Battle of Port Hudson

The Union Army prepares to march against the Rebels.

The Confederates muster around their cannon.

Union soldiers advance slightly and fire their first volley.

Johnny Reb answers with a Rebel yell and a quick return of fire.

A red-uniformed division from New York makes for a good target in the green woods and fields.

Each unit had its own authentic flags.

Some of the Yankee and Confederate officers were mounted, which made for a great show.

One of the big reasons Bill chose this weekend to come visit was the re-enactment of the Battle of Port Hudson. The battle was actually the longest siege of the Civil War, and Port Hudson (just south of St. Francisville) was the last Confederate outpost to fall on the Mississippi River. When the Rebels surrendered, the Union Army had control of the entire Mississippi, effectively splitting the Confederacy. The re-enactment is fairly authentic, with many of the participants camping out in tents and cooking only period food over campfires. Jackson loved looking at the cannon, but they were really loud, so he spent much of the battle with either his or my hands over his ears. He got excited about the horses and soldiers, and watched avidly otherwise. The best part was the beautiful weather and the picnic we had just prior to the action.