzland—starting in 2000, before the property was acquired by Six Flags the following year. Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters submerged the site in 2005, and the park never reopened. Its coasters and structures were left standing in the abandoned grounds for years afterward, corroding in the salt air and humidity of eastern New Orleans.

Skycoaster Gifts storefront at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park, with neon sign and green doors. — Skycoaster Gifts sold souvenirs near the park's Skycoaster swing ride, one of the attractions along the abandoned midway at Six Flags New Orleans. The park opened in 2003 on the site of the former Jazzland and closed permanently after Hurricane Katrina flooded the grounds in 2005. Ownership of the property later passed to the City of New Orleans, and the rides and buildings were left standing for years afterward.

Abandoned Cool Zone plaza at Six Flags New Orleans with Mega Zeph roller coaster structure visible beyond wooden buildings. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002. Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters submerged the park in up to seven feet of saltwater in August 2005, corroding rides and structures beyond repair. The park never reopened to the public, and the Mega Zeph wooden coaster, visible looping through the site, remained standing for years as a landmark of the abandonment. The state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans have held ownership disputes over the land, with demolition plans surfacing periodically since the storm.

Abandoned amusement park midway with red wooden structures and green roller coaster framework at shuttered Six Flags New Orleans. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002. Hurricane Katrina flooded the 227-acre site in 2005 with several feet of saltwater, corroding rides and structures beyond repair. The park never reopened and Six Flags let its lease lapse in 2009, leaving ownership with the city of New Orleans. Rides including the Mega Zeph wooden coaster and Batman: The Ride remained standing on the grounds for years after the storm, slowly dismantled by decay, scrapping, and later demolition efforts.

Abandoned P. Joe's Pretzels and Churros concession stand at Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — P. Joe's Pretzels and Churros operated as a concession stand at Six Flags New Orleans, a 140-acre amusement park in the Eastern New Orleans neighborhood of New Orleans East. The park opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002 and rebranded it the following year. Six Flags New Orleans closed permanently after Hurricane Katrina flooded the site with several feet of saltwater in August 2005, and ownership disputes with the City of New Orleans have kept it shuttered ever since. Several ride structures from the park's operating years remain standing nearby.

Wooden storefront building with "Rita's Creole Kitchen" sign at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — Rita's Creole Kitchen was one of the food concessions built along the Jazzland-era midway that became Six Flags New Orleans in 2003. The park sits on former wetlands in eastern New Orleans, near Interstate 10 and the Industrial Canal. Hurricane Katrina's storm surge flooded the property with several feet of saltwater in August 2005, and the site never reopened. Six Flags terminated its lease with the land's owner in 2009, leaving the wooden storefronts and painted signage to weather in place for years afterward.

Abandoned "It's Playtime!" promotional cutout at Six Flags New Orleans amusement park with roller coaster in background. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags acquired it in 2002. Hurricane Katrina flooded the park under several feet of brackish water in August 2005, and it never reopened. The property, owned by the City of New Orleans and leased to Six Flags, sat abandoned for years afterward, with rides, signage, and promotional displays left standing amid the wreckage. Six Flags and the city eventually ended their lease agreement, and the site remained vacant while various redevelopment plans stalled.

Abandoned Cosmopolitan Hotel facade and French Quarter-themed streetscape at shuttered Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — The Cosmopolitan Hotel facade fronts a stretch of Jazzland's old French Quarter-themed streetscape at Six Flags New Orleans. The park opened as Jazzland in 2000 and was rebranded under the Six Flags name in 2003, with sections designed to evoke New Orleans architecture. Hurricane Katrina's storm surge in 2005 flooded the site under several feet of saltwater, corroding structures and ending operations for good. The property has sat undisturbed in eastern New Orleans in the years since, with ownership disputes between the city and Six Flags stalling redevelopment plans.

Jackson Square Confectionary building at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans with colorful French Quarter-style facades. — Jackson Square Confectionary anchored the park's Mardi Gras-themed section, designed to evoke the French Quarter facades that inspired its name. The building's cast-iron balconies and pastel paint scheme mimicked the architecture found around the real Jackson Square in downtown New Orleans. Six Flags New Orleans closed permanently after Hurricane Katrina flooded the park in August 2005, and the confectionary has stood empty since, part of a site that has never reopened to the public.

Theatre building with New Orleans-style architecture at the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — Six Flags New Orleans occupied a 227-acre site in New Orleans East, built around a Jazzland-themed streetscape meant to evoke old New Orleans architecture, complete with wrought-iron balconies and shuttered facades like those on this building's theatre storefront. The park opened as Jazzland in 2000 and was purchased by Six Flags in 2002. Hurricane Katrina flooded the property with several feet of saltwater in August 2005, and the park never reopened. Ownership passed to the city of New Orleans, and the site has sat vacant for years amid repeated redevelopment proposals.

Basin Street Bakery storefront at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans with Mega Zeph roller coaster visible beyond. — Basin Street Bakery once sold snacks to visitors at Six Flags New Orleans, a theme park in the city's Eastern New Orleans neighborhood built on the site of the former Jazzland park. Six Flags took over operations in 2003, two years before Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters inundated the site in 2005. The park never reopened, and its rides and buildings were left to decay for years afterward. The Mega Zeph wooden roller coaster, visible beyond the bakery, was one of the park's signature attractions before the storm.

Ornate swing ride at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park, untouched since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. — The swing ride at Six Flags New Orleans has stood untouched since Hurricane Katrina flooded the park with several feet of saltwater in August 2005. The park, then known as Jazzland before Six Flags acquired it in 2002, never reopened; ownership reverted to the city of New Orleans, which has left the grounds largely intact for two decades. A Ferris wheel and a wooden roller coaster remain visible nearby, part of the same abandoned midway.

The SkyCoaster gift shop building at the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — Skycoaster Gifts sold souvenirs near the SkyCoaster attraction at the former Six Flags New Orleans, a 140-acre amusement park in the city's eastern section. The park, originally opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002, flooded under several feet of water when Hurricane Katrina breached nearby levees in August 2005. Six Flags never reopened the property, and its lease with the local development authority was later terminated amid disputes over storm damage and unpaid rent. The site has sat abandoned for years, with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority fielding various redevelopment proposals that have yet to materialize.

Ferris wheel and colorful drop tower stand abandoned at the shuttered Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags acquired the park a year later. Built on low-lying land in eastern New Orleans near Lake Pontchartrain, the site sat under several feet of floodwater for weeks after Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August 2005. Six Flags terminated its lease with the city in the years that followed, and the property has remained closed ever since, with rides like its Ferris wheel and drop tower left standing in place. New Orleans officials have periodically floated redevelopment plans for the roughly 140-acre site, but as of this the park's structures were still intact and abandoned.

Abandoned Six Flags New Orleans amusement park midway with Mega Zeph roller coaster and colorful closed ride structures. — Six Flags New Orleans opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002. The park sits in eastern New Orleans, near Lake Pontchartrain, on land that flooded under several feet of water when Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005. Mega Zeph, the wooden-steel hybrid coaster visible here, was one of the park's signature rides before the storm. Six Flags never reopened the property, and the company's lease with the city ended in 2009 amid disputes over demolition and redevelopment plans. The site has remained largely intact since the flooding, drawing ers and urban explorers to its rusting rides and empty walkways.

Jococo's Gift Shop stands beneath the deteriorating Mega Zeph wooden coaster at abandoned Six Flags New Orleans. — Jococo's Gift Shop stood near the entrance of the Batman: Coming Soon area of Six Flags New Orleans, formerly Jazzland, on the eastern edge of the city. The park opened in 2000 and was sold to Six Flags in 2002. Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters submerged the grounds for weeks in 2005, and the park never reopened. The wooden coaster looming behind the shop, known as the Mega Zeph, was left standing but structurally compromised by saltwater corrosion. Six Flags let its lease lapse in 2009, and the site has remained in legal limbo between the company and the City of New Orleans ever since.

