Survey of Mississippi Fortifications from Port Hudson to Bayou Sara

Contemporary plan of the Mississippi published during the Siege of Port Hudson.

Even prior to the outbreak of war, both the North and the South recognized how control of the Mississippi River was a critically important economic and military asset. By early 1863, Confederate possessions along the river had been reduced to a shortened stretch between Vicksburg, Mississippi and Port Hudson, Louisiana.

A dual approach was taken, with Union forces under U.S. Grant attacking Vicksburg from the north while General Nathaniel Banks would approach Port Hudson from the South. Despite the ability of a few Union gunboats under Farragut to successfully run the gauntlet in mid-March, the land attack was stifled and settled into a siege until Vicksburg was captured in July, forcing the fort to surrender.

The strategic situation is outlined on this simple map of the southern campaign, from Baton Rouge to Bayou Sara. Obstructions and torpedoes are noted, along with the angles of fire from the numerous cannon emplacements along the shore. No wonder the Union Navy lost several ships trying to run the gauntlet! Also of interest are the names of property owners on the western bank. They are laid out ‘long lot’ style, a remnant of the system of early French settlement in the region.

Published in the April 4, 1863 edition of Harper’s Weekly.