Port Hudson State Historic Site
Encyclopedia
The Port Hudson State Historic Site is located on the Mississippi River
north of Baton Rouge
near Port Hudson, Louisiana
. The site is the location of the longest siege
in American history during the American Civil War
from May 23 through July 9, 1863. The state of Louisiana maintains the site, which includes a museum about the siege, artillery displays, redoubts and interpretive plaques. Living history re-enactments are held each year.
on May 30, 1974. New housing developments and utility lines within the landmark are damaging both surface features (trenches and earthworks) and subsurface archeological resources.
using its Battlefield Revolving Fund established by grants from The Gilder Foundation and contributions from a number of partners.
, that historical accounts say the Union troops dug from the battery to a short distance from the Confederate lines. The project will also produce a digital topographical map of the area so that park staff may overlay with historical maps.
Battery 8 is located in the northeast portion of the Union Siege lines (view 1864 map).
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
north of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
near Port Hudson, Louisiana
Port Hudson, Louisiana
Port Hudson is a small unincorporated community in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States. Located about northwest of Baton Rouge, it is most famous for an American Civil War battle known as the Siege of Port Hudson.-Geography:...
. The site is the location of the longest siege
Siege of Port Hudson
The Siege of Port Hudson occurred from May 22 to July 9, 1863, when Union Army troops assaulted and then surrounded the Mississippi River town of Port Hudson, Louisiana, during the American Civil War....
in American history during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
from May 23 through July 9, 1863. The state of Louisiana maintains the site, which includes a museum about the siege, artillery displays, redoubts and interpretive plaques. Living history re-enactments are held each year.
National Historic Landmark
Port Hudson was designated a National Historic LandmarkNational Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
on May 30, 1974. New housing developments and utility lines within the landmark are damaging both surface features (trenches and earthworks) and subsurface archeological resources.
Addition
An addition to this historic site includes 256 acres (1 km²) where African American troops made their first major assault in the Civil War. This addition was made possible by The Conservation FundThe Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund is an American environmental non-profit with a dual charter to pursue both economic development and environmental preservation.The Fund partners with community, government and corporate leaders to fulfill their conservation priorities...
using its Battlefield Revolving Fund established by grants from The Gilder Foundation and contributions from a number of partners.
Archaeology Surveys
A survey of Union Siege Battery 8 was conducted by archaeology students from Louisiana State University. Goals of the survey included locating the exact boundaries of the battery and finding evidence of a zigzag trench, or sapSapping
Mining, landmining or undermining is a siege method which has been used since antiquity against a walled city, fortress, castle or other strongly held and fortified military position.-Antiquity:...
, that historical accounts say the Union troops dug from the battery to a short distance from the Confederate lines. The project will also produce a digital topographical map of the area so that park staff may overlay with historical maps.
Battery 8 is located in the northeast portion of the Union Siege lines (view 1864 map).
External links
- Port Hudson State Historic Site - official site at Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation And Tourism
- Port Hudson Photo Tour - CivilWarAlbum.com
- Port Hudson Photos - The Wandering Rebel