Abandoned green and blue roller coaster structure at Six Flags New Orleans amusement park after Hurricane Katrina. — Six Flags New Orleans in eastern New Orleans features an abandoned green roller coaster with blue support beams. The park closed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and remained shut in 2009.

Abandoned Mega Zeph wooden roller coaster structure at Six Flags New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina damage. — The Mega Zeph, a wooden roller coaster built in 2000, once anchored the amusement park at the eastern edge of New Orleans, then known as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002. Floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina inundated the park in 2005, and the ride's structure was never repaired or reopened. Six Flags allowed its lease with the local levee district to lapse in 2009, leaving the coaster and the rest of the park to sit derelict for years afterward.

Abandoned Mega Zeph roller coaster with green and blue track structure at shuttered Six Flags New Orleans amusement park. — Mega Zeph was a wooden-steel hybrid coaster at Six Flags New Orleans, built in 2000 and reaching roughly 100 feet at its tallest drop. The park, originally opened in 2000 as Jazzland before Six Flags took over operations in 2002, flooded under several feet of saltwater when Hurricane Katrina breached the levees in 2005. Six Flags never reopened the property, and ownership reverted to the City of New Orleans, which has struggled for years to find a developer for the site. Mega Zeph's rusting track remained standing long after the ride itself stopped operating, one of the few recognizable structures left among the wreckage of the shuttered park.

Abandoned fermentation tanks in the yard of the closed Dixie Brewery on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery operated at this site on Tulane Avenue from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. Founded by Valentine Merz, the brewery was once one of the largest beer producers in the South, known for its Dixie Beer and Blackened Voodoo Lager brands. The circular concrete structures in the yard held the fermenting and lagering tanks used in the brewing process. Production never resumed at the original plant after the storm, and Dixie Beer is now contract-brewed elsewhere, leaving the historic complex vacant.

Deteriorating courtyard behind the abandoned Dixie Brewery on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, with rusted metal stairway and — Dixie Brewery operated on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. Founded by Valentine Merz, it was for decades the city's most recognized locally brewed beer, distributed throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. The complex grew in stages over the twentieth century, combining brick production buildings with wood-frame additions used for storage and processing. After the storm, ownership disputes and unresolved insurance claims kept the site vacant for years, and the brand was eventually licensed out for brewing elsewhere while the original buildings sat empty.

Abandoned Dixie Brewery courtyard in New Orleans with concrete tank foundations and overgrown vegetation. — Dixie Brewing Company operated at this Tulane Avenue site from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. The circular concrete pads scattered across the courtyard once anchored large storage tanks used in the brewing process. Founded by Valentine Merz, Dixie was for decades the dominant local beer in New Orleans, sold under the "the beer you love, in the city you love." After the flood damaged the plant beyond repair, production moved elsewhere while the original buildings sat vacant. Wooden siding, exterior stairways, and open bays from the old production building still frame the overgrown yard.

Red steel door inside the abandoned Dixie Brewery building in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery operated on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. Founded by Valentine Merz, it was one of the last independent breweries in the South, known for Dixie Beer, a regional staple for much of the 20th century. Floodwaters and looting damaged the plant badly enough that production never resumed on site, though the Dixie Beer brand was later revived and brewed elsewhere. The building has sat empty since the storm, part of a stretch of Mid-City New Orleans slow to recover from the 2005 flooding.

