PHOTOS: Inside the amusement park devastated by Hurricane Katrina

The shuttered Six Flags New Orleans is a haunting reminder of the damage that still lingers 13 years after Hurricane Katrina hit the city. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

My name is Matthew Christopher, and I've visited ruins and forgotten relics like this across the country to document them for my Abandoned America website and book series. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

Opened in 2000 on 140 acres of land , rides at the Jazzland amusement park paid homage to music and the city's heritage. It was sold two years later to Six Flags with additional rides and areas. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

Hurricane Katrina hit the park hard in August of 2005; the property flooded and was submerged for a month in up to 7 feet of water. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

The prolonged exposure to salt water rendered many of the rides unsafe, and Six Flags considered the park a total loss. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

A handful of the rides were saved and some salvageable items were removed, and after unsuccessful plans to redevelop the area Six Flags was forced to vacate its lease and the property was taken over by the city. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

Since then plans to reopen it as a park or an outlet mall fell through for various reasons, but several movies, including were filmed on parts of the property. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

The property also is home to fire ants, wild boars, water moccasins and alligators; much of the concern over trespassing due to wildlife that has settled in the park and the threat it poses to illicit visitors. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

The property also is home to ants, wild boars, water moccasins and alligators; much of the concern over trespassing is due to wildlife that has settled in the park and the threat it poses to illicit visitors. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

While my visit to the park was arranged with permission from the owners, it was not uncommon to see security or police arresting trespassers onsite. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

Concerns about trespassing revolve around the wildlife in the park could easily injure or kill people on the property. Areas like this ride would be terrific hiding places for alligators and we saw several .Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

The entrance to the park, Main Street Square, was modeled after the surrounding city. Since the closure it has been hit hard with vandalism.Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

The view from the top of the Zydeco Screamer was awe-inspiring and stomach-churning at the same time. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

Rides like the Ferris wheel were still amazingly intact. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

At the entrance to the funhouse, it was hard to tell what was part of the original artwork and what was graffiti added on later. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

19. Seeing Six Flags New Orleans was an amazing opportunity, and one I'm happy to be able to share with others. Matthew Christopher, Abandoned America

Organizations continue to focus on immigration rights outreach, education after racist texts target Hispanic communities

2 deputies injured after man allegedly attacks them with machete while getting evicted, GBI says

Weather Impact Forecast | Pattern Change On The Way

Tropical Storm Sara batters Honduras coast | What to know

PHOTOS: Inside the amusement park devastated by Hurricane Katrina

Before You Leave, Check This Out

WXIA would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather.