Located at a curve of the Mississippi River at Plaquemine, the Plaquemine locks allowed nautical passage from the Mississippi River to Bayou Plaquemine. Bayou Plaquemine served as a means of exploring and settling much of south Louisiana.

The present structure was built in 1909 As traffic increased a larger set of locks was needed and in 1961 these locks were opened in Port Allen, a few miles north.

This scene was taken in the early morning on the south side, looking toward the Mississippi River.

The Plaquemine Locks are maintained by the Louisiana State Park system, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information see http://www.crt.state.la.us/Parks/iPlaqlock.aspx