Siege of Port Hudson
Port Hudson, Louisiana, USA
What happened
A Union army under Nathaniel P. Banks besieged the Confederate garrison commanded by Franklin Gardner. Port Hudson was a Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River north of Baton Rouge. Union troops made two attacks that failed, and then surrounded the town for 48 days. When Gardner learned that Vicksburg had surrendered, he surrendered too.
Why it matters
With Port Hudson taken, the Union controlled the whole Mississippi River. It is also recognized as the first place where African American units, the Louisiana Native Guards, fought for the Union Army led in the field by African American officers.
What came next
The Union next launched the Red River Campaign into Louisiana.
Did you know?
In 1997, soldiers from both sides were reburied together under one monument, the Port Hudson Peace Monument.
Timeline
- 22 May 1863The siege of Port Hudson begins.
- 27 May 1863The 1st and 3rd Louisiana Native Guards attack the Confederate lines.
- 4 Jul 1863Vicksburg surrenders.
- 9 Jul 1863Port Hudson surrenders.
- 1974The site becomes a National Historic Landmark.