Weathered industrial pendant lamp hangs inside the abandoned Dixie Brewery in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery opened on Tulane Avenue in 1907 and brewed Dixie Beer for nearly a century, becoming one of New Orleans' best-known regional labels. Flooding and wind damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 forced the plant to shut down, and brewing operations never resumed at the site. The Dixie Beer brand was later revived and is now brewed elsewhere, while the original building has sat empty for close to two decades. Fixtures like this pendant lamp remain from the plant's working days, left in place as the structure awaits redevelopment.

Second-floor gallery interior of the abandoned Dixie Brewery on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery operated on Tulane Avenue from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. Founded by Valentine Merz, it was Louisiana's oldest brewery and once produced Dixie Beer, a regional staple sold throughout the South. The main production hall shows the timber framing and raised gallery level typical of early 20th-century brewhouse construction, built to accommodate brewing equipment and grain storage above the working floor. The site has stood vacant since the storm, with redevelopment plans debated for years amid its listing on preservation watch lists for historic industrial buildings in New Orleans.

Raised wooden platform and support columns inside the abandoned Dixie Brewery production floor in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery opened in 1907 on Tulane Avenue and brewed Dixie Beer, once one of the best-known labels in New Orleans. Flooding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 knocked out the brewery's equipment and forced production to move elsewhere under contract brewing arrangements. The Tulane Avenue building was never reopened for brewing and sat vacant for years afterward. Wooden support posts and a raised loading platform remain from the plant's original production floor.

Wooden support columns and plank flooring inside the abandoned Dixie Brewery in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery operated on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. The brand was founded by Valentine Merz and became one of the city's best-known regional beers before production shifted elsewhere and the original complex was abandoned. Wooden support columns and plank flooring throughout the building reflect its early-20th-century industrial construction. The site has remained vacant for years, subject to redevelopment proposals that stalled amid disputes over its historic status.

Ornate wrought-iron gates at the entrance to the former Dixie Brewery on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans. — Dixie Brewery operated on Tulane Avenue from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005, making it one of New Orleans' longest-running regional beer producers. The wrought-iron gates seen here mark one of the site's entrances, decorative ironwork typical of the era's industrial architecture. The brewery building was later added to the National Register of Historic Places, though redevelopment plans for the property have stalled for years amid disputes over its future.

Abandoned machine room at Dixie Brewery in New Orleans with industrial equipment bases and overhead piping. — Dixie Brewery operated on Tulane Avenue from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005, making it one of the longest-running breweries in New Orleans history. The complex fell into disrepair in the years after the storm, with equipment and fixtures left in place as the buildings deteriorated. Floor-mounted machine bases and overhead piping remain from the brewery's production era, remnants of the systems once used to process and package beer. The property has been the subject of redevelopment proposals for years, though much of the original structure has continued to sit vacant.

Abandoned interior of Dixie Brewery in New Orleans filled with bagged debris and discarded furniture. — Dixie Brewery operated at 2401 Tulane Avenue in New Orleans from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. Founded by Valentine Merz, it was one of the city's last local breweries before shutting down, and its beer had been a regional staple for much of the 20th century. By the time this photo was taken in 2009, the plant had sat vacant for years, filled with abandoned furniture, bagged debris, and leftover industrial equipment from its final days of production.

Wire-mesh partitions divide the abandoned production floor of the Dixie Brewery in New Orleans. — The Dixie Brewery operated at 2401 Tchoupitoulas Street from 1907 until Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. Founded by Valentine Merz, it was for decades the only brewery still operating in New Orleans, producing Dixie beer for regional distribution. Flooding and storm damage ended production at the site, and ownership later shifted brewing operations elsewhere while the original building sat vacant. The wood-frame floors and caged partitions inside date to the plant's early twentieth-century construction, built to separate work areas within the production floor.

Abandoned Market Street Power Plant with brick masonry walls and arched windows on Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans. — Market Street Power Plant on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans is a former electric generating station built in the early 20th century. The facility supplied power to the city before closing and later becoming an abandoned industrial property. Its large masonry walls and arched windows are characteristic of the plant’s original industrial architecture.

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