Information
Landmark: USS Kidd Veterans MemorialCity: Baton Rouge
Country: USA Louisiana
Continent: North America
USS Kidd Veterans Memorial, Baton Rouge, USA Louisiana, North America
Overview
In Baton Rouge, the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial stands as a striking salute to U. S. service members, pairing a battle-worn naval ship with a museum rich in Louisiana’s military stories and artifacts.At the heart of the memorial sits the USS Kidd (DD-661), a Fletcher-class destroyer that first set sail in 1943.It takes its name from Rear Admiral Isaac C., whose sharp blue eyes once scanned the horizon from a ship’s deck.Named for Kidd, the first U. S. flag officer killed at Pearl Harbor, the ship fought in both World War II and the Korean War, racking up twelve battle stars-each a hard-earned mark from fierce days at sea.Decommissioned in 1964, the USS Kidd found new life as a museum ship, thanks to veterans and local advocates who fought to keep her decks open to the public.They’ve restored it with painstaking care to match its 1945 layout, down to the gleam of brass on the helm, making it one of the best-preserved Fletcher-class destroyers.You can wander through about 80% of the ship, spread across five levels, from the sunlit main deck and the bridge to the humming engine room, cramped crew quarters, and the sturdy gun mounts.The restoration keeps the ship’s original features intact-its worn brass navigation dials, crackling radios, and cramped bunks-offering a vivid glimpse of daily life on a World War II destroyer.Right beside the ship, the Louisiana Veterans Museum extends the memorial’s reach, with quiet halls that hold the scent of polished wood.You’ll see a P-40 fighter with its olive-green wings, a sleek Corsair A-7E jet, detailed World War I trench replicas, intricate ship models, and the extensive Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor.At the museum, the USS Kidd sits firmly in the sweep of military history, its story tied to the grit and sacrifice of Louisiana service members in wars from the Pacific’s choppy waters to desert battlefields.The site also includes the Louisiana Memorial Plaza, where a quiet stone wall pays tribute to every service member from the state who gave their life in combat.Educational programs-some with overnight stays aboard the ship-let participants step into naval history, feeling the sway of the deck as they learn about a sailor’s daily life, duties, and the hardships of wartime service.You can visit the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial at 305 South River Road in Baton Rouge, where the river breeze carries the scent of the water.You can visit the memorial any day between 9:30 in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon, when the sunlight still warms the stone.Adults pay $12.50, kids ages 5 to 12 are $8.50, and seniors, military members, and veterans get a break on the price.You’ll find a few free spots right on-site, and more parking just a short walk away.The USS Kidd Veterans Memorial stands as both a preserved piece of history and a place to learn, letting visitors step onto its steel decks to glimpse mid‑20th‑century naval life while paying tribute to the courage and dedication of America’s service members.It combines hands-on exploration with historic preservation and rich, detailed exhibits, earning its place as one of Louisiana’s most important military heritage sites.
